In the decade that has passed since the previous entry, the landscape has changed greatly for horror films. Gone are the sly, self-aware semi-parodies that the original “Scream” birthed; in vogue is the so-called “torture porn” of the “Saw” series. In its opening scenes, “Scream 4” uses this to its advantage, poking fun at the […]
scream
Posted inArts & Culture
Scream / Scream 2 / Scream 3
To make you feel old, Wes Craven’s “Scream” will turn 15 this year. With the latest chapter, “Scream 4,” hitting theaters Friday, the original trilogy has made its Blu-ray debut, so you can see — with greater clarity than ever — how well it holds up. The short answer: In contrast to human aging, the younger […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Scar 3D
Admittedly unconventional per Hollywood terms, she’s like the thinking man’s Jamie Lee Curtis. Same goes for “Scar 3D,” a 2007 indie just now hitting Blu-ray and DVD from Phase 4 Films. Is it great? No. But for those drawn to such plasma-plastered efforts, it’s good enough. Not even really front-and-center until the second half, Bettis […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Chain Letter
Turns out, I had nothing to fear but fear itself, because what a difference a budget makes! Although it’s nothing to write Mom about (she’s a wuss when it comes to things, no?), it’s enjoyable in that delightfully brain-dead way for which weekend movie-watching was invented. After one of the greatest opening sequences I’ve seen […]