STARRING: Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courtney Cox Arquette and Parker Posey

Just when you thought it was safe to pick up your phone, here comes the last installment in the "Scream" series. "Scream 3" picks up where the last two left off: a killer in a Edward Munch-esque ghost mask terrorizes beautiful people with crank phone calls and a really big knife. All the key players have returned -- Director Wes Craven, stars Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox Arquette and David Arquette -- with the exception of screenwriter Kevin Williamson. The film's new scribe, Ehren Kruger ("Arlington Road" and the upcoming "Reindeer Games"), is a worthy substitute, but he lacks Williamson's gift for humor and snappy dialogue. "Scream 3" is a fun ride, but goes nowhere.

The movie takes place about four years after the first "Scream." Sidney, our heroine played by Campbell (TV's "Party of Five"), is in hiding while Deputy Dewey (Arquette from "Ravenous") is serving as the technical advisor for "Stab 3," a horror film based on his and Sidney's earlier adventures. Obnoxious Reporter Gale Weathers (Cox Arquette from TV's "Friends") is now anchor of an "Entertainment Tonight" clone and Cotton Leary, (Liev Shrieber from "The Hurricane) who was framed for murder in the first "Scream," is cashing in on his past with a gig as a TV talk show host and a cameo in "Stab 3." A double murder pulls the old gang together again on the movie's set and then things really start getting nasty.

Scream 3 is a fun ride, but goes nowhere.

It's good to see Craven back behind the camera of a horror movie after wallowing in melodrama with last fall's "Music of the Heart." This series has earned a reputation for thrilling opening sequences and Craven does not disappoint with this one. There are also some exciting bits with the killer stalking the cast of "Stab 3," which includes Jenny McCarthy (former Playboy playmate and MTV's answer to Vanna White) and the fabulous Parker Posey ("House of Yes" and "You've Got Mail"). McCarthy has one of the movie's creepier moments when she hides in the wardrobe room amidst a sea of black robes and ghost masks. An intense chase through a movie set -- an exact replica of the house from the first movie -- is certain to boost the audience's adrenaline levels. The sense of deja vu really juices up the scene. Kruger has drafted a script that's very skilled at scaring you. It just won't make you laugh. The dialogue is flat and generic, missing the humor that made the other two "Screams" stand out.

Like its predecessors, this movie keeps you guessing regarding the murderer's identity. Is it the brooding detective (Patrick Dempsey from "With Honors")? The creepy producer (Lance Henriksen from "Aliens")? The ingenue with the weird fascination for Sidney (Emily Mortimer from "Notting Hill")? I did figure out the killer's motive about halfway through the flick, but I was surprised by the killer's actual identity. The motive is pretty standard for this kind of movie, but does put a new spin on events in the first "Scream." As with most sequels, the movie is a little too preoccupied with what has gone on before, but not so much that a newcomer couldn't get into the story.

The dialogue is flat and generic, missing the humor that made the other two Screams stand out.

This movie is entertaining, but contains nothing more than a few good chases and a couple of scares. There's nothing to rival the original's appeal. "Scream" had the thrills and chills, but also featured a charismatic cast that kept you glued to the screen. This latest installment is sorely missing the presence of livewires like Matthew Lillard ("SLC Punk") and Rose McGowan ("Jawbreaker"). With the exception of Posey, no one else in this movie generates any heat. Somebody give this woman the lead in the mainstream movie that she deserves. Posey is always fun to watch and her "bitch diva" attitude greatly enhances this film. Without her, this movie could have easily been subtitled "Attack of the Bland TV Actors." Some unexpected cameos also add spice to the film. Look for B-movie maven Roger Corman and "Star Wars" vet Carrie Fisher among others.

"Scream 3" is also haunted by the ghosts of the many mediocre films spawned by this franchise. While the first movie wasn't brilliant, it broke new ground by questioning the fundamentals of the horror genre. Why is the killer always invincible? Why don't the victims fight back? Why do you always die after having sex? Its revisionist stance made everything old new again. As usual, the movie's success inspired an onslaught of imitators. They soon turned a fresh approach into just another formula. It's this baggage which makes "Scream 3" feel like an imposter even though it's a rightful heir to the throne.

Videos & Soundtracks

Filmboy Recommends: Scream

Filmboy | Message Board | E-mail Filmboy