Gathering0Gloom

[gathering0gloom]

Just saw Scream 7.

I’ll make a more detailed review later, once it’s been out long enough for everyone who cares to watch it.

But for now I’ll just say… what the heck was that motive?

[gathering0gloom]

Scream 3 review

Scream 3. When it stumbles, it stumbles. But when it works, it goddamn WORKS.

Starting off with the bad, I hate how they had Dewey and Gale go through the 'will or won't they' story AGAIN. I thought 2 had settled it.

The opening felt too rushed. The original and 2 took their time building up the suspense. This one rushed in and just felt cheap.

Suddenly, Randy has a sister. Good foreshadowing for the GF reveal, but still.

What happened to the costume department in this film? I know Gale's bangs have been talked about to death, but Milton was supposed to be a bigwig in a large film company. Why was he dressed like he had just rolled out of bed with a bad hangover?

It was good that the film used the voice changer to add paranoia about who was actually on the other side of the phone, but it came way too late.

All in all, this movie felt a lot more cartoonish than the previous 2, especially in the fax scene and the third act.

And now for the good parts.

The mystery was genuinely intriguing. Piecing together clues about Maureen's past.

There were some very scary and eerie moments: Sidney's nightmare about her mother and finding the film set of her house really stand out. Echoes of past conversations, Ghostface using Muareen's voice, going back to Woodsboro without actually having to go back there. And Milton talking about Maureen was chilling in a unique way you don't usually see in Scream.

Killing off Cotton was a great way to start the (at the time) final film.

Hollywood is a natural next step, considering the meta aspect. And I do like that they use the setting: showing films being made, the darker side of the business. Actresses having to sleep with directors to get roles was constantly brought up, tforeshadowing what happened to Maureen. Again, the mystery angle in this film is very strong.

This is also the first film in the series where the legacy trio felt like a trio. In the original and 2, they were mostly with other people, never really being together as a group. They all had relationships with each other, but they never really felt like a trio. But here, they feel like a group of friends who understand each other in ways no one else can.

It was nice to see Randy again. Forced, but nice. His video brought a sense of foreboding to the narrative.

If this had been the series' final ending, I'd be satisfied. The final fight against the director of Ghostface is emotionally charged; Dewey and Gale get married, and Sidney finds closure and has a friend circle around her again (Dewey, Gale and Mark).

Now I want to talk about Roman Bridger. The director of Ghostface. I like him; his working alone (Angelina being an accomplice is just a theory) really adds to his threat level, and his existence as Sidney's long-lost sibling born when their mother was raped by a director is foreshadowed a lot throughout the movie. Scott Foley does a great job of conveying Roman's anger and fury, and this Ghostface has one of the best GF lines in the series: "It was a simple game, Cotton."

My main problem is that Sidney never meets him before the unmasking, so it comes across as less 'oh my God' and more 'who the hell are you?'. Couldn't they have written Sidney watching Roman on TV, advertising the upcoming Stab 3? Or they meet on the Stab film set? Just something.

I would have preferred it if Roman died after holding hands with Sidney. No last-second scare. It was a really poignant moment: the man responsible for all this death and suffering, realising that it didn't have to be this way, that he and Sidney could have been friends in another life. It would have underlined the pointlessness of it all.

Regarding ranking, I can't justify putting 3 above 2. But I also can't put it below it either because, again, when this film works, it WORKS.

Scream (1996)

Scream 2/Scream 3

Though this feels like an opinion that could change.

That's the original trilogy done. Now onto Scream 4. I hope that vaseline filter isn't as distracting as everyone says.

[gathering0gloom]

*Thinking about Scream stuff, thinking about Scream stuff*

Hey, didn't I start a franchise rewatch... almost two years ago? What have I been doing?

Well, with Scream 7 almost here, I might as well finish it.

So, Scream 2... I'm going to be honest, I remember it being better. I did try to watch it a few times before, but I never got past half an hour. And I didn't understand why until my latest attempt: there wasn't the atmosphere of fear that the first movie had.

