History repeats itself in the case of Scream VI, a sequel released one year later that manages to enhance almost every element Radio Silence had perfect in the previous film. It wants to steer the saga in an entirely new direction -- out of Woodsboro, and into New York City, where almost all of our legacy survivors from the past are again stalked and hunted by a deranged lunatic in a Ghostface mask. However, the threat is much more personal this time around, and while I'll keep this area spoiler-free, it is indeed an overall requel and love letter to Scream 2.

I honestly wasn't expecting this to top the last entry, yet they did, and I am now declaring Ghostface Takes Manhattan, in its entirety, the ultimate Scream film. We're well into the next phase of the franchise, and this is a sequel for fans that jumped in with the 2022 relaunch as much as it is a sequel for fans that have remained loyal since the original. Through a shrine of wardrobes, set pieces, and props from each installment, as well as the long-awaited return from Hayden Panettiere as Kirby Reed, you can feel how much care went into this as a passion project.

Neve Campbell's absence is rarely felt, because Courteney Cox is here in a greater role than ever before; both in front of the camera and behind it as an executive producer along with series creator Kevin Williamson. And that passing of the torch to Barrera, Ortega, Gooding, and Savoy? Never wasted. Matured with an even better batch of fresh blood by their sides, and major improvements in the balance of melodramatic exposition and pure slasher terror. It's a mean-spirited, original tale with the highest stakes and goriest gags this saga has ever seen. Further evidence that directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett were fantastic picks to succeed horror auteur Wes Craven.

Again grateful to see it first in a fan event, this time with a RealD 3D 4DX joint format. So happy with how this turned out!

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