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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Korked Bats

That Funny Sports Blog

3 Big Things on ‘SCREAM VI’ – A SPOILER-FREE Review

It might be wise to put a disclaimer in front of this review. The views expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the reviews of everyone with Korked Bats, just me. However, I’m going to be pretty disappointed after the rest of them tell me that I’m wrong.

It’s ok. I’ve prepped for the backlash. Let’s rip the band-aid off.

SCREAM VI isn’t great. I have a hard time even classifying it as ok. Don’t get me wrong, there are some bright spots here. However, this “meta” franchise that’s staked it’s claim on being the “cliché-killer” has become the very thing it set out to destroy.

So if you’re on the fence as to whether or not to see SCREAM VI, here are 3 Big Things to consider.

1. It’s really just more of the same.

All you’re gonna hear before seeing the movie is how “different” it is. Aside from a few small twists and turns it really is the same exact formula SCREAM has used over and over again. There really wasn’t anything in this story or it’s execution that had my expectations subverted in any meaningful way. That works for most fans of the franchise, and I get it. However, you’re only going to be able to go back to the well so many times before I lose interest. The most unique part of SCREAM VI is that Neve Campbell is nowhere to be found. Aside from a quick throw-away line, the Sidney Prescott show is over. Not to break too with tradition though, fan favorites Courtney Cox and Hayden Panettiere are brought back in her stead.

2. The acting and performances are great.

The best part of SCREAM VI, as was with SCREAM V, are the performances. Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega are worth building your franchise around, even if the stories are pretty dull and unoriginal. SCREAM V was really Barerra’s time to shine, but VI does a good job of elevating Ortega to her level. The franchise has pivoted away from Sidney Prescott and become this new story of these two sisters against the world. The good news is that it works. Here’s to hoping that SCREAM VII will truly be a unique experience with these two actors are the center.

3. The marketing campaign could’ve toned down the New York of it all

“Ghostface in the Big Apple”–It’s pretty much all we heard about since the first trailer dropped a few months ago. So yah, it does take place in New York City, but not in any notable way. If you’re going to market your movie around NYC, do something spectacular with it! Have Ghostface outside the window on the Today Show! Maybe have the climactic moments take place on top of the Empire State Building! The most “New York” this movie gets is a showdown in a bodega and a quick sequence on a subway. The movie is too insular to be promoted in a way that sells New York as a new character for the franchise.

In the end, I can’t bring myself to think that SCREAM VI is anything more than another sequel in a horror franchise that has probably overstayed its welcome. I’m just bored at this point. I don’t want to spend my time being sold the same idea in different packaging over and over. I recognize that this really isnt the general consensus, and I’ve made my peace with it. BUT If I’m being brutally honest, SCREAM has gone the route of so many horror franchises before it. Too much of a “meh” thing.

Go ahead, come at me. I wish to drink your tears.

VERDICT: 2.5 out of 5 stars. 

So what do you think? Be sure to holler at us on Twitter (@korkedbats; @thecineboiz) and Instagram (@korkedbats2; @thecineboiz)

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Kenny

Kenny lives in Austin, TX and is one of the co-hosts of the CineBoiz Podcast. When he isn’t talking about or watching movies he can be found kicking it with Mickie the Dog and re-watching the Kansas City Chiefs win Super Bowl 54 for the 25th time.

Kenny