Scream 4 [Spoiler Free]

Let's face it: Remakes and sequels rarely, if ever, exceed the quality of the originals, a point I tried making in one of my earlier blogs. This point is also made in Scream 4 by poking fun at the unquantifiable horror sequels and reboots out there. The Scream movies are so fun because of how self-aware of themselves they are. 'Scream' even exists within itself in the form of seven 'Stab' movies. How many of you have sat at home or in a theater and asked yourself why characters in horror movies don't seem at all familiar with horror movie cliches? These films are so enjoyable because they fearlessly self-parody themselves, without compromising the suspense or mystery, by commenting on the rules to which horror films play out, and specifically in Scream 4, how those rules are changing, among other things.

The film does a good job of throwing red herrings your way to throw you off the scent of who the killer is. It was fun trying to guess who it was. I honestly had no idea who it could be until the killer was revealed. It was fun seeing some of the original cast mixed in with new one. I love throwbacks and cameos (even though these appearances are more than just a cameo). My only complaint was the ending act seemed to drag on, especially since I held my bladder for about 20 minutes so I didn't miss anything. The acting was alright, but who actually goes to see a slasher flick for the acting?

Bottom-line? Scream 4 is a fun and entertaining movie far better, in my opinion, than any slasher flick released in recent memory. I think it also stands well on it's own. Without having seen the first two films in the franchise, a crime on its own, I didn't feel like I was left out on anything other than the experience of not having seen them. The movie definitely does have its flaws, but I think that they are forgivable enough to leave you with an overall, enjoyable experience.



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Hanna

Hanna is one of the movies that I have been most looking forward to seeing this year. I love a good conspiracy, action-thriller movie and Hanna looked like a film that would be able to deliver, and it does for the most part.

The movie, in my opinion, begins rather slowly; I'm assuming to convey a sense of isolation and disconnect from the rest of the world which can't be done in a fast-paced and rushed style. After all, Hanna and her father are hiding away from a ruthless CIA operative for reasons that weren't yet clear to me but are sure enough revealed as the story unfolds. The movie also ends rather abruptly, leaving me questioning, "What happens now?" One commenter on Fandango's Fan Review board states that it isn't what happens at the beginning or the end of the film that is important, but the adventure that takes place throughout the film, and I have to agree.

For me, the most enjoyable scenes weren't those where Hanna was fighting for her life, but those where she was discovering the entirely new world around her, especially in Morocco after escaping the underground hold. The family she befriends and spends quite a bit of time with creates a stark, and often humorous contrast between Hanna's isolated upbringing and the family's eccentric lifestyle.

It really is a delight watching Hanna take in everything. Saoirse's portrayal of the title character makes the film, as well the ever-reliable Cate Blanchett's delivery of menacing CIA Agent Marissa Weigler. Along with the enjoyable performances by the entire cast, the excellent editing and great, though forgettable soundtrack, you should be kept drawn into the film, unwary of the nearly two-hour run time, and left with an overall good movie-going experience.

If you have the chance and are into these kinds of films, I would definitely look into watching it. I certainly enjoyed it!

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