Student Film Reviews

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1. Lawrence Gleeson 03.13.11 / 4pm

   I liked the film and felt the uneasiness of the pace too. I noticed a parallel with Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho”. In “Psycho” Hitchcock kills off Hollywood star Janet Leigh’s character early into the film. Likewise, Les Craven kills off Drew Barrymore’s character early too – in the opening scene. I also like the rich mise-en-scene. To me it stands in stark contrast to the much simpler John Carpenter’s “Halloween”.

   And, with all due respect, I felt the acting made the film. Coutney Cox, David Arquette and Henry Winkler created very enjoyable and believable characters. Strong performances came from Neve Cambell and Skeet Ulrich too. Their acting was coherent and emotionally expressive.They both seemed to personify the characters.

   Cambell carries out her role with effective emotionality and inherent thoughtfulness. To me her character, the clean-cut girl-next-door, has grown immensely during the year following her mother’s butchering murder carried out, incidentally, by Ulrich’s character. She seems grounded. Very believable performance.

   Ulrich’s character, meanwhile, is creepy. His hairs fall at an awkward angle over his face. His eyes display an empty wantonness. And, true to his character he wants to bed Cambell saying the right words but something is off kilter. He emanates weird energy. The character’s father is creepy and weird as well. Nevertheless, Ulrich delivers a wholeness to his character’s creepy weirdness.
2. Stephanie Wilhelm 03.13.11 / 11pm

   I have always liked this film. With much anticipation for the next installment of Wes Craven’s Scream series, it was just a week ago that I happened to re-watch it.
   There are not many horror movies that I enjoy, but the light and sometimes dark comedy in this one I find to be appealing. I also cannot think of another film of ts genre that is able to combine those two elements successfully. Scream is the reason I am a fan of Courtney Cox. I feel as if her performance is so good it almost overshadows the character of Sydney, Neve Cambell. I think Cambell’s acting was great too but I feel like myself and many others really admired Cox’s whit and energy in the film. She really plays a huge part in telling the story, and is the main source of comedy.
3. Amy Katter 03.14.11 / 12pm

   Scream is a classic, I think. It was the first scary movie I had seen in my life. I was about 7, and my brother told me it was a funny movie. Which it did end up being, but there was also a lot of gore, which is something that I wasn’t used to in movies, because I was used to watching movies like the Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. This movie clearly made its mark because you still can find people dressing up in Scream masks for halloween. I thought your review was very good, with a good use of language.
4. Daniele Fracassa 03.17.11 / 2pm

   I think that Scream is a classic horror movie but it is great because the director Kevin Williamson was able to combine both real horror and able to make fun of typical horror movies therefore adding comedy attributes to the film. The scene with Barrymoore and her portable phone and the house with big windows became a classic as well. The film is also great because it keeps one guessing through out the entire movie who the actual killer is. The people that were murdered tried to escape but every time the movie would turn in such a way that the victim is brutally killed anyways.
5. Vanessa De Loera 03.17.11 / 6pm

   The first time I watched the film “Scream” I taught it was going to be a really scary movie, but in my opinion I found it to be more comedy than scary. The movie is over 10 years old and at the time I watched the film I would have been probably about 8 years old and had absolutely no knowledge behind films and absolutely no idea the different references in the film. About 6 years later when I re-watched the film I was able to connect the scenes with other scenes from different films which made my reaction to the film positive because I found the film more interesting now that I was informed of the different connections in the film. I felt that Neve Cambell who played Sydney did a great job, I believe she had the power of a strong character because her performance was very good that at times you would forget she was acting. In addition, I think that “Scream” was a great film in which it will always be remembered as their symbolic character “Scream” the guy with the white mask. Over 10 years have gone by and the scream mask is still a success.
6. Dana Walas 03.18.11 / 3pm

   I’ve always been a fan of the horror genre, so Scream is naturally one of my favorite films. There is a definite plot to the film, yet that plot revolves so heavily around previous horror film stories, which is such an interesting and original way to pay homage to the old horror classics. Also, it’s just so perfect how the characters talk about the stereotypes of every horror film, and then the audience finds out that the film actually stays true to those stereotypes. For me, the prime time for slasher flicks was between the mid 70s and late 80s, so for Scream to be released in 1996 and receive so much positive feedback is very impressive.
7. Scott Lenahan 03.18.11 / 8pm

