Revisiting this 2011 post-slasher had me a bit skeptical. However, here we are and here I am declaring it quite the brutally violent ripper with some dark intellect attached.

And wouldn't you know it too, as horror evolved from the Slasher Paradise of the 80's, to the 90's last grasp of simplified murder and suspense, to the 2000s where things became darker and harsher as we sliced our way into the next millenium.
What sums up all of that intensified violence and pessimistic wit is Cynicism, and that's exactly what Scream 4 excels at.

Williamson's script has moments of clever dialogue but the sass feels pared down. Instead we have teenagers with cell phones, always one step ahead, draining all attempts at suspense and intrigue out of the nightmare. This is a sequel tailor-made for those audiences who are looking up from their phones every few minutes, as fortunately Craven delivers something ripe for their synapses: absolutely disturbing kills.
Sure they occasionally come dotted with verbal punchlines, but overall this has to be the most bombastically violent of the entire franchise.

Innards are left congealing on a bed, knives are stabbed into torsos then said torsos are catapulted off a high rise building. When the two bumbling cops are awaiting their imminent doom, the moment of expiration comes with a mumbled joke while a man is holding a gaping stab wound in his forehead, blood pouring out in perfect detail. I think I'm supposed to laugh but my jaw is too busy staying glued to the floor.

The killer's motivation is easily the weakest of the entire series though and barely scrapes through the narrative thanks to some piss-poor performances from the killers. Craven & Williamson redeem that slip-up with a legitimately awesome final twist - the alternate ending. An added 20 minutes that is delirious and triumphant, a twist so clever it'll leave you giddy and gritting your teeth.

Loved it. I've been groaning about a 5th entry but now I'm ready for it.