By Bryce Wellenreiter
The film follows Sidney Prescott as she navigates college and once again tries to uncover the identity of the masked killer.
Wes Craven, the director of the first film, returned to direct Scream 2, which is a positive for the film. It maintains a perfect connection to the original and continues its same tone, while also having its own story.
One of the best things about Scream 2 is that it explores whether a sequel can live up to the original. The film discusses what makes a good sequel and references films like the Terminator and Aliens franchises.
The movie also introduces a new element to the series that appears throughout the rest of the franchise: the film “Stab,” based on the first movie’s events. This addition is great because it delves into the impact horror movies can have on people, providing a real-life perspective that adds to the movie’s enjoyment.
The opening scene in Scream 2, while not as suspenseful as the first film’s opening scene, is still fun to watch. It takes place at a movie screening, with multiple people wearing the Ghostface outfit, keeping the audience guessing who the real killer is.
The rest of the movie is enjoyable, though not as good as the original. All the characters, including the returning ones and the new ones, are likable. However, some characters make questionable decisions throughout the movie.
Personally, I was not a huge fan of the ending, where the killer is revealed. It was not terrible, but it felt obvious. Nevertheless, overall, it was still a good movie, especially for a sequel. I highly recommend giving it a watch as it ranks near the quality of the first film.