Scream (2022) Review: Slashing My Expectations!

The first big release of 2022, and it’s a January horror film. More than that, it’s also a modern reboot of a popular long running film franchise that has the same name as the original film. Oh boy, thing’s don’t look very good here. With all things considered, I actually enjoyed Scream more than expected. Is it a good movie? No. Does it at the very least respect the legacy of the original film and stay true to its roots? Yes, and the filmmakers ensure that the audience knows this.

Related: Best Horror Movies on Amazon Prime India
Related: Best Horror Movies of 2021 You Can Stream Now!

Of course, the original Scream film benefits most from its internal deconstruction of the slasher subgenre, while also being an effective slasher in its own right. This version of Scream with a cast of newcomers and returning alumni (Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, and David Arquette) runs through the same motions, all while identifying the most prominent horror and film conventions seen today.

There is differentiation over the typical slasher versus “elevated horror” (i.e. The Witch and Hereditary), and a dissection over the rabid fandom reactions to modern remakes that effectively ridicule the legacy of the original films. The latter ties directly into the core of the plot, which feels proper for a true “Scream” film.

Compared to the never-ending stupidity of the Saw films, or the uninspired slog of the latest Halloween films, Scream does accomplish more, but not without its faults. I enjoy the old cast in their return, along with a few of the newcomers (except for Dylan Minnette and his stupid face). Despite being so “Self-aware”, the film can’t help itself by allowing characters to get blindsided by random crap and cheap fake-out jump-scares.

Related: Best Horror TV Shows on Streaming You Shouldn’t Miss!
Related: Cobra Kai Season 4 Review: A Complete Blast from the Past!

The final minutes of the film kind of lost me as well in what they were trying to do with the characters. That said, the rest of the film was pretty entertaining, capturing the spectacle of the “Scream” films in a new light. Scream (2022) stands above most of the modern long-running film reboots and remakes, and even if it isn’t necessarily a good film, it’s one that the fans of the films before it can at least enjoy for its commitment to the franchise.

‘Scream (2022)’ Rating – 3/5

Follow Zach (the Author) on Instagram – @pretentiousfilmcritic


Zach Kraus

View Comments

  • I was 11 when the first film came out, 26 years later I’m still super excited to see a new film. Scream is my generations’ Halloween. I really hope to see Neve and the gang still messing up ghostface in a few decades like Jamie Lee with Michael Myers.

Recent Posts

Captain America: Brave New World Review – Faltering Future!

This is a “brave new world” of Marvel Cinematic Universe that Kevin Feige is trying… Read More

3 days ago

Sundance 2025 Review: “Sorry, Baby”

For the first 22 years of our lives we are told constantly to enjoy our… Read More

1 week ago

Realm of Shadows Review: An Ambitious Blend of Fantasy and Horror!

Realm of Shadows dives deep into dark fantasy horror, blending multiple supernatural tales into a… Read More

1 week ago

The 4 Points Review: A Gritty Crime Drama!

Los Angeles is a city of divisions—between wealth and poverty, law and crime, past and… Read More

2 weeks ago

War and Justice Review: An Unprecedented Look Inside the ICC!

The International Criminal Court (ICC) stands as a crucial institution in the pursuit of justice,… Read More

2 weeks ago

We use cookies, just to track visits to our website, we store no personal details.