Scream 3 (2000)

A good finish but lacking.
I always did enjoy the Scream series. For it's plot twisted story telling and surprises. Plus the lack of a super human killer that keeps coming back. Jason anyone? The Scream Trilogy was all about revenge and suspense. Scream 3 succeeds in it's suspense and shock factor. But it's still just run o' the mill with an already used plot.

Now ignoring the fact this is seen that before. Somethings were done right. Such as being a bit more innovative with the killer. But what I didn't like was the "trilogy factor" not being carried out to its full potential. When they played the video to learn what they were dealing with. That one scene had the most impact to me. Too bad it was only introduced.

Scream 3 to me was wasted potential to a certain degree. It had the one element to set itself apart from the first two and failed to deliver. Still, it was a good addition and finish to the series. Although not scary buy any stretch. It is still good entertainment.

Good Ending Chapter but Could've Been Better
Okay. The Scream Trilogy comprise my favorite movies of all time, or at least three of my favorites of all time. Scream 1 was in my mind an instant classic because it basically reinvents the horror genre by openly ridiculing all the rules of said genre but playing with the viewer's mind such that the viewer doesn't know what's up or down. This especially applies to the end. I don't mean to give it away, but I don't think anybody would expect more than one killer. In Scream 2, my favorite character gets killed off, which I am not happy about, and I think I agree with the thoughts of the ending being a little drawn-out and implausible. Other than that, it's not only good horror but also good main-character development if you ask me.

And then we come to Scream 3. And Parker Posey. What the hell were they thinking? Parker Posey is in my opinion an atrocious actor in this movie; she's not convincing at all, and yet she's given such a major role! I tell myself that maybe this movie was more meant to be comic relief than the final chapter in a trilogy, and that helps a little. There's another character in this particular movie that tries to be smart but is stupid, and that kinda supports my "it's a comic-relief movie" idea.
All that said, there are some very clever parts to this movie as well. The ending is an awesome surprise because much in the manner of Scream 1 and 2, Scream 3 turns what you thought you know about the killer/killers on its head. Also, even though my favorite character was killed off in Scream 2, they found a perfectly plausible way to get him/ her into Scream 3. And call me morbid if you must, but I LOVE what happens to Parker Posey's character at the end. Also, unlike many other horror movies I've seen, at the end of this one, you really do get the sense that it's over, that there's no more--that the characters that remain can finally live in peace and get on with their lives.

So, overall, I like this movie. I'm afraid Parker Posey's acting/ role negates any ability to rate it above 3 stars (although I could go as high as 3.5 stars if given the option), but it's worth watching if you've never seen it and have seen the first 2.

Scream...Laugh...It's Entertaining
Although the 3rd film leaves MUCH to be desired, it is still great entertaining. With witty characters (that both deserve and don't deserve death) throughout the series, everything has a purpose. The end of the 3rd sucks when you find out who the killer is, and you will feel a little cheated, but all in all, this packaged set is a good buy for any fan of the series.

4 Stars because the 3rd just isn't the greatest and left me a little dissapointed, but nothing too major. :)