Scream Franchise
A Look To See Why This Murderously Meta Franchise Works So Well
Serious Spoilers Ahead
HISTORY
So, Why Scream?
Scream is one of those franchises that can confidently say it has no bad movies. They certainly are not all top tier quality, but each movie is enjoyable and pretty well written. Scream was the first movie franchise I fell in love with. During this time of seduction, I was mainly into TV shows, (it was during the summer the TV show came out that got my interest) so it was film franchises were not something I had been into. I was hooked after the first film and it has been a franchise I binge watch multiple times a year. It’s a piece of cinema that truthfully altered my brain chemistry, from its intoxicating mystery, to its teen slasher appeal, I just couldn’t get enough. I watched the first four movies about 50 times between the time I discovered them until the fifth one came out in 2022, and I truly could not believe I was lucky enough to get more Scream movies – and that they were actually good. So, here I did my best to really pick apart the strengths and weaknesses of each film and how it fits into the franchise, while I kept fandom, critics, and my own old thoughts out of my head in the process.
SCREAM
RELEASED: 1996
DIRECTOR: WES CRAVEN
STARRING: DAVID ARQUETTE, NEVE CAMPBELL, COURTNEY COX
OVERALL RATING: 9.5/10
KILLERS:
Billy Loomis:
Motive: Sidney’s mom slept with his dad, causing his mom to leave and abandon him.
Killer Rating: 9/10 (Solid motive and an impressive unraveling of events make Billy the icon he is)
Character Rating: 6/10 (not particularly likable, personally Skeet Ulrich does not charm his way to the top, yet he is portrayed as a damaged mama’s boy.)
Stu Macher:
Motive: Peer pressure, he is “sensitive”
Killer Rating: 7/10 (not a strong motive, yet is crazy enough to get by)
Character Rating: 8/10 (character-driven; very goofy and likable; very “one of the bros,” not a whole lot of character background)
SYNOPSIS
A group of teenagers find themselves in the middle of what seems to be the plot of a scary movie, only one year after the death of Maureen Prescott, our heroine, Sidney Prescott’s mother. A killer in a Ghostface mask and black robe stalks the town of Woodsboro and mysteriously picks off members of the community, unraveling a chain a secrets attached to the towns past.
CRITICAL RECEPTION
Rotten Tomatoes: 81% (88 reviews)
Metacritic: 65 (25 reviews)
IMDB: 7.4/10 (369k reviews)
Letterboxd: 4.0/5
INFLUENCE
Combining a campy teen-comedy with a meta-slasher whodunnit, Wes Craven showed the world one more time he is a force to be reckoned with. Spurred a rise in mystery slashers and was able to make a horror movie that told a story with multiple layers and self-awareness.
OPENING KILL
The most iconic scene of the franchise, Scream’s (1996) opening scene scary, mysterious, and witty, bolstered by impressive direction and a terrified performance by Drew Barrymore. (9.8/10)
BOX OFFICE:
USA: $103,046,663 (59.5%)I
International: $70,000,000 (40.5%)
Worldwide: $173,046,663
REVIEW:
Scream (1996) is a genius take on the slasher genre, making it meta, causing a campy feel to a poignant teen-horror mystery movie. Fun characters and committed performances elevate this to the cult classic status it is known as today. Wes Cravens script and direction give such a layered and impressive touch to a familiar slasher, making us feel he opened the door to a whole new genre.
TAKE ON COMMERCIAL/CRITICAL RECEPTION
The box office is good, yet not great, I think in part of the promotion of Drew Barrymore. Having a big star being heavily promoted, only to have her killed in the first scene, which definitely got people to the theater, but it took decades of cult followers to really make this film the huge success it is today. The critical reception is also good but not great, due to its cheeky meta-ness. Some critics praise its bold step in self-awareness, while other considered it to be mocking the genre, or not taking itself seriously. Camp is common today, but confused critics in the 90s.
SCREAM 2
RELEASED: 1997
DIRECTOR: WES CRAVEN
STARRING: DAVID ARQUETTE, NEVE CAMPBELL, COURTNEY COX
OVERALL RATING: 9.6/10
KILLERS:
Debbie Salt:
Motive: Good old fashion revenge! Avenging her son, Billy’s, death, and her marriage.
