Movie Review: Scream 4

Title: Scream 4
Rated: R
Genres: Horror, Mystery, Suspense, Campy Humor
Director: Wes Craven
Writer: Kevin Williamson
Stars: Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courtney Cox, Emma Roberts, Hayden Panettiere, Rory Culkin
Rating: 4 Stars

Description:
While promoting her new book, Ghostface survivor Sidney Prescott (Neve Campell) returns to Woodsboro. Soon after, the murders start again, targeting Sidney’s cousin Jill (Emma Roberts). It’s up to Sidney, Dewey (David Arquette), and Gale (Courtney Cox) to stop Ghostface’s most recent murder spree.

My Thoughts:
If you’re a fan of the original Scream film, then you will no doubt enjoy this installment. Scream 4 is one of, if not the, best reboots I’ve seen to date. Craven and Williamson bring back all the gore, humor, and postmodern awareness that started the franchise.

Rule 6: Don’t f**k with the original

Remember that famous opening with Drew Barrymore? I don’t know a horror buff that doesn’t, or will ever forget it. How does a franchise outdo that? Scream 4 definitely makes a go at it with a slew of cameos and meta references. It probably won’t go down in the books as terrifying, but it is definitely one of the more creative ways to poke fun at your own movie legacy, while planting yourself in your fan’s minds for a good, long time.

Overall, I loved the return to Woodsboro. Campell, Arquette, and Cox give the great performances you expect in the series. I loved seeing Emma Roberts in something not kid-oriented, and realizing that she could definitely make it in the horror genre. While some of the other newcomers fell a bit flat, it didn’t take much away from the overall.

While I was talking to other people about Scream 4, an interesting gap presented itself. Mostly, Scream fans liked it a lot. The only folks that didn’t like it were teenagers. They hadn’t been around for the earlier films. Many of them “didn’t get” the campy humor and were disappointed that it wasn’t super gory like the Saw or Hostel films. Even those that had seen at least one of the earlier films weren’t enthused. Clearly, the people I speak to do not constitute everyone, but how stark that line was makes me worry about the generational gap in horror fans. Cause really, like these teens don’t make me feel old enough already.

Find Scream 4 Online:
Website | IMDB | Netflix

Vacation Part 4: The Swag

By now, I hope you know that I went on a little multi-continental jaunt, so I will just skip that backstory. But if you’re not caught up, you can click these links to read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

As the title suggests, this post is about what I brought back with me. Admittedly, most of my money was spent on the trip necessities: plane tickets, hotel, transit, and the all important food. BUT I did get a few items for myself and others.

While in Rome, we needed to figure out how to get places. Originally, we were going to attempt the busses, but after looking at a map, we realized everything was within walking distance. This map ended up being the only souvenir I bought in Rome for myself, as most things I saw were waaaay overpriced and trinket-y.

Remember how I said we got a bit lost? This is where that happened—this little bend of the river to that larger street with ‘Corso’ on it. It would’ve helped if the actual streets were labeled.

The only other souvenir from Rome was for my mother who collects shot glasses. Before I left, she demanded a shot glass from each place I ended up—even if I was only in the airport, as the case was for Amsterdam.

I couldn’t leave Istanbul without a bajillion Evil Eyes (Nazars), which are protective pendants that are everywhere. Since they are so popular, they were quite inexpensive as well. I snagged several of these hanging and magnet versions for people back home, as well as a magnet for myself.

This one is mine. I love the goofy shape and how it’s a bit different than the normal Nazars. I only saw this style at one shop the entire time we were in Istanbul. I have yet to get rope or string or whatever to hang it up with, but for now it’s nestled in nicely on my knick-knack shelf.

And what kind of media addict would I be if I didn’t come home with some music? I kept my eyes open for a music store the whole trip, but didn’t see one—even in the major shopping area. Then in the airport, BAM! Music store. It cost a bit more than I was hoping, but still much less than importing. So I picked up a copy of Murat Boz’s Dance Mix, and album of remixes and the self-titled MaNga+, which is rock with a bit of hip-hop flair. Sadly, the store was completely out of Tarkan albums.

Thus concludes my vacation ramblings.
I’ll be back to reviews and media updates by next week!