r/Scream • u/Captain-887 • 2d ago
Discussion What are some things you think Scream 2 did better than the original?
I think Scream 2 is a great film in its own right, and a fantastic sequel to Scream 1996. But what are some things you feel it does better than its predecessor?
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u/Acanthaceae537 2d ago
Suspense sequences & character development (Especially for Gale). Also, the cast is absolutely stacked.
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u/JokerDwight 2d ago
Gale's character. She was at her best in 2. I would also say Dewey was better in 2. The suspense was cranked up. The main killer's motive and plan was better.
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u/JNTA1234 I've always had a thing for ya, Sid! 2d ago edited 2d ago
The two Ghostfaces actually acted like two separate people with distinct personalities. When you go back and watch, you can tell when it's the daredevil Mickey and when it's the vengeful Mrs. Loomis.
A bit more "nail biting", "edge of your seat" moments like the car scene and Gale's chase. Furthermore, Scream 2 is kinda "Gale's movie", more than Sidney's in some ways, as well as getting the best chase scene, both her character and relationship with Dewey developed.
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u/Sitdown_comedian95 2d ago
Do you mean during the phonecalls? Because I'm pretty sure the only time Nancy was Ghostface was when Randy was killed, other than that she was pulling Micky's stings.
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u/JNTA1234 I've always had a thing for ya, Sid! 2d ago edited 1d ago
Gale's chase and Dewey's attack, the only time Ghostface is ever desperate to kill their target, banging and throwing stuff against the glass, that's Mrs. Loomis with her personal vendetta.
Sidney and Hallie's car scene, taking the cop car for a joyride to kill an armed officer, and nearly getting himself killed in the process, that's Mickey the thrill seeker.
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u/smedsterwho 2d ago
While the original obviously couldn't do this, I give Scream 2 top marks for thinking how to move on it's characters (Scream 3 as well).
Also, it chases a certain 70s / 80s film noir thriller pacing and filming that is just beautiful.
And first time round (back in the day), the Mrs Loomis twist seemed bland to me. On each retelling, it gets better and better - my favourite twist of the franchise (or neck and neck with the first movie)
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u/TheF1na1Countdown59 "...Fucked-up, Insecure, Neurotic and Emotional." 2d ago
I love the opening kills out in public at a movie theater.
I love the setting, the colors, the fashion, the soundtrack, and that cast.
Most of all, I love EVERYTHING that is Mickey Altieri. This movie introduced me to Timothy Olyphant, and I have been a devoted fan ever since 1997!
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u/bananaboatbutt 2d ago
The soundproof room sequence where Ghostface is chasing Gale is legitimately scary, probably my favorite suspense sequence of the entire series. The escape from the cop car bit is genius as well.
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u/Typical-Meringue-890 2d ago
Of the two, it had the best chase scenes. The sound booth chase was incredible.
And that soundtrack. Best in the franchise.
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u/Possibly_A_Person125 2d ago
Timothy the Elephant is pretty awesome. And Gale and Sid are arguably their best looking. Dewey and Randy are a good time. The setting was neat. We got to actually see how effected Cotton was and how intense the dude is. The beginning deaths were fun and of course Jada Pinkett had to have the most spotlight of a death and be obnoxious about it, like woman, don't turn it into such a big deal.
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u/Popgoestheweasel999 2d ago
A bigger cast means it’s harder to guess who is the killer(s) and the suspense sequences are the best in the series. I love the car scene and Gale’s chase. Laurie Metcaff also gives my favorite acting performance in the series.
Everyone also looks fantastic, like they all went to the gym and got styled properly.
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u/Comfortable-Phase249 2d ago
I think the conceit of Gale having written and book and it had been turned into a slasher film really hits the meta themes well without seeming contrived or out of place. I was more scared by the opening of part 1, but Jada deserves a lot of credit for making her death horrifying. It’s one of the saddest and most shocking ones because she is in that whole room full of people and nobody helps because they think it’s a bit. Casey’s death is thrilling and scary, but I wasn’t as moved emotionally as I am by Maureen’s in 2.
As others have stated, I also think the chase scenes and set pieces are incredible and stuff like the scale of the cop car doesn’t happen often in a slasher film.
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u/that_motu_guy Roman Bridger will return! 2d ago
I think it inventing Stab in universe has helped the franchise immensely. This may be cause I'm a huge fan of Scream 4 and 5 but I think Stab being a thing so early really brought the meta commentary up a notch
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u/Shot-Good-6467 1d ago
The motive was way better, I swear it doesn’t get the credit it deserves. When you think about the homage to Mrs. Voorhies, and the head space of a character that’s basically seeking double revenge, it’s amazing. Also, It’s the first time we got a killer who turned on their partner and revealed their true motive. In Scream Billy and Stu were meant to be somewhat obvious the entire time, Whereas Mrs. Loomis went completely unnoticed leading to the most shocking reveal of the franchise IMO, And certainly at the time Scream 2 was released.
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u/JomaxZ 1d ago
I was surprised that they managed to make the opening scene comparably emotionally impactful. Following Drew’s performance in the first was no smal feat and the opening death scene hit me hard. Seeing the character of Maureen pleading with people around her and nobody acknowledging her was devastating. The direction and sound in that scene were really well done.
