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Created Nov 07, 2008 07:57AM PST • Edited Nov 07, 2008 07:57AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   OK 2.5

   Whereas the original “Scream” was a genre-revitalizing shot to the arm, the more flawed “Scream 2” was no great shakes, and with “Scream 3” the franchise – soon to be updated – runs out of steam. Whereas the other films allowed viewers to laugh along with the conventional slasher scares director Wes Craven offered up, this second sequel seems both glossy to the point of no return and just like any other generic slasher in which the mask of choice for the killers plaguing the life of Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) is always the same ghost one. There’s nothing new offered up with this installment, save of course for the conclusion which puts a spanner in the works regards the conclusion of the first film and feels so much like the feedble justification screenwriter Ehren Kruger had to settle for when it must have became apparent to her that she didn’t know how to put the film to an end. What this mediocre horror movie should have done is been put out of its misery.

4. Acting

   Good 3.0

   Neve Campbell is once again the standout as the eternally tormented Sidney Prescott, while David Arquette and real-life wife Courteney Cox Arquette return with similar effect. Their co-stars, however, don’t seem as up to the task, Parker Posey arguably standing out from the supporting crowd that otherwise lacks for much memorable acting.

5. Male Stars Good 3.0

6. Female Stars Good 3.0

7. Female Costars Good 3.0

8. Male Costars Good 3.0

10. Film

    Good 3.0

11. Direction Very Good 3.5

12. Play OK 2.5

13. Music Good 3.0

14. Visuals Very Good 3.5
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 2.3

17. Sex Innocent 1.5

18. Violence Brutal 3.0

19. Rudeness Salty 2.4

21. Reality

    Surreal 2.9

22. Circumstantial Surreal 2.9

23. Biological Surreal 2.9

24. Physical Surreal 2.9