Scream 2 (5 Stars)

"Scream" was an important film because it revitalised the slasher genre. So could the sequel (or rather, the second part of the trilogy) live up to it? The answer is a resounding Yes. "Scream 2" continues with the parody ideas from the first film, but they're portrayed in a less comical way. It's still a film about films, but it has more of the character of an homage than a parody. In fact, we see things from the other side here. "Scream 2" starts with a film called "Stab", which is a film based on the events of the first film. A portion of "Stab", which contains dialog identical to the words spoken in "Scream", is shown on television within "Scream 2", which lifts us a further level from reality. So we're watching a film in which the characters know they're in a film, and in the film the events are filmed to be watched by the film characters. Confusing, huh? Only if you sit down and think about it. Most people prefer to just sit down and be scared.

The finale takes place on stage within a film school. The theatre in a school in a film? We also see the killer videotaping his victims. This is an intelligent film on so many different levels. And it's scary! This is a must-watch film, whether you're a horror movie fan or an intellectual who likes to analyse everything.