Date: February 4, 2000
Cast:Sidney Prescott - Neve Campbell
Gale Weathers - Courtney
Cox-Arquette
Dewey - David Arquette
Jennifer Jolie - Parker
Posey
Detective Mark Kincaid - Patrick Dempsey
Cotton Weary - Liev
Schreiber
Roman Bridger - Scott
Foley
John Milton - Lance
Henriksen
Director: Wes Craven
"In third part of a trilogy, all bets are off" - Detective Mark Kincaid
These are the prophetic words of "detective" Patrick Dempsey, in Scream 3, the third, and hopefully final go-round for the gang from Woodsboro. Writer Kevin Williamson said, before the second movie, that the Scream series was always written as a trilogy, so those who want to critique that he is cashing in, just back off! What has happened, however, is that the story, and hip references have finally worn a bit thin. Hence, Scream 3 is a decent movie, and an acceptable conclusion, but nothing to jump up and down, or run out and tell the neighbors about.
As far as the plot, there is very little that I can, and will tell you. There was a controversy because Miramax banned online critics from seeing the movie prior to Friday, fearing leaks of plot lines and such. Ironically enough, that idea and thought is part of the skewering and spoofing that occurs. I can tell you this much: Sidney has gone into hiding, since seemingly everywhere she goes, so does Mr. Ghostface. So she recluses into the hills of California, while in Hollywood, a story based on the Woodsboro madness is being made into the movie Stab 3. Guess what, the fun’s not over, as murders begin around the movie.
Revealing anymore would be taking away from the pleasures of this movie. It is a true joy to once again watch the plot unravel and surprises occur. It’s a road we’ve been down before, hence, its a little of the impact and effectiveness is lost. In the end it all does makes sense. You may, or may not figure it out, but you’ll never be bored, nor will your mind wander. Fans of horror films' will should revel in catching the references, and some of the cameos will make you smile, or, as in my case, stand up and point!
The problems this time around come from an over familiarity with things. We expect the twists and turns, we expect the gore and we expect the pop culture and horror movie references. The only originality comes from the explanation, acknowledgment and attempted adherence to the trilogy rules (as stated by another pleasantly surprising cameo). Otherwise we have seen this all before with the only increase coming in the body count. Just as in Scream 2, the gore is bit excessive and unnecessary. I know it’s a horror movie, but isn’t it supposed to be spoofing instead of relying on the same tricks? Also, the references to "hip" references and attempts at humor seem wedged in and a tad forced this time around. The plot did keep me interested, curious, and always thinking, unwinding slowly and maintaining tension, while requiring a slight bit of stretching believability in order to come to its conclusion. It makes sense, and shows that Ehren Krueger also directed Arlington Road, which followed a similar pattern.
I have very few complaints as far as the performances go. No one is really good, or really bad. Neve is watchable in the victim-fights-back role, and although I doubted the casting of Parker Posey, she is at her manic mocking best here. However, I do have a few questions. Number one, what in the world happened to Courtney Cox! She looks pale, pasty, old and like she has lived a harder life than she has. Secondly, Patrick Dempsey is too young and cutesy to play a cop! It appears as if his lawn mowing money has put him through the police academy. Needless to say he seems quite out of place.
Ultimately, I was satisfied, but not overwhelmed when I left the theater. Scream 3 closes out the trilogy, by attempting a return to what made it successful originally. The original Scream was a wonderful tribute/spoof to horror movies. The second effectively covered sequels, and now, Craven attempts to tackle the making of horror movies to round out the trilogy. It was clever idea, and noble attempt, which succeeds at times, and fails at others. At the same time, it pays tribute and falls victim, to its genre. I recommend waiting for video, or at least watching the first two, before heading out to a matinee. ($$1/2 out of $$$$)
Agree? Disagree, Questions? Comments?