In the original, Casey and Steve's murder hung over the movie, particularly the first third. There were police at the school, news vans, counselling was being offered, and even a curfew was put in place. 2 was missing that; Phil and Maureen's deaths didn't seem to carry the same weight. They were mentioned, but there was no real lasting impact. That might have been a commentary on how the murder of two black students wouldn't get the same attention as the deaths of two white teenagers. But even after Cici's death, the general population still didn't seem on edge. No students left campus except Sidney and Hallie (at the film's climax, and we knew they weren't getting to safety); Joel left as well, but that's only three people shown leaving. Everyone outside the main cast was carrying on like business as normal - Derek's fraternity brothers creeping around at the climax did not send the message of 'a killer is running around, we should be careful'. It took away from the fear that Ghostface is supposed to inspire.

I suppose Stu hosting a party at his house also didn't properly represent that fear (before the reveal). But at least Dewey was there to provide some police oversight.

Also, I don't like Windsor College as a setting compared to Woodsboro. I understand why they did, and I do like how they showed or told us what all the characters were doing there: Mickey and Randy studying films, Sidney studying drama, Hallie studying psychology, and Derek studying medicine. And there were sororities and fraternities to give the college life. I just prefer small towns as horror settings.

I also wanted to talk about Cotton Weary. I feel like I lean more on his side than Sidney's. Did he cross a line by getting very creepy and grabbing her arm? Yes. Do I think Sidney owed him more than just an 'I'm sorry'? Also yes. I didn't like Sid when she said they should just move on. Cotton spent a year on death row for rape and murder. I can understand him wanting to spread the word of his innocence as much as possible.

Now for the parts I liked.

2 feels like a natural continuation of the story started in 1. We get to see the mother whom Billy was so torn up over losing; the meta commentary flows nicely into sequels (even if it didn't feel quite as relevant to the film's events), and Gale and Dewey's relationship evolves into something real that culminates in Gale ignoring the chance to cover the murder spree ending to focus on Dewey recovering. I actually like to think of 1 and 2 as two parts of the same story; you really can't have one without the other.

Killing off Randy, bold. Definitely showed the film had teeth.

The ending didn't feel as abrupt as 1's. Sidney walking off alone as music plays provides a nice, bittersweet touch: she's alive, and the media are leaving her alone, but she's lost so many friends that it still feels like she lost.

And this film has the BEST Ghostface in the series: Mickey. Timothy Olyphant didn't really have a great presence before his unmasking, but once he did, he blew it out of the park. And he's the only Ghostface so far who wanted to get caught. I love that, in hindsight, it gives his character a sense of fearlessness that helps me accept that he was willing to risk the movie theatre plan. Even if he gets caught, it wouldn't matter because that's part of his plan anyway. I wish more Ghostfaces didn't care if they got caught or not.

As for ranking, I originally had 2 above the original. But now I've realised that was mostly because of Mickey, and upon rewatch, it's not enough.

Scream

Scream 2

Scream 3 next. Let's see if it's as goofy as everyone says. I'm aiming to watch the rest of the series before 7 releases.

[gathering0gloom]

Does anyone have recommendations for Scream-like slasher books? Something like There's Someone Inside Your House or Summer Rental?

Bonus points if it's actually set in the 90s.

[gathering0gloom]

Hahahahaha... ha. Ha ha ha. Ha.

Is anyone going to actually call Sidney that?

Couldn't they have hyphenated? It doesn't feel right not seeing Prescott there.

[gathering0gloom]

The new Scream 7 poster has just dropped.

Wait a minute...

Oh, come on. Once was fine, twice was iffy, but three times? It looks good, but 'Ghostface overlooking the cast' is starting to get old.

[gathering0gloom]

So a new Scream 7 TV spot has dropped. And if the reports I've heard continue to be accurate, we should be getting a new poster todayand a new trailer tomorrow.

As for the TV spot, it's fine. They're definitely going for a finale vibe, with the whole 'Every phone call, every killer, has led to this.' taglines. Not to mention the "I've been planning this for a long time' line from Ghostface. But honestly, it feels a little... disingenuous.

Don't get me wrong, I'm interested to see what they're cooking up. But I feel that it's too... I can't find the right word, but it doesn't sit right with me.

