Wanna play a game? Firstly, I am super excited to be writing this review. As an avid horror lover and big Scream fan, I was impressed with this TV series. I had my doubts and reservations that it would be a bland, boring teen TV show with no depth, that would insult the franchise. When actually, it honours and modernizes it. This series is based on the movies obviously, but it has a new backstory and cast of quirky characters. I was hooked from episode one! So now that we have determined that this series is shockingly brilliant, let's move on to why exactly that is... Every episode is jam-packed with clever revelations and an abundance of twists. The story starts off simple and then gains momentum, thickening, and darkening with each episode. I adored how the writers put in the script to shout out to the haters in the very first episode, that a TV series based on a movie would suck. Just like they did in Scream 2 by having one of the characters clearly say 'sequels suck'. Scream has always been known to be bold, self-aware, and not afraid to speak out. It has also set trends in the horror world. From the cat and mouse game to the helpless girl alone in the house, to the threatening phone calls. The show blends old conventions from the original movies and brings them into 2016. Such as the typical taunting phone conversations with the leading lady and the killer, the victim strapped to a chair and discovered by the protagonist, the typical characters: jock, slut, nerd, virgin, outcast, rebel, killer and the main character, as well as other conventions that hardcore Scream fans will notice. These are great moments! When you are watching and realize that scene is based on a scene from one of the movies, it will make you grin mischievously. The acting from the entire cast is excellent. A bunch of young, gifted actors take on the roles of high schoolers, giving the characters depth. From Willa Fitzgerald, who plays Emma Duval, taking the role of the leading lady who the killer is obsessed with. To a new character type that I found intriguing: Bex Taylor-Klaus (The Killing), who plays the bi-curious rebel and tomboy Audrey Jensen. We even see a relationship with Audrey and her girlfriend. Which is the first time we have had an openly bisexual main character in the entire Scream history. We have her best friend, virgin and gaming nerd Noah Foster, who I personally loved. He brought an element of comedy to the show. Of course, all the actors deserve praise as they create realistic characters that we either hate or love or are constantly changing our opinions of. The backstory is brilliant. A hidden past that is unveiled and revolves around Emma. Similar to the movies, but with more twists and turns along the way. And the final episode of season 1 is quite obvious in its attempt to modernize the Scream franchise. Character conflict runs throughout and is awesome. We are not only waiting for the characters to search harder into the mystery of the killer and their infatuation with Emma, we also have high school drama at play. But this high school drama isn't your typical sex, drugs and alcohol, although they do make an appearance. These issues are far more 'real'. From suicides, leaked video tapes of an incredibly personal manner, and so on and so forth. The tough experiences that they are dealing with at such a young age are, what I believe, helps the viewer bond with them. But come on, how's the gore? Well my horror fiends, the gore is sick. And by sick I mean both cool and disgusting. Even I flinched a couple of times at how far this killer goes in their attempt to slay and shock. From the classic stabbing to more Saw-like death traps. Just the way we like it! A huge whodunnit element comes to play in the show. Think the Scooby gang with horror. If we didn't care who it was or why they were doing it, the series would suck. Fortunately, we do care. We learn to love, hate, and suspect multiple characters throughout. Personally, I was flipping between three people when it came to guessing the killer. I lingered on the actual killer briefly but was dissuaded by the clever events and the backstory we are presented with. Along with this mystery/crime element, the show does a sensational job of creating tension. With silence, then unnerving background music, and a slow, holding-your-breath-in pace, we are glued to the screen as a character tries to save someone, uncover the identity of the killer, or simply try to search for clues. The action and captivation doesn't let up from episode one until the final showdown! We are left with a huge cliffhanger that makes it clear they will make a second season. And luckily for you, they did, and you don't have to wait too long... So, to conclude, those who turn their nose at even giving this series a chance, will live to regret it, or not....... Season 2 airs May 30th! With it being over ten years since I have watched this, I recently gave it a re-watch. After which I decided this is quite a remarkable movie and I should give it a review. With all the superficial vampire/werewolf movies out there these days, it is important to remember and respect the genuinely great creature feature horrors. They don't rely on pointless