   The movie Scream was one of the first horror movies I saw growing up and I think it is an instant classic. Wes Craven did a tremendous job directing this film as I was on the edge of my seat the entire film. What I liked about the film was that it had little bits and pieces of previous great horror flicks so it was good to see the roots of horror films being portrayed in a modern way. I can still picture the now famous white mask and knife that the killer used and how popular of a halloween costume it was when the movie cam out. I also liked the fact that the movie was funny as well as scary atleast in my mind. Scream was a great movie and really paved the way for horror films today and in the future.
8. Lauren Miller 03.18.11 / 9pm

   As a huge fan of films of this particular genre, I have to say that this film is one of my favorite all time films. I truly think this film is great, the story line along with the actors and actresses involved made the film and fit the scenes perfectly. I just recently viewed this film again after not watching it since it came out, and I was surprised that I enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time I watched it. I think this film really added to the horror and suspense genre that became so popular in the years following and it still striving as a very popular genre today. This genre of film is still my absolute favorite and I really enjoy the films that were made in the past in the genre because I feel like they are completely classic enjoyable films.
9. Natalie Sestito 03.19.11 / 11am

   The first time I saw this film I was also very young and I experienced the same thing. When I saw it later in life I realized how many references there were to other classic horror films. This added to the amazing blend between horror and comedy. This film seems like it would be cheesy like some of the sequels, but despite the obvious outside influences it was very original. Reading this review reminded me how awesome this movie really is, and how much it sparked my love for this genre. I plan on watching this film again sometime soon. Remember how popular those white masks were after its release?
10. Christopher Ray 03.22.11 / 11pm

    Wes Craven’s scream has been one of my favorite horror films since the first time I watched it as a child. The film is full of suspense throughout and it kept you guessing who the killer was throughout. The acting was done very well and I especially liked Jamie Kennedy’s character explaining horror movie stereotypes. The film is a good blend of horror with some comedy throughout which makes it to be highly entertaining. The scream character became one of the most recognizable horror characters and I dressed up as one for many a year as a child. I recommend anyone that enjoys horror and hasn’t seen this film to do so immediately.
11. Tameer Orevi 04.10.11 / 4pm

    Wes Craven’s “Scream” is one of my personal favorite horror films considering the satirical and self-parody aspects of the movie. It pokes fun at itself multiple times throughout the film, while also evoking those stomach churning emotions horror films are commonly known to bring out. I think that most people would consider this film to be one of the monumental horror flicks of our time and generation, maybe even competing with that of Alfred Hitchcock’s series of movies produced in the 60’s. What I love so much about this film is that it is able to expose the cheesy stereotypical elements commonly seen in horror films, while still actually incorporating these elements in a modern, almost comical way.
12. Daniel Montague 04.11.11 / 7pm

    As a youngster born in 1990, I had seen Wes Craven’s masterpiece slasher film, Scream, while growing up. At the time, the film was extremely suspenseful and scary to me, and was essentially the epitome of the horror genre in my inexperienced mind (in regards to cinema). After watching it as an adult, I was extremely surprised at the content that I had legitimately feared as a kid. As an adult, there are many more connections that can be made, primarily in terms of the somewhat comedic representation of the components “cheesy” horror films from the 1970s and 80s are typically known for. In addition to this, I agree with the reviewer’s conclusion regarding the exceptional editing and use of music to add to the overall experience the film delivers.
13. Patricia Gallagher 04.11.11 / 10pm

    Scary movies i have always said raised me more than my own parents. instead of playing with dolls and acting out doctor as a normal child would have done, i , in my make believe documentary horror film, reenacted scenes i had seen on the screen and ones that i would create myself. I always had that dramatic build up music, an essential in my opinion-unlike The Birds- that warns audiences that death is near in the future. I welcome all horror films in my film collection- good, bad and just plain evil. one of my favorite past times is musch like one that you have only briefly mentioned here and that is to go back and re-watch films. I always find a new scene to jump to, a new broader connection to laugh along to without fail. the pace of scream is one that has kept me returning more often to this than many of my other choices. Scream is an extremely well done film and one that i am proud to bring up in conversation. thank you for this comment on the pure genius of the film, it is one that I have a great passion for and love that you can share in some of this appreciation.
14. Patricia Gallagher 04.11.11 / 10pm

