Scream VI (2023)

(Note: This is a fresh out of the theater review, and I may change the wording or my score after I get a chance to see it again or ruminate on it a bit more.)

I've been following this franchise ever since I saw the broadcast cable premiere for the original film way back when in the 90's when I was a little kid, and I was a huge fan of the original trilogy throughout my adolescence. And while the belated "Scream 4" didn't exactly set the world on fire, it was a nice little addition to one of the most popular and iconic horror franchises of all time, and was a nostalgic treat for fans. But sadly, the unfortunate passing of Wes Craven just a few years later seemed to signal the end of the series.

So imagine my surprise last year when a new film was not only released but also ended up being one of the best sequels in the franchise! Yes, "Scream (2022) " was a wonderful installment that not only honored what came before, but also expanded the universe and mythology in an interesting way. So I was very excited when it was announced that the same creative team was working on a sixth film, set to release only one year later.

And now that it's out, I can confidently say that it's a great time to be a "Scream" fan! While it maybe isn't quite as refreshing as last-year's requel-relaunch, "Scream VI" is nonetheless a wonderfully made and fiendishly entertaining new chapter that hits all the right notes. Ghostface is back, baby!

One year after escaping the latest Woodsboro Massacre, Sam and Tara Carpenter are living in New York City with their friends Chad and Mindy, trying to put the past behind them. However, they find themselves pulled into a new string of "Ghostface" murders that are all tied together with a fascinating calling card... at each crime scene, the killer is leaving behind one of the masks from the previous killers! Why is the killer leaving these pieces of real-life evidence behind and what is their significance? How are these new murders tied to Sam and Tara? And who is next on the chopping block? These questions will bring about dark and twisted revelations that threaten to change everything

Possibly the most visceral and intense entry in the franchise, "Scream VI" actually managed to genuinely unnerve me on quite a few occasions. Returning directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett revel in piling on the jumps and atmosphere, and they definitely step up their work in comparison to the previous film, with some really interesting sequences and shot choices. But that's not to say the film is missing the trademark wit that has defined the series so far. This film absolutely has all the laughs and meta commentary you'd expect, making it feel like a wonderfully organic expansion of what came before. The theme here is "franchises", with the new rule in town being that there is essentially no rules, which sets a nice anarchic tone that the film has a lot of fun with. (I can't imagine what "Scream VII" will be about... all I think is left is prequels and cinematic universes at this point.)

And as always, the cast is absolutely wonderful. Returning cast members including Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown all being excellent. Especially Barrera, who gets a lot more nuance to work with. Courteney Cox is a joy as always as the smarmy Gale Weathers, and newcomers including Dermot Mulroney, Liana Liberato, Jack Champion and Samara Weaving are great additions to the ensemble. But I have to say, the return of Hayden Panettiere is the biggest draw for me. I loved Kirby when she was introduced twelve years ago in "Scream 4," and it's a joy having her back!

And to discuss the elephant in the room, yes, the film does explain why Sidney Prescott is absent from the proceedings. And as a longtime fan, I was 100% on board with the reasoning given. It made sense in-universe while also leaving the door open for a possible return in the future.

I am so thrilled that this franchise has began to flourish again. I have loved it for over 25 years now, and if they can continue to deliver films of this quality I say bring on "Scream VII, " "Scream VIII, " "Scream IX" and more!

"Scream VI" gets a very good 4.5 out of 5.
(Rounding up to 5 for MovieMistakes.com).

TedStixon