Scream 2

REVIEW
A solid follow-up to Craven's 1996 smash, Scream 2 takes place two years after the events of the first film, as Sidney (Campbell) is attending a Midwestern college. A handful of copycat murders coincide with the release of the film Stab, based on the events from the first film. While not as scary as the original, this is just as suspenseful and full of surprises, and it even pokes fun at horror sequels with the same panache and wit as Scream busted on slasher films in general. Good performances, crisp photography and an effective score complement Craven's stylish direction and Kevin Williamson's well-crafted screenplay. Although a misconceived and protracted climax, as well as a downer ending, do detract a bit from the fun, this is almost on par with its original.