13.Scream (Matt Bettinelli-Olpin; Tyler Gillett); grade: F
Now, the meta conceit of the Scream series turns the characters into mere consumers. The film’s consumerist conflict establishes a false binary between toxic fandom (the killers) and consumer acquiescence (the victims). The film’s first victim prefers “elevated horror” junk like The Babadook and—God help us—Hereditary. (With taste that awful, she has it coming.) Meanwhile, the filmmakers’ lack of series progenitor Wes Craven’s craft and emotional intensity (what the characters call “stakes”) lowers audience standards. They ineptly stage the killings. Suspense and scares rely entirely on loud music and whip pans. The filmmakers reduce the significance of adventurous actress Neve Campbell (Investigating Sex, The Company, When Will I Be Loved). It’s ideological murder.
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"They love each other so much, they think they hate each other."
Imagine paying $1000 to hear "Don't Dream It's Over" instead of "Go Your Own Way"
Fleetwood Mac helped me through a time of heartbreak. 12 years later, they broke my heart.
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