Abrupt, I think that's the right word. We've had two movies focusing on Sam and Tara. Now they're gone, and suddenly this is the moment everything's been building up to? And let's be honest, they will make more if they think there's money to be made.

I know the series hasn't actually been building to this, since I doubt anyone in 1996 thought Scream would last this long, but their decision to use this angle is still weird.

I will also say that it's a shame they already used the shrine concept in VI, because if they combined that with the 'everything has led to this' tagline, it would feel more climactic.

[gathering0gloom]

So, 2025 has come and gone.

Aren't we supposed to have Thanksgiving 2 by now?

[demifiendrsa]

Scream 7 | Official Trailer

Poster

Synopsis

When a new Ghostface killer emerges in the quiet town where Sidney Prescott has built a new life, her darkest fears are realized as her daughter becomes the next target. Determined to protect her family, Sidney must face the horrors of her past to put an end to the bloodshed once and for all.

[gathering0gloom]

“To put an end to the bloodshed once and for all.”

Hmm…

*Looks at Scream 3*

I think they’re gonna make more.

[gathering0gloom]

Scream 7 trailer just dropped.

Ghostface saying: “Reminds me of where we grew up.”

A voice that sounds very much like Stu: “This is gonna be fun.”

Confirmation that Matthew Lillard is going to appear in the film in some form.

Well blow me down, they are going for the ‘Stu lives’ theory, aren’t they?

[gathering0gloom]

So, in 'Mastermind', Satan calls Lucifer 'the Golden Angel'.

"I've ruled the endless dark, since long before the Golden Angel's fall."

But here's the thing: Lucifer isn't golden.

He has some gold, but it's not his main colour. A more fitting description would be 'The Crimson Angel' or 'The Shining Angel' (if we want to stick with the pace of the song).

But you know what is gold?

Angel blood.

Now, assuming that what Asomdeus said about knowing Mammon since the start of Hell in 'MMMMS(ff)' is true, we can assume that the Sins were at the very least created when Hell began, when Lucifer and Lilith were imprisoned there.

Assuming they were literally thrown into Hell, that would surely hurt, maybe enough to bleed?

So... does that mean when Satan first met Lucifer, he was drenched in his own blood from the fall?

[gathering0gloom]

You cannot convince me that there isn't magic in Transformer's One.

"It's super advanced technology."

No, I do not believe that. T-Cogs are magic; otherwise, how else can they create new material from nothing?

D-16 didn't have that huge gun on his arm until he got a T-Cog.

But alright, maybe it's nanotech, and the T-Cog scans the Cybertronian's potential and installs the upgrades.

But I have several other pieces of evidence:

The Matrix of Leadership appears out of literal thin air.

2. Alpha Trion telekinetically uses dust to attack and recreate the past.

3. The Spirits of the dead Primes (including the aforementioned Alpha Trion) appear to Orion Pax as he receives the Matrix.

Transformers One is a fantasy story in a sci-fi setting. Think about it: a tyrannical usurper has betrayed the rightful king(s) and queen(s) after making a deal with demonic forces, and a group of young heroes learn magic to restore peace and prosperity to the kingdom.

In all honesty, this is really creative. And it's another reason I'm furious we're not getting a sequel. This had SO MUCH potential.

[avatar-legends-confessionblog]

When you look at a lot of ships on AO3 (azutara, zukka, azuki, tyluki, yuezula) you'll notice most of them didn't start until 2020 and I think that tells you everything you need to know. The people who watched on Netflix really took over the fandom...I miss the old days.

Actually azutara had a decent following since 2008,

X

[gathering0gloom]

Can confirm. The whole reason I got into Azutara in the first place was because of Destikim’s DA comics from 2009.

[gathering0gloom]

If you like fantasy, you need to watch Wolf King on Netflix.

I’ve only seen the first episode and it’s already one of my favourites. You know that really annoying thing with eight episode seasons where there’s no breathing time? This show does it well, things get going quickly and while the world feels a little cramped, it is only the first episode so I’m excited to see where else we go in this world.

