Scream 2 (1997)

When a new movie opens based on a true story about a pair of serial killers, the survivor (Neve Campbell) of that event finds herself once again thrust into the unwelcome media limelight. Things go from bad to horrible, when a copycat killer begins terrorizing the small college town. Directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson, the men behind the original SCREAM (1996). This is that rarity, a sequel that surpasses the original. This is one hell of a rollercoaster ride! Craven and Williamson jack up the body count and increase the intensity, all the while savoring every bit of black humor they can squeeze out. Williamson's script is smart and full of surprises and Craven doesn't let go of his grip and delivers a terrific finish. The film's killer (no pun intended) opening says a lot about horror movies and horror movie fans! Which isn't to say that the film doesn't have its flaws. There's a lame sequence of Jerry O'Connell serenading Campbell in the school cafeteria that could have easily been excised with no harm to the film. The performances are fine except for Timothy Olyphant, who's pretty embarrassing. The rest of the large cast includes David Arquette, Courteney Cox, Liev Schreiber, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jada Pinkett, Heather Graham, Luke Wilson, David Warner, Laurie Metcalf, Jamie Kennedy, Portia De Rossi, Tori Spelling and Omar Epps.