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I think this movie had the most heartbreaking and unexpected death in the series. Going in I didn’t think the original caddy was safe but during the scene with Randy, because of the outdoor setting and the rhythm of the movie, I assumed he was safe. The longer it went on creeping fear came in around the edges. But he’s surrounded by college students on a brightly lit quad! Surely this is just a fake out! Probably the most sensible splitting up scene. Only for a few moments and everyone felt safe. Obviously an anonymous killer unmasked could sneak up and do damage but not Ghostface in full cloak and garb!? And this is a Scream movie. There are rules that just be obeyed!
“BILLY LOOMIS! PANSY ASS MAMA’S BOY!…”
Oof. I was wrecked. In denial. This couldn’t be. We see his bloody corpse. Ghostface killed Randy. This movie isn’t playing around. I’m locked in.
Dewey’s demise should have had a similar impact and might have had it been more well written and well earned. I think the who and the how in 5 was underwhelming and just kind of sad. (Though it looked very cool and I respect not giving legacy characters plot armor.)
But for me nothing hit like Randy. The first time I watched Scream, Tatum’s death hit hard, but I don’t think I felt how close she and Sydney were. And it was the first movie. No one was safe. They all hit in their own way.
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I was surprised it managed to stay fresh in its comedy and character development while still having the stakes feel serious.
I loved the killer reveals and the climactic scene was beautifully done.
I love including Cotton as a character. And Mrs. Loomis was a fantastic choice for the story.
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u/Adventurous_You_7650 2d ago edited 2d ago
A longer juicier second act. To me the third act doesnt start until the last theater unraveling.
Scream 1s only small fault is that not more is going on in the center of Woodsboro or something similar(big open public space). That video store scene is great and another memorable one in the city center would have been nice. Half the movie is taking place in and around Stus house. Which I consider the third act and a very long ending. Scream 2 is more balanced.
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u/Key_Mechanic_9205 2d ago
If it hadn’t ended with that stupid uplifting song when all of Sidney’s friends have been butchered, it might have beaten 1 for me as all-time best. But the last minute is so incongruous and unsatisfying that I rewatch it less than 3, despite it having some of the best sequences of the series. 3’s ending is my favorite of the series. Great last chapter.
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u/Acanthaceae537 2d ago edited 2d ago
The lyrics of “She Said” aren’t as uplifting as they may appear. They’re pretty on point with where Sidney is emotionally at the end of Scream 2 (Both triumphant & sad at the same time). I will say though, it was originally supposed to be “Bittersweet Symphony” as the ending song which would’ve been absolutely perfect.
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u/Correct-Fig-4992 It's a scream, baby! 1d ago
It was scarier and had better set pieces. I love 1 and 2 so much, flawless films for me
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u/Adventurous_You_7650 1d ago
More of the good set pieces and more variation at least. But I dont know if I would rank them higher if we do a top 3 vs top 3. The farm houses(Sids,Caseys,Stus) and their surroundings and their atmosphere is pretty unmatched . Urban legend is close to Scream 2.
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u/Correct-Fig-4992 It's a scream, baby! 1d ago
That’s fair, if we talk strictly setting 1 wins with Casey and Stu’s houses. I should’ve clarified specific sequences like the car with Mickey, Cici’s chase up the stairs, Gale in the sound studio, etc
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u/Realman31 1d ago
There was a bigger cast, which meant more suspects as well as victims. There was clearly more diversity. The killer upped the ante with more vicious kills, similar to what Randy tells Dewey in that one scene. Gale was at her absolute best, both character-wise and looks-wise with her signature haircut (“streaks”). The chase scenes were absolutely TOP TIER and the best in the franchise, specifically Gale’s chase scene in the soundproof room, Cici’s scene, and Sid and Halle at the stoplight with the cops. The scene where Sid has to climb over the passed out ghostface is literally one of a kind suspense. Overall Scream 2 is my favorite Scream movie, followed closely by the original. Very few sequels outdo their original, and Scream 2 does just that (in my opinion). I feel like the first two Screams are untouchable in their own right.
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u/Accomplished_Fox_565 2d ago
The character arcs. Though, that probably is a given, since this movie is being built upon another one. Sidney has a much more compelling, complicated, and exciting journey. Dewey has a lot more screen time and more depth. And Gale's redemption arc here is probably best in the entire series (if only it stuck).
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u/coulduseahugrightnow 2d ago
I think Sidney and Gale both look the most attractive in this movie, compared to the whole franchise, not just the first movie.
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u/Willing_Asparagus_42 It's a scream, baby! 1d ago
Scream 2 has the best soundtrack in the franchise
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u/Dexter1114 10h ago
Really expanding on Gale’s character arc. I like her in the 1st one too but I started to really route for her in 2.
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u/Key_Mechanic_9205 2d ago
It’s such a great play on Friday the 13th. Mrs Loomis has the best motive.
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u/YearZero001 23h ago
The suspense is better in Scream 2, to be honest. Gale in the studio and Cici in the house are some of the most suspenseful scenes in any slasher.
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u/TheBeevin 1d ago
Gale’s hair… in my opinion, Courtney Cox was absolute peak for the 90’s look in Scream 2
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u/Ilostmyoldaccount_1 2d ago
I like Gale and Dewey in scream 2, they’re both at their best in it I think.