Killer Rating: 8/10 (a crazy bitch!; vivified by a great performance by Laurie Metcalf)
Character Rating: 4/10 (annoying, pushy, Gale wannabe)
Mickey:
Motive: Blame the movies, in it for fame, “these days it’s all about the trial”
Killer Rating: 7/10 (a fun convincing suspect, but might have you wondering why in the process)
Character Rating: 5/10 (just kind of “there,” yet a great performance by Timothy Olyphant makes him have edge
SYNOPSIS
The survivors of the Woodsboro murders move onto college, only to be followed by a copycat Ghostface trying to make a real-life sequel. As Gale has published her book, which was turned into horror movie Stab, it seems the killer is making attempts to out-do the original.
CRITICAL RECEPTION
Rotten Tomatoes: 82% (85 reviews)
Metacritic: 63 (22 reviews)
IMDB: 6.3/10 (200k reviews)
Letterboxd: 3.3/5
SEQUEL TAKE
The overly campy meta nature of the script is handled so well, as it really plays into the genre, yet not falling victim to the tropes it satirizes.
OPENING KILL
Overly meta, and for all the better, Scream 2’s opening scene is horrifying, grim, and campy thanks to a unique set and Jada Pinkett Smith. (7.9/10)
BOX OFFICE
USA: $101,363,301 (58.8%)
International: $71,000,000 (41.2%)
Worldwide: $172,363,301
REVIEW
Containing just as many iconic moments, Scream 2 survives the sophomore slump thanks to an in depth script brought to life by its talented performers. Most of the actors here are 90s moments, capturing the essence of the late- 90s with its fashion and fads. Turning the meta-ness up a notch with its impeccable sequel self-awareness, this movie is a total Scream.
TAKE ON COMMERCIAL/CRITICAL RECEPTION
Coming off the success so soon, this sequels numbers are almost exactly matching its predecessors. To be able to make an original film its own entity is one thing, but to write a sequel that is just as smart, witty, and unpredictable is a major feat for a horror movie franchise. This speaks to both the commercial appeal and its critical praise.
MISCELLANEOUS
Fun to have brought back cotton and Randy, and for us to get a crazy iconic scene from Randy’s death, which is such an impressive risk to be taken. GDS (Gale, Dewey, Sidney) really amped up their characters and performances here! Gale is so ambitious and fierce! Dewey is nerdy yet driven! Sidney is fearless and strong! CiCi Coopers death scene was a highlight from this movie, a good ode to Scream’s (1996) opening.
SCREAM 3
RELEASED: 2000
DIRECTOR: WES CRAVEN
STARRING: DAVID ARQUETTE, NEVE CAMPBELL, COURTNEY COX
OVERALL RATING: 6.4/10
KILLER:
ROMAN:
Motive: as Sidney’s half-brother, he felt Sidney stole his mom from him; therefore, stealing away a better life that should have been his
Killer Rating: 6/10 (a fun and cool motive, yet feels very inauthentic)
Character Rating: 2/10? (This is the issue, he had no personality besides complaining and he was barely in it or had anything important to offer)
Critique: This just seemed very out of left field. There was absolutely no way to guess this would be the killer and his motive. It is a good idea, as it is much more ambitious than Mickey’s motive, but the lack of clues and insight throughout the film makes this reveal forgettable.
SYNOPSIS
Moving the set to Hollywood, we find the trio being stalked by a Ghostface killer once again, this time on the set of Stab 3. They soon find out that when it comes to trilogies, all bets are off.
OPENING KILL
Scream 3’s opening kill sets the tone, and benefits greatly from Liev Schreiber’s return as Cotton Weary, even if it’s over before it can find it’s footing. (6.7/10)
CRITICAL RECEPTION
Rotten Tomatoes: 41% (126 reviews)
Metacritic: 56 (32 reviews)
IMDB: 5.6/10 (157k reviews)
Letterboxd: 2.8/5
BOX OFFICE
USA: $101,363,301 (58.8%)
International: $71,000,000 (41.2%)
Worldwide: $172,363,301
NOTABLE KILL
While it stands as a potential highlight of the movie, Candy’s death still pales in comparison to the other famous blonde girl chase scenes that came before her.
REVIEW
Although the performances were sharp, and a courageous step was taken, the lack of character development and overall production issues hinder this film from being impressive. Again, filled with “almost-somebodies,” Parker Posey and Patrick Dempsey really shine and help keep this film above water. Succeeds in being Scream’s campiest entry, for better or for worse.
TRILOGY TAKE
Randy’s cameo and influence on the movie stands out greatly (note he was in the film for maybe 5 minutes) and that is the most impressive meta-ness offered. It’s a smart take to add randy and able to give that self-awareness and let the viewers in on tropes of trilogies and why things are happening the way they are, yet in some ways it seems to be a cop out. This time around, the Screamiverse fell victim to the tropes that it satirizes, instead of rising above them. I personally found the addition of the voice changer and bullet-proof vest to be a fun addition to the trilogy-ness and justifies why we needed that randy cameo. While the change of set and added backstory is a unique nod to fans, it is mostly used as a crutch. A few interesting character choices were made here, yet Courtney Cox remains a scene stealer, and is even better when opposite her duo, Parker Posey.
