The time has come to return to Woodsboro and come face to face with the terrifying Ghostface in a new installment of Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media’s Scream. When it was announced that another film of one of my most beloved franchises was coming, I was a bit worried. I’ve shared before that Scream 4 is by far my least favorite film in the franchise and low on my list of horror movies as well. However, I had hope that with another chance, the franchise could return to its roots and bring us something we could thoroughly enjoy. There are specific rules when making a horror film, just like there are certain rules to surviving them. And with a franchise that has made its name by challenging those rules and horror tropes, Scream has done it again.

DISCLAIMER: We are going to try and keep the spoilers lower than Ghostface’s kill count but be warned. You are heading into pretty terrifying territory here.

Neve Campbell (“Sidney Prescott”) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's "Scream."

Neve Campbell (“Sidney Prescott”) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s “Scream.”

The premise of Scream is that Ghostface is back and ready to dig up all of Woodsboro’s deepest and darkest secrets. We have seen throughout the trailer that each of the new cast members are connected to the original film in some way. Of course, Ghostface is going to do what he does best and we get the idea that Dewey (David Arquette), Sidney (Neve Campbell) and Gale (Courtney Cox) are going to help these new terrified kids through their first showdown. And in the end, that is pretty much the premise of the entire film. Now, being that it is a Scream film, it does have quite a few twists, turns and a third act that will have you on the edge of your seat.

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As a massive fan of the franchise, I found a lot to love with this new installment. It was everything I had hoped Scream 4 would have been. The return to Woodsboro brings us back to a few iconic places like Woodsboro High School (who is closing yet again thanks to Ghostface running around) and Stu’s (Matthew Lillard) house. But that isn’t all. The entire first scene, which we saw bits and pieces of in the trailer, is an ode to the original’s opening scene right down to Ghostface taunting Tara (Jenna Ortega) while she is home alone. Throughout the film, we get nods to the original film in such fun and exciting ways.

But that isn’t all Scream is good for. While it connects itself back to the original, in some pretty incredible ways that we won’t spoil here, it also makes a name for itself on its own. When Ghostface announces in the trailer that this isn’t anything we have ever seen before, he isn’t lying. I have spent the months leading up to this release spinning theories on who was behind the mask. And even after the first two acts, I was still shocked during the reveal. And that wasn’t the only shocking thing to occur, but again, no spoilers here. You will thank me later.

L-r, Dylan Minnette (“Wes”), Jack Quaid (“Richie”), Melissa Barrera (“Sam”) and David Arquette (“Dewey Riley”) star in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's "Scream."

L-r, Dylan Minnette (“Wes”), Jack Quaid (“Richie”), Melissa Barrera (“Sam”) and David Arquette (“Dewey Riley”) star in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s “Scream.”

Like the other films, Scream balances the tones of horror and comedy to perfection. It has no qualms with making a joke of itself and the genre, which only makes the watch through that much more enjoyable. It will have you waiting for Ghostface to appear from behind every open door. There is something to be said about a film that can have you laughing one moment and cringing the next. And cringe you will. This isn’t an overly gory film like the Saw franchise, but Ghostface doesn’t hold back. If you are even the tiniest bit squeamish, you will have a field day with this one.

Our legacy cast Campbell, Cox, Arquette’s return to the franchise was excellent alongside alumni Marley Shelton. I couldn’t imagine this franchise without them. Scream serves as a passing of the torch to a new generation. Ortega, Jack Quaid, Melissa Barrera, Kyle Gallner, Mason Gooding, Mikey Madison, Dylan Minnette, Jasmin Savoy Brown and Sonia Ammar prove they belong as members of this slasher franchise. Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett have done well and I wholeheartedly believe that Wes Craven would be proud of what they brought to the screen.

Scream is in theaters now! What did you think about the film? Let us know in the comments below and on social media!

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