    Scary movies i have always said raised me more than my own parents. instead of playing with dolls and acting out doctor as a normal child would have done, i , in my make believe documentary horror film, reenacted scenes i had seen on the screen and ones that i would create myself. I always had that dramatic build up music, an essential in my opinion-unlike The Birds- that warns audiences that death is near in the future. I welcome all horror films in my film collection- good, bad and just plain evil. one of my favorite past times is musch like one that you have only briefly mentioned here and that is to go back and re-watch films. I always find a new scene to jump to, a new broader connection to laugh along to without fail. the pace of scream is one that has kept me returning more often to this than many of my other choices. Scream is an extremely well done film and one that i am proud to bring up in conversation. thank you for this comment on the pure genius of the film, it is one that I have a great passion for and love that you can share in some of this appreciation. not everyone can afford those big movie star hits but everyone can enjoy the simplicity of a well done horror film!
15. Hannah Zech 07.02.11 / 7pm

    No doubt that “Scream” is a great classic movie. I have watched it a few times, for the first time when I was younger and then the most recent time was about four months ago. I thought it was creepy the first time simply because I was young and it is a” slasher” flick. It was not until recently that I really appreciated the film for how good it is for Wes Craven’s budget. Now, I would not say best “slasher” film of the last 20 years but definitely in the top fifteen, in my opinion. I also agree with the brilliant combination of comedy and horror in one fantastic film.
16. Chris Schuit 07.20.11 / 10pm

    I agree that this is one of those films that you really have to know the rules of horror movies and have seen one or two of the films scream is referencing. I too saw this movie when I was young and looked at it as another slasher movie that scared me, but when you get older and have seen a few more movies you realize that there is much more to this movie and makes it a lot more enjoyable. I love movies that take a different approach to a genre and make it an instant classic.
17. Jonathan Schott 09.20.11 / 3am

    Well said. During my initial viewing, I recall being very pleased with “Scream,” not just as a horror movie, but a motion picture in general. Most people my age disparaged it for the lack of grotesque death scenes and the “stupidity,” which I took to mean they missed perhaps the most important element about this motion picture: it’s irreverence for not just a genre that had became so full of obscenities, nudity, and gallons of fake blood, that it was no longer “frightening.”

    Most horror movies rely on what I call “cheap pops” to scare the audience. A loud noise. Something quickly flashed on the screen. They startle, they do not frighten. “Scream” engages the viewer psychologically. While no “Silence of the Lambs,” it encourages the viewer to laugh with inside references, get comfortable, only to create a sense of anxiety and trepidation. Soundtrack is excellent. Compliments to the reviewer for giving the movie a second chance. Like with food, tastes in movies often change and mature with age.
18. Brinkley Johnson 11.06.11 / 4pm

    You make such a good point here. When looking through the film reviews I was hesitant to read this one because I was only thinking about how “corny” Scream is. Now, I’m actually really glad I chose this one. It gave me a better sense and perspective of the film overall.
    You make a good point here by explaining the purpose of the film Scream and why the producers made this film to begin with. It makes perfect sense and calls for an awesome and comical scary film. This film is great because we all know what it is, we have all seen it and we all have memories of watching it a million different times (most likely).
    It’s not often that we can come across a film that is somewhat scary yet absolutely hilarious. The film really does make fun of all of those “cheesy” horror films out there. I mean, this movie makes perfect sense now that I have re-watched it ten years later!
    Wes Craven did a great job producing a film that we can enjoy a satirical feel too as well as obtaining a slight feeling of nervousness and fear. This was an awesome film to review because it shows everyone out there the real meaning of the film through the storyline, meaning, acting, editing and much more.
    Well done!
19. Jack Jaeger 11.15.11 / 10am

    I agree with what a lot of people are saying about the film. When I saw the film for my first time, I can admit that I was a bit scared because it was my first time seeing the film and plus I was much younger at the time that I saw it. I thought the film was well done and it did a great job scaring people. I wasn’t a big fan of the other scream films because you knew what to expect and they were all pretty much the same. I personally thought the first scream film was the best and most scary.
20. Hamed Hassanpour 11.16.11 / 2am

    Scream is intentionally campy. It deconstructs other horror movies. It is a serious horror movie, but it does not take itself too seriously, which is why I like this movie. When I was in Durling’s class for Film Genres, we saw Halloween before we saw Scream, to give us perspective on how Scream was a critique on slasher movies. People in the class were laughing at Halloween because it was unintentionally funny and stupid, while in Scream, it acknowledges when it is being funny or stupid.
21. Samantha Marmion 04.11.12 / 6pm

    Great review! I personally love the Scream movies. I have been watching them for years and years and they never seem to get old. It is a horror film but also has some comedy in it. I like that in a scary movie so that it lightens the mood a little bit. A lot of people do not like this series because it is not a legitimate horror film. But with that said, I believe that is a great film that appeals to a young audience since the target group in the film are young people. I agree with a lot of things you said, especially the part about Scream being the best slasher film of the past 20 years.
22. Marlon Reed 03.22.13 / 5pm

