Scream

A key film for the evolution of teen horror in the years that followed, and at the same time an unattainable cornerstone. A brilliant introduction, interesting storyline, and solid actors ultimately blend into a deliberately twisted carousel, through which Kevin Williamson and Wes Craven surpass any expectations and, without throwing themselves off track, manage to keep me on edge and at the same time smirking knowingly. And above all, strongly satisfied. (09/10/2005)

Wes Craven creates something without form, smell, or a proper effect. Scream is neither horror (because of its comedic elements) nor a parody or comedy (because of its horror elements), and both together simply don’t work. Everything is halfway done, with the result getting lost in clutter and mediocrity. The opening scene with the phone is well done, as well as the ambiguity of the masked killer, but otherwise, it's a typical teenage slasher. And the director's winking at the audience is something I didn't really notice all that often. Either I'm completely ignorant about movies, or there simply isn't much to see there. Average, or compared to the other parts, a decent amount of entertainment. (17/02/2007)

The first film of its kind (at least that is so popular and universally known), an entertaining and original in the details wink at pop-culture that is able to stand on its own two feet, both as an open parody of the rules of the genre and as classic horror that must abide to said rules. By the end it gets a little silly and tedious, but timeless and ageless nonetheless. Even after all these years, it still has one of the best opening scenes in horror. 80% (08/05/2020)

It’s surprising that I’ve only now had the chance to see this often-praised cinematic gem for the first time. Scream spends much of its runtime poking fun at other similar horror films. Although it occasionally creates a decent and chilling atmosphere, as a whole, it’s something you watch with a healthy dose of detachment. The well-written characters enhance the enjoyable final product, along with a generous amount of blood and excellent, sometimes unconventional camera work. And the legendary twist at the end is a highlight. I’m satisfied. The first film got me excited about the next installment. For me, it’s 7.5/10. (01/02/2023)

Boo! Did you jump? If so, for you Scream will be the horror movie at least of the decade. If not, well, we’ve all seen a horror movie... But now seriously. Scream is more like fun built on a light parody of slasher movie clichés than something that would provoke any sense of dread. And that's the problem, too, because it ends up drowning in clichés. Still, it is a relatively pleasant picture; so it is a pity that it plunged film horror into the realm of unbearable screaming American teenagers for a long time hence. (02/11/2007)