[gathering0gloom]

*The Dark Spirit breaks Katara's ice wall and shatters her jaw before plunging an arm through her stomach*

Dark Spirit: So pretty, such a waste.

Azula: No!

*Catches Katara's body*

Azula: Katara, please, I can't do this without you. I can't live without you, please. Please, please, please, please, please. Katara, please.

*Katara tries to say something through her ruined jaw*

Azula: Nono, stop, don't try to talk. AANG! I NEED YOU, AANG! Please, please keep breathing.

Dark Spirit: Aw, such a strong bond. Spirits have nothing like this, it's a weakness, really.

*Licks Katara's blood off its arm*

Dark Spirit: Delicous. I am beginning to understand why other Spirits have such affinity for you lowly creatures.

Azula: Katara... Katara...

Dark Spirit: Not long now, huh? If you've got anything to tell her, I wouldn't wait.

*Katara has stopped moving*

Dark Spirit: Oh, too late?

*Azula turns to give the Dark Spirit a seething, tear-filled glare*

Dark Spirit: Good, now while I have your attention, I wanna thank you, Azula. Really. It's not often I get to cut loose like this. Usually, there are so many things the other Spirits tell me to do: so many things they don't want destroyed, people not killed. But for whatever reason, and I don't really care why, I was told to kill you by any means necessary. You did something to piss us off, and I thank you for it, this has been an immense joy.

*Blue fire flares around Azula's hands*

Azula: I don't care how strong you are. I don't care how fast you are. I can see the future, you don't live to see tomorrow.

Dark Spirit: After all I've done, after all this, you still think you can threaten me? I dare say, human, you are starting to impress me. Do your worst.

*Azula launches a huge surge of lightning*

[gathering0gloom]

*Knock at the door*

Azula: That's weird. Someone's at the door so early.

*She and Kiyi go to answer it*

Azula (badly acting): Hey Katara, what a surprise.

Katara (also badly acting): Oh, well, hello, I was just in the neighbourhood and figured I'd drop by and see you guys.

Kiyi: Why'd you waterbend out of Azula's window if you're just gonna come back and-

*Azula kicks Kiyi*

Kiyi: Ow!

*Ursa smiles knowingly as Azula, Katara and Kiyi come into the breakfast room*

Ursa: Katara, would you like to join us for breakfast?

Katara: I would love to. Thank you for asking.

Ursa: Not at all. Pull up a chair. I had Kiyi set up an extra place just in case.

Katara: Oh, uh... lucky for me, I guess.

*During breakfast, Azula keeps yawning*

Ursa: So Azula, did you get a good night's sleep?

Azula: I... uh...

Kiyi: Azula wasn't sleeping. She and Katara had a sleepover.

Azula: Kiyi, what the heck?

*Kicks Kiyi under the table*

Kiyi: Ow, stop kicking me. They made too much noise playing and woke me up.

Azula: We were acting out a-a play. I didn't know it would be that loud.

*Kiyi kicks her under the table*

Azula: Ow! Kiyi!

*Both start kicking each other under the table*

Katara: These pancakes are amazing, Ursa. Are they buttermilk? They're so soft and fluffy and light.

*Azula and Kiyi continue to kick each other*

Katara: I-I tried making blueberry pancakes once, but I had way too many blueberries and then the batter was really soggy, and then the blueberries weren't even sweet.

*Azula and Kiyi are still kicking each other*

Katara: MaybeitwasthewrongtimeofyearI-Idefinitelythinkitwasthewrongtimeofyear.

[gathering0gloom]

Just watched the first episode of Netflix’s Devil May Cry series and it’s really working for me so far.

What I really love is that they clearly explain how the world works (Earth and the demon realm) and what’s at the stake (the Sword of Sparda). No mystery mongering to build up tension (maybe that’s coming down the line, but apparently answering some big questions in the first episode is still a great way to start).

Dante himself seemed to be a minor character in this ep. It establishes that he’s there, that he can handle himself against demons and has some issues. But it’s just to show that he’s there, the focus is on the government gathering intel.

All in all, the world feels alive, the villains feel threatening, and there is just enough mystery set up to make me wonder ‘what’s going to happen next’ without it being tooth-pulling frustrating.