    Good review! I admit I actually liked the first two Scream movies. The beginning of the first Scream movie actually scared me a little bit. Before the first Scream movie came out, horror movies had lost there luster. Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Hell Raiser and Halloween had all died down. The world was in need of a good horror movie. Then Scream came out. Now I will admit that after Drew Barrymore was killed off in the first Scream, I didn’t get too scared. The plot twist was perfect and it wasn’t seen in horror movies at that time. After the second Scream, the franchise totally “Jumped the Shark.” The movies became very repetitive in their approach and it eventually fizzled in my opinion. But the creativeness in the first two were superb.
23. Gina Moore 10.15.21 / 10pm

    Great review, I agree with your points! I first saw this movie at a very young age, too young to understand that Scream is a horror movie intertwined in a comedy. As a child I got very scared and saw no humor but re watching as an adult I could find the humor in it. Wes craven has a big influence on slasher movies so that’s also a selling point to this movie as well. This movie is a lower budget film, but it didn’t really feel like it to me. I think now a days it is considered a slasher classic!
24. Samantha Fabian 03.05.22 / 7pm

    Scream has been one of my favorite films since I was a child, and just like you I didn’t really get all the references and such until I was older and had seen more horror films. I do love how horror and comedy are blended together in the film as you said. I also really like how you mentioned that at one point you viewed Scream as a campy movie but now view it as a sort of masterpiece, or achievement, by Wes Craven. I personally still view Scream a sort of camp film even though it is one of my favorites, as it’s the charm of it. One of my favorite scenes from the film is the opening kill of Casey Becker (Drew Barrymore), and I could easily relate that to Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. It was thought that Casey and Marion would both survive their respective films considering Drew Barrymore and Janet Leigh are both such popular Hollywood actors, but the two were killed off instead of meeting the Final Girl expectation of the two. Also, Scream was one of the first horror’s to end up having two killers instead of one – Scream just has twist after twist!
25. Grayson Button 03.26.22 / 8pm

    I think your review is absolutely solid with your ties to tropes and inside jokes, as well as blending the slasher genre with comedy. I think the film is shot so well with the opening scene having a wide lens to make you paranoid of something coming around any corner. Each of the characters are so stereotypical and poke fun at the genre while giving it a classic slasher style. The plot totally has expectations that it completely twists, such as two killers or who dies and who survives. The film is a masterpiece with plot and camera angles, constantly making you fear ghost face coming around a corner, even when the film is over.
26. Logan Brown 10.19.23 / 9pm

    Wes Craven’s, “Scream” is debatably my favorite film to watch during Halloween. I completely agree with how Wes Craven successfully blended horror and comedy, which is why I enjoy the film. The character’s stereotypes, shots, and soundtrack captivate the audience making it a slasher for the ages. Additionally, I find it amazing how Wes Craven can operate on such a small budget to create such a masterful film. As you said in your review, it’s all in the editing. The plot, angles, and twists make the film my favorite film during the Halloween season.
27. Lyla Ortega 08.18.24 / 11pm

    I had never been a huge horror fan until last year when I started getting into the movies because of my boyfriend. Scream opened the floodgates for me personally, and I always find myself gravitating towards it more than any other horror film. Its campy nature mixed with a great ensemble cast suspense, and creative script makes for an amazing movie, and an even better rewatch every single time. Even knowing who the killer is, you still feel the suspense with every tense moment, and I do think the director captured the fear of the characters very well. While the sequels have their own personal quality moments, Scream cements itself in horror history with its self awareness and twists.
28. Jose Becerra 11.02.24 / 10pm

    I have always had a love for the Scream movie, with it being my most rewatched film of all time, and I think it’s mainly to do with what you mentioned, it being a love letter towards the Horror genre. This being seen throughout the jokes, as iit points out the multiple clichés in the genre, such as don’t be intimate rule, or don’t say “I’ll be back.” Wes Craven plays with the genre while still making a cohesive and loveable film. You mentioned that a big part of the film’s scary atmosphere is through the editing, and I believe this to be true, as while there is some fright behind a serial killer in your hometown, you feel the rush as the viewer was in the same situation. One of my favorite scenes was the iconic introduction, as It had felt terrifying and worrisome with the introduction character, I think mainly it being due to the fast-paced editing and low lighting when they were outside.

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