“Scream” Early Reactions: A Razor Sharp Return To Woodsboro
The first reactions for Paramount Pictures’ Scream have begun to gush like so much blood online, and the consensus that’s building is the fifth installment is a bloody good time. In fact, lots of the folks who got to see the latest addition to the franchise are calling it the best since Wes Craven’s brilliant 1996 original. With a killer third act, great performances (lots of people are shouting out newcomer Jasmin Savoy) and strong writing throughout, Scream will kick off 2022 with a genre delight.
This latest Scream sees the return of the franchise’s stalwarts—Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), Dewey Riley (David Arquette), and Gale Weathers (Courtney Cox) are all summoned back into the fold as a new Ghostface (voiced again by Roger L. Jackson) has begun terrorizing Westboro. The film is directed by the Ready or Not helmers Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillet, from a script written by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick. Original Scream scribe Kevin Williamson is on hand as a producer.
The early buzz hails the old-timers, who bring both gravitas and heart to their roles. The newcomers (you could also call them fresh meat) include Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Jack Quaid, Dylan Minnette, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Sonia Ben Ammar, Mikey Madison, Mason Gooding, and Kyle Gallner. The new Ghostface, whoever he or she is, has begun targetting people connected to the original murders. Sidney, Dewey, and Gale will do their level best to school the kids on the rules of the game and keep as many of them alive as possible. This being Scream, that’ll likely end up being only a few.
Scream comes slashing into theaters on January 14, 2022. Onto the early buzz!
What a welcome return to Woodsboro #Scream is! A razor sharp, bloody introspection on the genre and Wes Craven’s legacy. All the feels and one hell of a genre start to 2022. My horror heart is so full.
— Meagan Navarro (@HauntedMeg) January 7, 2022
#SCREAM (2021) is a fittingly loud, bloody good time at the movies. It takes a knife to the heart of the modern ‘requel’ machine, “elevated horror,” and toxic online fandoms. Seriously, no major film franchise is safe. This is Scream at its best since the first sequel, easily. pic.twitter.com/lNYkpZcrLp
— Jon Negroni (@JonNegroni) January 7, 2022
As someone who has been in love with this franchise for a little over 25 years now, I totally and completely loved @ScreamMovies. Brutal kills, fun mystery & both the Legacy cast & newbies were great. Wes would be proud. #ScreamMovie #Scream pic.twitter.com/EoMkeI1CtR
— Heather Wixson (@MMEFXBook out 10/20!) (@thehorrorchick) January 7, 2022
The new #Scream is the real deal. Such a well written script that keeps you guessing and wades into the treacherous waters of fandom in 2022. ‘Scream’ fans are going to love it. pic.twitter.com/caf2SqG0so
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) January 7, 2022
#Scream freakin’ slays! It’s a textbook example of how to revive and reinvigorate a franchise and do it in killer style. Brutal genius, it has the razor-sharp smarts of the finest entries in the series with a third act that absolutely nails it. Two thumbs way up! #ScreamMovie pic.twitter.com/ZMmCDUFUrj
— Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) January 7, 2022
I have seen the new #Scream and it’s a winner! Yes it’s bloody, but also feels loaded with love and reverence for the original and the fandom it amassed … and felt like it was talking to me (to a degree). pic.twitter.com/x1gDCM9MYH
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) January 7, 2022
The new #Scream is a BLAST & my favorite since the original. There’s some sharp writing here – a nice balance of well-crafted scares & amusing commentary on modern horror. It also pokes a lot of fun at itself, too, while remaining a bloody whodunnit & a damn good time. I’m a fan! pic.twitter.com/QZiguvUIWo
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) January 7, 2022
For more films coming out from Paramount, check out these stories:
Here Are 2022’s Likely Blockbusters
First “Scream” Trailer Unleashes a Brand New Ghostface
Featured image: Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s “Scream.” Photo Courtesy of Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group.
