The Ghostface killer returns to Woodsboro yet again in the newest film in the slasher series. “Scream (2022)” is the best sequel of the franchise, which is saying a lot since it has some big shoes to fill. The filmmakers had to try and attempt to fill in the shoes of horror legends Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson, director and writer of the original 1996 “Scream” movie.

Thankfully, the directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett are more than up to the task and boy, do they deliver. The script, written by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick, is a fan-service buffet that leaves “Scream” fans hungry for more. The movie is filled with references to the franchise’s past and it is amazing. The directors and writers know this is a “legacy” sequel and they deliver the punches.

The original cast returns as supporting characters with fan-favorites Sidney Presscott (Neve Campbell), Dewey Riley (David Arquette) and Gail Weathers (Courtney Cox) making several appearances throughout the film to help their new group of like-able teen victims.

In modern-day Woodsboro, popular high schooler Tara Carpenter (Jenna Ortega) gets an ominous call while home alone. She barely escapes with her life after a slice-and-dice encounter with Ghostface. Tara’s sister, Sam (Melissa Barrera), and Sam’s boyfriend Richie (Jack Quaid) need to work together with Sidney, Gail and Dewey if they want to try and stop Ghostface once and for all.

So, how does the old cast mix in with the new? Surprisingly, quite well. In most legacy sequels, the new cast tends to fall flat on their faces, but thankfully things work fantastically within this movie and you can tell that the cast had a great time working together.

So, how are the kills in this one? They are glorious, or should I say GORE-ious! People looking for interesting and intricate new ways to stab someone need not apply. However, the kills in this movie are brutal, personal, and shocking when they happen. There is one specific jaw-dropping kill that will most certainly leave the whole theater in shock. Thankfully, the directors know how to build suspense and are able to give us something for every gore-lover in this film.

“Scream” lives up to its slasher roots. Ghostface skewers the helpless victims like a chef and it leaves you cheering for the killer(s). The murders are well-staged and this move rightfully earnes its appropriate R-rating. This is not a film for anyone remotely squeamish, but for serious gore fanatics alike.

To figure out who is behind the mask doesn’t take Sherlock Holmes’ level of deduction but it will have viewers bouncing between a few individuals. It personally had me second guessing who I thought it could be myself. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this film. It left me wanting more with this new cast and it finally put a satisfying end to the old cast that we all didn’t think we needed as “Scream” fans.

Nothing will beat out the original “Scream” film, which is a masterpiece in my eyes. As legacy sequels go, this is easily one of my favorites. The movie hit cinemas in the US on January 14, and can be watched at any local theaters.

Rating: 6.8/10 kernels

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