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Created Apr 28, 2008 05:20AM PST • Edited Apr 28, 2008 05:20AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Really Great 4.5

   Simultaneously embracing and lampooning the conventions of the slasher genre while re-inventing the genre wheel in it’s infectious tone, “Scream” is one of horror maestro Wes Craven’s greatest films, comfortably ranking alongside the likes of his brilliant “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” Cookie-cutter characters bite the dust as the more fleshed-out ones try to makes heads-or-tails of the unpleasant goings-on, and comedy ensues while traditional horror elements play out in the director’s loving, loveable slasher gem.

4. Acting

   Really Great 4.5

   Top-notch acting from all involved, particularly Neve Campbell in arguably her most iconic screen role as main protagonist Sidney, whose connections to the ongoing serial killings may be greater than those of her peers. David Arquette and Courteney Cox (who would go on to, like Campbell, become series mainstays) are also excellent in their roles as clumsy copper Dewey and underhanded reporter Gale Weathers – and how’s that for a cool name?

5. Male Stars Really Great 4.5

6. Female Stars Really Great 4.5

7. Female Costars Really Great 4.5

8. Male Costars Really Great 4.5

10. Film

    Great 4.0

    Excellent production quality through-and-through, particularly in Craven’s sleek, stylish direction.

11. Direction Really Great 4.5

12. Play Very Good 3.5

13. Music Great 4.0

14. Visuals Really Great 4.5
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 2.5

    Mild sexual elements meeting usual peppering of profanity meets bloody violence – with particular emphasis upon stabbings and the gruesome opening sequence (which famously stars Drew Barrymore).

17. Sex Titillating 1.7

18. Violence Savage 3.7

19. Rudeness Salty 2.2

21. Reality

    Glib 1.7

    Glib as slashers tend to be, “Scream” is still massively enjoyable in spite of it’s more difficult-to-believe elements.

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.7

23. Biological Glib 1.7

24. Physical Glib 1.7