Ghostface is back, and this time Ghostface is taking on the Big Apple. Tara, Mindy, and Mindy’s brother Chad are attending college in New York City after the events of the last Scream film.

Tara’s older sister Sam goes with Tara with no agenda other than to stay with Tara, evident that the trauma she experienced is still with her. A new Ghostface has followed them all the way across the country, with the intention of framing Samantha.

The last Scream film took on toxic fandom, a theme that has been prevalent in every sequel, but with the prominence of social media, it has taken on a whole new meaning.

This Scream seems to want to tackle the issue of victim blaming, especially as that relates to women who tend to be blamed for the violence they experience.

It never quite fully realizes this idea, which is part of a larger issue I have with the film. Everything feels a little half-baked, and not in a Dazed and Confused way.

By the time the final twist comes to fruition, it feels like a bit of a letdown. Scream V, 5, or whatever you want to call it, was a success financially and critically that the studio wanted to capitalize on.

So of course they cranked out a sequel in less than a year, and this cake could’ve used some more time in the oven. That is not to say I didn’t like this film.

This is one of the few franchises that I like and will rewatch any film in it and that’ll stay for this film as well. Some of the chase sequences are expertly done.

A couple specifically is the convenience store which is in the trailer, and another dealing with a ladder. Of course, the opening is a good setup. This is one franchise with iconic opening scenes.

In these sequences are some vicious kills. Old and new fans of the franchise will have their thirst for blood quenched by these kills.

Scream VI has a fresh take opening even coming with its own twists. Of course, the “core four” as cheesily coined in this film give good performances.

My personal favorite is Jasmin Savoy Brown as Mindy Meeks-Martin. She personifies the Rnady character perfectly while also making it her own. Jenna Ortega obviously commands the screen and is capable of carrying this franchise.

Unfortunately, its past torch bearer Neve Campbell was nowhere to be seen in this film. I commend her for saying now when she wasn’t given the money she deserved.

This is her franchise and she should be paid accordingly. Her presence wouldn’t have fixed the issues this film has, but everyone wants Sidney Prescott.

Though this entry is half-baked, there are enough action/scares and gruesome kills to keep fans and newcomers engaged. It’s just a shame that more thought goes into the kills rather than the story.

P.S. PAY NEVE CAMPBELL!

3.5/5 Stars