“Scream 4” is nothing short of a minor miracle. Released 11 years after the underwhelming “Scream 3,” it manages to reunite the surviving cast while also adding a number of compelling supporting characters, all of whom are well-cast. The production itself was reportedly messy, with heavy studio interference from producer Harvey Weinstein, and it’s easy to see that the movie’s vision is compromised: Some of its ideas are half-realized at best, and some scenes seem rushed and forced (which can likely be attributed to “Scream 3” screenwriter Ehren Krueger, whose mediocre re-writes of Kevin Williamson’s screenplay are glaring). But the bones of the movie manage to convey some very interesting, franchise-rejuvenating ideas along the way, and the movie manages to replicate the same “anything can happen” vibe that made the first two entries so compelling and entertaining.
Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)
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