Scream

Teen thriller Scream (1996) revolutionized the horror genre, which up until that point had become predictable and looked down upon by film critics, by bringing humor and a sense of self that was novel at the time. This movie presents the “rules” of horror films as well as revamping the horror movie production of today. Scream also created a new minor genre- the teen scary movie, which is still just as strong a trend as it was when it began. The film has a great opening which immediately hooks the audience. It also boasts a heavyweight cast (Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Drew Barrymore, Rose McGowan, Henry Winkler, Drew Barrymore) and mastermind Wes Craven as director. Great acting, a beautiful and fitting location, and a killer soundtrack (pun intended) round out the quality of the movie. This film is based in the small town of Woodsboro which is haunted by the gruesome murder of Maureen Prescott, mother of Sidney Prescott (Campbell). Sidney tries to live a normal life, but when bodies start turning up one year after her mother’s death, the status of her murder case is reevaluated. Suddenly, Sidney is back in the limelight, but this time as the potential victim. In a small town, almost everyone is a suspect. Motive? Killer? Only time will tell in this action-packed, edge-of-your-seat, implicitly tasteful thriller with so many twists, it will keep you guessing until the last 10 minutes of the movie. Watch for the many horror genre blatancies including the janitor dressed as Freddy Krueger. Though the sound effects are a bit exaggerated and there is the cliché elderly father figure, this movie is one of the best of its field and puts a new spin on the archetype of the killer, showing him with the ability to make mistakes as opposed to being invincible. All in all, this movie is a must-see for anyone and everyone.