Scream 3 (2000)

Scream 3

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

 

(Liked It)

Netflix Synopsis: This installment of the tongue-in-cheek (but still scary) horror trilogy finds Sidney Prescott again battling a crazed killer -- only this time it's on the set of Stab, a movie-within-a-movie based on the original Woodsboro murders.

The Peeps: Wes Craven (director); Ehren Kruger (writer); Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courtney Cox

Quick Run Down:  Moving, More Memorable Than the Other Sequels, Fun

Worth The Watch?:  Yeah

Sidney Prescott has gone into hiding, but in Hollywood, Ghost Face still lives on, this time on the movie set of "Stab 3":  the movie based on the events that happen in the movie that is the original Scream... yeah, that's how Craven rolls.  As the murder tally grows, Sidney is needed and eventually pulled out of hiding so that that white-faced SOB can finally get what's coming to him!

For a third installment, this is a pretty good sequel.  The plot is mostly just a vehicle, but that's classic Kruger style. Kevin Williamson (the writer of 1, 2, and 4 of the franchise) stepped out of penning this one and Ehren Kruger was brought in.  Kruger (Skeleton Key, Transformers 2 & 3, Arlington Road) is not a strong plot writer, but the tension and movement that he works are usually good.  This is evident in Scream 3, as the plot is basic and mostly rote but there are some really good sequences throughout the film that move it quickly and create intense moments.  The film within a film bit is fun, though annoying at times, but once we get on set with the killer and the old Scream crew, it sets up some interesting times.  This film also delves into the past of Maureen Prescott (Sidney's Mom) and we get to know who she was, what she was up to, and what she was all about.  It's revealing and dark and possibly even a little eye-opening if you really get into the franchise.  Either way, again, it's fun.

In this installment, we are given Lance Henriksen as a cast member.  I don't think Henriksen is a good actor, but he's a horror icon and he's always a good time.  Parker Posey pops up as Gale Weathers in the "Stab" movies, and she's awesome.  Quirky, if not goofy, and usually hilarious, she provides an extra bit to the film that's cool.  The last new face is Patrick Dempsey, who I'm convinced only knows how to say lines that have sexual subtext, thus making lines that DON'T sound strange and out of place.  As for the original cast, they are all the same, but I have to say - Courtney Cox's hair is awful in this film.  Sorry - just couldn't friggin' stand it. 

Random note - Cox and Arquette are married, which I'm sure you all know, but in Scream 3, a little bit is thrown in the end that's cool and a REAL play on reality.

So, for a third installment, Scream 3 is good fun.  Kruger ups the action and Craven is good behind the camera when he has the goods on the page.  This is apparent throughout several sequences in the film, and I think you'll be able to pick them out when you watch this flick.  Check it out.  It's on Netflix!!