The Scream franchise prides itself on knowing its horror movie trivia. So here are some: How many times has Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) been stabbed or shot in the four Screams? Four. How many times has she escaped being stabbed? Five into four. Considering the movie makes no bones about the killings all being inspired by the original Woodsboro murders from Scream,you would think they would know by now that Sidney doesnt die easy. Even when dragged by her leg down the stairs,she just kicks back and sends the Ghostface killer flying. The Ghostface lets him/herself beaten by Sidney,even as he/she slashes away at her friends and family getting rid of them. Do you like the older,quieter,hair-up-in-a-bun Sidney,now playing elder cousin to teenagers such as one played by her in the three prequels? Yes. Campbell has that quality of quiet sorrow about her,and so even in her latest avatar of a writer who has come out with a bestseller to tackle being the subject of three serial killing sprees,she is surprisingly credible. Cox is good too,reprising the role of a former reporter still cashing in on her role in solving the Woodsboro murders. From plugging her fame to her charm,and even her whiplash tongue,she wont stop at anything to get involved in the new investigation. With its numerous in-house movie jokes,which include predicting the murder sequence as would happen in a horror film,Scream 4 is entertaining and adequately gory. However,as usual,it is the end that really takes the blood out of this film: implausible,barely explained,dragged out,and patchy. shalini.langer@expressindia.com
