Scream VI Review: Dumb Movie, ‘Nuff Said!

While Scream 5 poised some neat ideas as a reboot, I was left pretty underwhelmed in the end. Scream VI seemed to have no prospects of being good, especially with an abysmal attempt at marketing. What this movie struggles significantly is pondering over its own existence. Why are we here again following the same formula, unlikeable characters, and lazy meta commentary on the horror genre? The characterization of the new generation of the Scream franchise all lack the necessary appeal or personality to reach the audience.

Sam Carpenter is designed as the “flawed protagonist,” but not in a way that’s interesting or entertaining. Every character just gets treated with disrespect through this script, including prominent legacy characters that make their return. The very conceit of this film lies with fabricated tension and niche qualities that are small in scope. Characters will continually make dumb decisions to put them in peril. The Ghostface antagonist of this movie really doesn’t distinguish itself on a broader scale, despite being marketed as “something different.”

This is just another Scream sequel with nothing smart to say or do. The technical qualities are procedural, the framing of suspense is hollow, and the balance in tone is disjointed. There just was not a plan on where to go with this movie. By the end of it, I was in sheer disbelief at the stupidity behind some very bold choices. Scream VI will surely bring about a sequel, or perhaps a running franchise, but not likely will it change the legacy of this series to redefine horror like the original.

‘Scream VI’ Rating – 2/5

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