Scream 2 is thin. Meta ideas of representation, sequelitis, movies within movies, and violent media don't go anywhere. Instead, the film delivers tropes, generic characters, contrivances, convoluted logistics, filler, unearned villains, a repetitive structure, and lacking emotions. This all hinders the whodunit suspense. Arquette and Cox have chemistry, Kennedy is passionate, and Campbell shows layers, but their characters are flat. Specifically, Campbell has little resolution. Meanwhile, the horror is formulaic. Its kills are routine, there's a tense moment or two, and the reveal is mildly surprising (though arbitrary). Ultimately, Scream 2 remains passable, but it's redundant and stunted.
Technically, Scream 2 is basic. Its editing uses cross cuts, dissolves, and action, yet the pacing is weak (with bland drama, rushed exposition, and sparse thrills). The sound adds stings, violence, split cuts, and risers, but it's all straightforward and cheesy. Similarly, the music recontextualizes some needle drops but its reoccurring Arquette melody is cringey. The production design just provides the mask, the imagery's mediocre color/lighting offsets its sporadic composition, and the gore effects are often underwhelming. Only the cast is impressive, combining returners, cameos, and future breakouts. Overall, Scream 2 is a fine follow-up but exposes the franchise's limitations.
Writing: 4/10
Direction: 6/10
Cinematography: 6/10
Acting: 7/10
Editing: 6/10
Sound: 6/10
Score/Soundtrack: 5/10
Production Design: 6/10
Casting: 8/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 6.1/10
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