Scream

After Sidney Prescott’s (Neve Campbell) mother, Maurine Prescott, was murdered the year prior, a new threat starts calling then killing high schoolers in Woodsboro, California. Once Ghostface turns to focus on Sidney, it’s up to her to not only protect herself, but to also figure out who’s behind the killing.  Seeing this movie in theaters is just wow; talk about checking a big one off the bucket list - the live audience watching really does something for the atmosphere, feels like you’re back in the 90s. There’s so many horror movie references in this, dating all the way back to Anthony Perkins in Psycho, and it’s really such a treat. The fact that this movie is supposed to be a parody on slashers and then ended up being one of the most iconic ones makes it my perfect movie in this genre: never has satire and thrill been combined so well. It really revitalized the entire horror genre by taking a self-aware, meta approach that allowed for both suspense and comedy to coexist without feeling cheesy.   Killing off the biggest star promoting the movie, Drew Barrymore, in the first scene is not only iconic, but also incredibly revolutionary for movies at that time. The fact that it was Drew’s idea makes it even better. What a stellar opening. The sound effects on the scene cuts almost have a cartoon/Scooby-doo feel to them. Matthew Lillard’s humor with Stu is so well delivered and offsets with Skeet’s stern portrayal of Billy perfectly. One of the few movies that the villains aren’t protected by plot armor and operate purely on strategy and vengeance.  Every character has their own role that exists outside of archetypes and makes them feel vital to the universe. For me there also isn’t a single unlikable character. Gale is always going to be a standout from the era since it’s Courtney Cox, and Rose McGowan is great as Tatum, but the best side character for me is Randy. Who could ever forget the rules of horror movies speech. The acting is great and everyone knows exactly who and how much they need to be. I know people love Dewey and Gale since the actors got married in real life, but for me Dewey is lackluster in a good way. This movie is just casted so well.  Sidney gives new meaning to what it means to be a great final girl. Her tenacity and perseverance combined with her bravery just makes her so badass. There isn’t another final girl that really comes close for me besides Laurie Strode and maybe Grace from Ready or Not if you’re counting that movie. The set design couldn’t be more iconic; I mean the Macher house has to be one of the most identifiable landmarks in slasher history. Soundtrack is unreal. If it wasn’t for Peaky Blinders, Red Right Hand would be unmistakably a Scream landmark. The camera angles are so well done and create suspense even despite Ghostface being goofy. He feels beatable, but menacing in a way that makes both him and Sidney shine. The cinematography for me is just wow. Honestly the movie is written tight enough that you never get bored. The coloring is gorgeous. It’s also a who done it leaving both the audience and Sidney wondering who’s safe and who isn’t until the final reveal. There’s a reason that this is the standout horror franchise in modern day. There’s an argument to be made that it’s the most influential of the slashers on the horror genre as a whole as well.  Quotes: “What’s your favorite scary movie?” “No, please don't kill me, Mr. Ghostface, I wanna be in the sequel!” “There are certain RULES that one must abide by in order to successfully survive a horror movie.” “My mom and dad are gonna be so mad at me!”