FRIGHT FEST REVIEW: SCREAM 3

"Is this simply another sequel? Well if it is, same rules apply. But-here's the critical thing-if you find yourself dealing with an unexpected back story and a preponderance of exposition, then the sequel rules DO NOT apply. Because you are not dealing with a sequel, you are dealing with the concluding chapter of a trilogy. "

So, is Scream 3 simply another sequel? Well, mainly YES....but also to a lesser degree NO. Scream 3 has essentially been dumbed down for general audiences. Gone are the days where characters constantly cite the rules of horror films, maybe partly due to the fact that, despite how hard Wes may try this is indeed just another dumb hollywood sequel where the characters fall for the same old traps..

The returning characters are treated with little to no reverance. Gale is called upon to scream dumbly at every horror scene, Dewey constantly switches between dumb and bumbling to determined and strong willed (MAKE UP YOUR MIND WES!!!!!!, personally I prefer the Dewey seen in Scream 2). The only character that is essentially the same is Sidney, and for once she is one of the strongest performances here. I wish I could say anything positive about the supporting cast, but unfortunately the film doesn't give them much chance to really shine. The only noteable supporting role/cameo was Jamie Kennedy's return for the last time. He appears in one scene in which he guides our heros on their new quest and points out the rules for trilogies.

The story this time around is that the cast for Stab 3 are slowly and methodically being killed off. Naturally Gale, Dewey, and Sidney show up to investigate and another struggle for survival ensues as information we have been given in past films is questioned. That is one of Scream 3's weakest points, it constantly makes nods to the first Scream. This does anything but help the film as it makes it appear as if Wes is Cravin for simplier times (Please excuse the bad pun).

Just about the only thing that makes this film worth the watch is the Killer this time around. He's smart, determined, has a believable motivation (more believeable than the ones in the first 2), and even sheds some (unnecessary) light on the life of Sidney's Mom.

So, in the end although Scream 3 does have its moments it can't quite reach the same level of greatness that it's predecessors did. After all the fuss, it really is just another dumb sequel (I mean, their makin a Scream 4 now....hope it's better than this one). If you've seen the first 2 Screams you might as well give this one a viewing as well, just don't expect to find much to enjoy here.

2.5/5