TAKE ON COMMERCIAL/CRITICAL RECEPTION
With promising new actors, and still, not far from its impressive predecessors, a promising third installment had viewers coming back. While it does not do nearly the same amount of impressing as the first two films, the third installment is campy fun with a change of pace and scenery. Its script is not as sharp and does not attempt to slash away common horror tropes, but it gives a fun refreshing storyline to our Woodsboro survivors and camps its way to the top, if that’s what you’re into.
SCREAM 4
RELEASED: 2011
DIRECTOR: WES CRAVEN
STARRING: DAVID ARQUETTE, NEVE CAMPBEL, COURTNEY COX
OVERALL RATING: 7.0/10
KILLERS:
JILL ROBERTS:
Motive: To be the sole survivor of a killing spree, leaving her a hero and a celebrity (also annoyed that Sidney got all the fame and credit in the family)
Killer Rating: 9.5/10 (crazy, unpredictable, and fierce, Jill slays)
Character Rating: 7/10 (girl next door, until she is in your house!)
CHARLIE:
Motive: To make his own stab movie from the killers POV
Killer Rating: 5/10 (ultimately boring, and forgettable, but a fun twist)
Character Rating: 5/10 (he was kind of just there, but didn’t fade into the background)
SYNOPSIS
A decade after the last killings, a new modern Ghostface shows up to Woodsboro with its sights set on Sidney and the trio, only to find out that when you’re doing a remake, you don’t fuck with the original.
CRITICAL RECEPTION
Rotten Tomatoes: 60% (191 reviews)
Metacritic: 52 (32 reviews)
IMDB: 6.2/10 (164K reviews)
Letterboxd: 3.3/5
BOX OFFICE
USA: $38, 180,928 (39.3%)
International: $58,957,758 (60.7%)
Worldwide: $97,138,686
QUADRILOGY TAKE
The modernity of the film is certainly a plus, yet it does lose a little edge and self-awareness in the process. Not as meta, making viewers forget that this is the fourth installment, yet it’s that meta edge that makes the others so special. Kirby and Charlie help to keep the meta-ness alive with their quirky banter and Randy homage to the trials and tribulations of surviving a horror movie.
OPENING KILL
Instead of reeling viewers in to press play, Scream 4’s opening kill simply plays too much. (3.9/10)
REVIEW
Least meta, least campy, and least 90’s, this modern take on the slasher franchise still has a few tricks up its sleeve, even if it’s a T-shirt. The modernity irons out a few wrinkles to keep this franchise seemingly young, keeping viewers on their toes in doing so. An improvement over its predecessor in execution and production, yet its flare and personality got a little lost in the process. Definitely contains the most shocking killer reveal, supported by a phenomenally menacing two-faced Emma Roberts.
TAKE ON COMMERCIAL/CRITICAL RECEPTION
Too soon and not soon enough, Scream 4 didn’t give the franchise enough time to deserve a renaissance, yet there was definitely a band of Screamo’s who had been waiting for 10 years. 2011 was not the time of slasher remakes, it was the time of book to movie adaptations and dystopia. I’m not sure the critics were wowed enough by the return of the franchise yet given a reason to believes it needed to come back. Never-the-less though, Wes Craven’s horror charm is almost always too good to resist.
SCREAM (2022)
RELEASED: 2022
DIRECTORS: MATT BETTINELLI-OLPIN, TYLER GILLETT
STARRING: DAVID ARQUETTE, NEVE CAMPBELL, COURTNEY COX
KILLERS:
RICHIE:
Motive: to reboot the franchise “Hollywood is out of ideas” (SOO meta)
Killer Rating: 7/10 (did what needed to be done, satisfactory) *retrospective: 8/10 (knowing how he ties in with Scream VI and his influence)
Character Rating: 7/10 (quirky and naïve, yet prevalent, either for better or worse)
AMBER:
Motive: A fan who wanted to be a part of something (SO Stu Macher coded)
Killer Rating: 7/10 (did all the killing, has the Debbie Salt craze, yet with a weaker motive)
Character Rating: 7/10 (mysterious and quick, yet still not a standout)
SYNOPSIS
A new Ghostface has eyes for the Carpenter sisters, years after he was last relevant, hoping to spur a requel and get things done right this time in Woodsboro.