storylines or glittery vampires. This movie gives you chills and you are constantly unsettled throughout. We are given a history of the vampire clan in an entertaining manner. With an order of hierarchy and certain rules to be followed. But some vampires loathe those rules and choose to break them, thus making a great movie. As I always say, a movie without conflict is a movie without a soul. It is original in many ways, the rules of vampires in terms of their supernatural abilities, and the rules they give themselves, the historical background, and other elements. Yet it also takes some other staples from vampire movies and gives them an edgy remake. The student vampire learning from his master (sire). Then the girl who is lured into a vampire's clutches. Sub-plots old and done before, but in this movie they are given a new sheen of life; it is utterly enthralling. It also boasts a very talented cast. We have Aaliyah taking the role of Queen Akasha. A deadly seductress who rebels from the rules of their kind. Then an outstanding performance from Stuart Townsend who plays Lestat. A vampire who also despises the rules and makes that pretty clear by some bold choices which compel the other vampires to act or put the discovery of their kind at risk. Marguerite Moreau plays a woman with a difficult past (Jesse Reeves). The typical tortured girl act but Marguerite brings a new zest of life to that tired 'I'm helpless but curious' routine. There are many other actors who really make this movie. From vampires to humans. Then we cannot forget the soundtrack. The foundation of most good movies. An alluring and disturbing soundtrack that blends perfectly with the mood and tempo of the flick. A subtle, somber, eerie and tense vibe. The music and acting work hand-in-hand to portray this feel to the film. We have some rather superb scenery in the movie. From magnificent castles to concerts, and bustling cities. This movie doesn't miss a beat when it comes to putting all the elements together and producing an outstanding movie that will be enjoyed for years to come. And judging by online ratings/reviews, it is still enjoyed ten years plus its release. More of these type of vampire movies should be made. Not glorified, over-rated teen love stories. So pray fellow horror fiends, pray for genuine creature feature horror flicks to grace our screens very soon. We need more originals. Love horror movies, and generally all things horror? Want a FREE bestselling, award-winning collection of short horror stories? Then subscribe to my free monthly horror newsletter! wesleythomashorrorauthor.weebly.com I was shocked by how much I enjoyed this movie. The overall rating on Netflix gave me cause for concern. But this movie acted as a reminder to not take the overall rating as gospel. Everyone has different likes and dislikes. Especially when it comes to horror movies. This exorcism movie is slow paced and atmospheric. It gradually builds each scene, climaxing in an ultimate ritual. But the ending is not that which you'd expect. We have a cast of very talented and seasoned actors. From Devon Sawa, who most will recognize from 'Final Destination'. Devon plays Father John Barrow, a priest who is shamed by the devil. His character is complex and brave. Then we have another horror actress, Gina Holden. Who has also starred in a Final Destination movie: the second one. As well 'Saw 3D: The Final Chapter', the TV series 'Harper's Island (must check out if you haven't seen that one!) and much more shows and movies. Gina plays Dr. Laurie Hawthorne, a psychiatrist who tries to help Molly Hartley. Before she realizes that medication and therapy won't help Molly with her demons. Literally. Props have to go to the main character herself, Molly Hartley, played by Sarah Lind. We have the typical low demonic voice and crass language. But this demonic portrayal is different. For one, it appears to be stronger and smarter than demons in other possession movies. Then we have the fact that this demon's goal is much more ambitious. The twist, I felt, was interesting. I also very much enjoyed the soundtrack. It was reminiscent of the Halloween theme (original). Rather than simply using background noise to startle and unnerve the viewer, we have a new soundtrack. The end of the movie implies a sequel, which I highly hope will happen. I feel this greater ambition of the devil could be pushed further. While I enjoyed this movie, I am aware other horror fans may not. Some horror movie lovers like a faster pace and are used to Hollywood budget horrors with unlimited resources. But this movie has to be appreciated for what it is. A slower pace, more thought-out storyline, a new twist on the exorcism sub-genre, but not without talented actors and the excellent building of suspense. Love horror movies, and generally all things horror? Want a FREE bestselling, award-winning collection of short horror stories? Then subscribe to my free monthly horror newsletter! wesleythomashorrorauthor.weebly.com To keep up to date follow Wesley Thomas Website: wesleythomashorrorauthor.weebly.com Twitter: @WesJThomas Blog: http://wesleythomasshorthorrorstories.blogspot.com/ Facebook: Wesley Thomas Horror Author |