Review: Scream 4

Hey all, Rhianne here again with another film review. I have just been to see Scream 4 and I was persuaded by friends to write a review of it, but they might have just wanted to get a mention in it! So here is my review of Scream 4...



As you can guess from the title, Scream 4 is the fourth film in the horror franchise. Like all of the other films, it is directed by Wes Kraven, who once again does a brilliant job. The film features all the characters we know and love from the previous films, including the infamous Ghostface, as well as many other recognizable faces. It is a great film to go and see with your friends, especially if you are too scared to go alone, as you can all face the terror together! For those of you who are devoted fans or just love a scare, then this film is for you.

Ten years have passed, and Sidney Prescott(Neve Campbell) has taken control of her life, and written a book about it. She returns to Woodsboro as the anniversary of the murder's is about to take place, re-kindling her friendship with Dewey Riley(David Arquette) and Gale Weathers(Courtney Cox), who are now married. We are also introduced to her Aunt and her cousin Jill(Emma Roberts)who are her remaining family. As you can probably predict, the Ghostface killer makes a re-appearance, devoted to tormenting Sidney wherever she goes. As a result every one close to her is put in danger, including the rest of Woodsboro.

The film is similar to the others, but it is just as good on delivering shock and gore. The opening scenes are definitely the best, as they immediately grab your attention, trapping you in their fright fest. From the beginning you will attempt to play the detective and try to suss out who the killer is, most likely failing as the plot thickens. When things calm down a little(or there are no murders) life in Woodsboro turns tense as people start to question who the killer is like the audience. Without the murders the story is quite boring, so in a good way they add to the film's brilliance!

Stereotypically, the acting in horror films is not usually great, but in Scream 4 it is actually rather good. Featuring a large cast, it mixes a blend of famous faces as well as young talent, who are all terrific. Neve Campbell is at her best playing the tormented Sidney, who is at the heart of the film since her past always follows her. David Arquette is also good as the likable Dewey, as is Courtney Cox although she isn't quite as good as she was in the previous films. Emma Roberts is surprisingly good as she takes on a much darker role than usual. All of the characters are believable and make up for what the script lacks in.

Scream 4 certainly does not disappoint and is a brilliantly executed addition to the franchise. It may just seem like another sequel, and there have been a few now, but it is definitely worth a watch. You will find yourself laughing, gasping in shock, clinging to your seat, but most of all, screaming at the characters to look behind them! Overall, Scream 4 is one of the better slasher films out there, and it will be sure to take you on a terrifying journey, even if you do know what is coming.

I leave you with these final words to ponder over...

"What's your favourite scary movie?"

Review: Into The Wild

Hello everyone, Rhianne here. The next addition to our Discovery blog, which is another review, still with many more brilliant ones to come! It was only last night that I saw Into The Wild for the very first time and I thought it would be a great chance to tell you about it.



Into The Wild is based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, played by Emile Hirsch, a young man who sets out to live in the Alaskan wilderness. He gives his entire savings to charity, and leaves behind his family to carry out his ambition. Sean Penn directed and adapted the screenplay for the film, which results in a stunning piece of film-making. The film is deeply moving, taking us on an emotional roller coaster as we follow the story of Christopher.

Although the film focuses on Christopher's journey, his sister narrates the story, which I think gives us a deeper insight into the effect he has on leaving his family. The voice-over is a welcome addition as it is informative and the film would have less meaning without it. Christopher does make it to Alaska as the film has flashbacks to his incredible journey that lead him there. After abandoning his home, he sets off on what is to become an unbelievable journey to find himself, and changes his name to Alexander Supertramp so he isn't found. To reach Alaska he treks, kayaks and hitch-hikes, meeting some amazing people along the way.

He forms a friendship with the older Ron Franz(Hal Holbrook) which creates an amazing on-screen partnership. Emile Hirsch working with Hal Holbrook is truly brilliant, as Holbrook brings a deeply emotional presence to the screen. Their characters have such an impact on each other, and their final scene together is one of the best in the film because it is so moving.

The film relies heavily on Emile Hirsch's acting, which I think is outstanding. His performance is exceptional for being in his early twenties as it is such a hard-hitting tale. It is a gritty and powerful performance, and he owns the role. The cast is quite small but they all play their parts well, as the film needs to keep Christopher's story at the heart of it.

Into The Wild is an incredible film that manages to show the beautiful and harsh outcomes of Christopher's story. It is deeply touching and manages to take the viewer on a journey at the same time. The end sequence is unforgettable, and gives the film a very sensitive ending to the extraordinary tale of Christopher McCandless.

Blogging masterclass with Emma Lennox

Today we learned more about blogging with Emma Lennox who is currently working on The Story Of Film with Mark Cousins. We wrote reviews on our favourite films and discussed about writing on our blogs. One of the topics we discussed was about using quizzes on our blog page!!!! It was very helpful and we all enjoyed it!!!!

Review: Submarine

Hello all! Jessie here with the first of hopefully many film reviews to feature on the blog in the run-up to the Discovery festival. I saw Submarine at the DCA (twice!), and I'm going to share my thoughts on it here.


Submarine follows fifteen-year-old dreamer Oliver Tate, played by Craig Roberts, and his teenage misadventures through school, family and relationships. It's a fairly conventional coming-of-age tale, but under the direction of Richard Ayoade, it stands out against its many predecessors.

The film is viewed heavily through Oliver's eyes, he even muses that he should be 'followed by a film crew making a documentary about a prominent thinker'. From the outset, we are seeing the world the way Oliver does, dramatic and idealised (even Welsh industrial sites become grandiose). Yet, despite his self-declared visionary status, Oliver is actually quite a typical teenager - he makes silly decisions, and is often tactless and selfish. However, his romanticized narration of his life is so charming and intimate that we forgive him immediately.

Ayoade has very cleverly avoided the 'quirky low-budget' look that many 'quirky low-budget' British films seem to have. Submarine is exceptionally cinematic. A simple act such as Oliver and his love-interest brushing arms in a school hallway is captured in a dramatic sweeping shot.
The film is deeply funny, and the quirky comedy manages to be hilarious without being too silly. Many laughs come from the endearing ridiculousness of Oliver himself, as well as those around him, such as his pompous mystic neighbour played by Paddy Considine. The film manages to maintain its humour throughout, but still includes moments of genuine darkness or pathos.

Submarine captures perfectly the teenage feeling of solipsism: when you're fifteen and you live in your own head, you are bound to think you are the most important person on the planet. This is where a conflict for Oliver arises; when he tries to fix his parents' failing marriage whilst simultaneously being 'the best boyfriend ever', he realises the painful harshness of reality and how his previous feelings of self-importance aren't going to get him anywhere. This, for me, defines 'coming of age', and makes Submarine a classic in the genre, and essential viewing for a young audience.