CRITICAL RECEPTION
Rotten Tomatoes: 76% (301 reviews)
Metacritic: 60 (49 reviews)
IMDB: 6.3/10 (143k reviews)
Letterboxd: 3.2/5
BOX OFFICE
USA: $81,641,405 (59.3%)
International: $56,102,519 (40.7%)
Worldwide: $137,743,924
REQUEL TAKE
So so meta in all the right ways. The way they used the time frame from the original iconic legacy that Scream (1996) left and used that as the Stab legacy is genius. The directors really are huge fans of the franchise with so many fun Easter eggs and homages. Mindy is such a great character to introduce, and I love all the meta-ness she brings to the franchise.
OPENING SCENE
While it doesn’t provide the same trepidation an opening kill would evoke, Jenna Ortega delivers a killer opening scene, making sure the fans stay tuned for what’s to come, doing so with a wink and a nod to the original scene that started it all (8.4/10)
REVIEW
A requel done right! Scream (2022) benefits from its great writing and precise direction, even if it seems familiar at first, it knows when to play its ace. Great character introductions and variety, these killer performances secure that Scream (2022) will be a smash. A gift for the fans, Scream returns in a smart, sharp, and contemporary way, ensuring to reel in a few new fans along the way. Tears, laughter, and Screams all come together to take devoted Scream fans on one hell of a ride.
TAKE ON COMMERCIAL/CRITICAL RECEPTION
This time around there was enough time passed between the original and the requel, as well as being in the era of remakes and reboots. It was simply a requel done right, great script, cast, directors, and timing, that lead to this mildly successful comeback
SCREAM VI
RELEASED: 2023
DIRECTORS: MATT BETTINELLI-OLPIN, TYLER GILLETT
STARRING: MELLISSA BARRERA, JENNA ORTEGA, COURTNEY COX
OVERALL RATING: 8.6/10
KILLERS:
DETECTIVE BAILEY:
Motive: Revenge for his son, Richie/ finish his movie
Killer Rating: 7/10 (He fulfilled the sequel trainer, and did a good job at masterminding it, just wish there was a bit more flare)
Character Rating: 5/10 (A typical male cop character, yet he was perfectly cast)
QUINN:
Motive: Reeled in by her father to avenge her brother’s death/ finish his movie
Killer Rating: 8/10 (Gagatondra when she took off the mask and lived up to her surprise)
Character Rating: 9/10 (a true gem character, too bad there wasn’t more of her)
ETHAN:
Motive: Reeled in by his father to avenge his brother’s death/ finish his movie
Killer Rating: 7/10 (the switch he needed to flip was just within reach, providing a menacing performance) Character Rating: 6/10 (So shy and dorky! Just kind of stood around serving looks and not much else)
SYNOPSIS
The “Core Four” moves to New York for a fresh start, only to find that what started in Woodsboro is not over, and that Ghostface is closer than you’d think.
OPENING KILLS
A fun new take on a kill done so many times, this opening scene is not shy of surprises. Each star having their own niche iconic-ness, this is one of the more impressively written openings, pushing boundaries we haven’t seen before. (7.7/10)
CRITICAL RECEPTION
Rotten Tomatoes: 76% (304 reviews)
Metacritic: 61 (53 reviews)
IMDB: 6.5/10 (95k reviews)
Letterboxd: 3.4/5
FRANCHISE TAKE
This definitely feels more like a sequel, but still honoring the ongoing franchise, Scream VI is still meta-driven and figuring out ways to iron out any flaws. With a reboot so similar to the original, this step was needed, and it turns out it was a giant leap. The homage to Scream 2 really shines through for devoted fans, with more implicit references than its predecessor. *Note: Gale’s chase scene was a for sure highlight, having viewers at the edge of their seat. ** Also, if this is the end of their story (at least for now) it’s very satisfactory.
BOX OFFICE
USA: $108,161,389 (64%)
International: $60,800,000 (36%)
Worldwide: $168,961,389
REVIEW
Inventive new set pieces and a darker setting, Scream VI has just enough twists and turns to do more than just satisfy. Furthering the Core Four chemistry, and lots of great new character development, the actors hone in on their roles with all of them shining. Not afraid of risks, and not afraid rewards for that matter, Scream VI hits higher notes than Mariah.
TAKE ON COMMERCIAL/CRITICAL RECEPTION
Building off the requel, and improving upon it, fans of new and old were both here for this killer good time. With Jenna Ortega becoming a huge star between Scream (2022) and Scream VI, she managed to bring her fans to the theater. Worrying less about getting things up and moving, and more about giving the fans what they want, Scream VI takes risks and they almost always pay off.
