Scream 3 vs. Scream 4

Attribute	Scream 3	Scream 4
Release Year	2000	2011
Director	Wes Craven	Wes Craven
Main Cast	Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette	Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette
Plot	Sidney Prescott returns to Woodsboro as the Ghostface killer strikes again	Sidney Prescott returns to Woodsboro as a new Ghostface killer emerges
Box Office	$161 million	$97 million

Plot

Scream 3 follows the story of Sidney Prescott as she is once again targeted by a mysterious killer who is using the events of the original Woodsboro murders as inspiration for a new killing spree. The film takes place on the set of Stab 3, a movie based on the events of the previous films. Scream 4, on the other hand, brings back Sidney, Dewey, and Gale as they return to Woodsboro on the anniversary of the original murders, only to find themselves once again being targeted by a new Ghostface killer who is obsessed with horror movie remakes.

Characters

In Scream 3, the main characters are Sidney Prescott, Dewey Riley, and Gale Weathers, along with a new cast of characters involved in the making of Stab 3. The film introduces new characters such as Jennifer Jolie, a famous actress playing Gale in the movie within the movie. Scream 4 brings back the original trio of Sidney, Dewey, and Gale, along with a new group of high school students who become the targets of the new Ghostface killer. The film explores the idea of a new generation being influenced by the events of the past films.

Tone

Scream 3 has a more comedic tone compared to the previous films in the series, with a focus on satire and parody of the horror movie genre. The film also delves into the idea of Hollywood and the entertainment industry, with the setting of a movie studio adding a meta aspect to the story. Scream 4, on the other hand, returns to the darker and more suspenseful tone of the original Scream, with a focus on the horror elements and the psychological aspects of the characters being targeted by the killer.

Killer's Motivation

In Scream 3, the killer's motivation is revealed to be related to the past events of the original Woodsboro murders, with a connection to Sidney Prescott's family history. The killer is seeking revenge for events that occurred in the past, leading to a personal vendetta against Sidney. In Scream 4, the killer's motivation is centered around the idea of horror movie remakes and the desire to become famous by recreating the events of the original Ghostface killings. The killer is obsessed with the idea of becoming a legendary horror movie villain.

Twists and Turns

Scream 3 features several twists and turns throughout the story, including the revelation of the killer's identity and the true motives behind the murders. The film keeps the audience guessing until the final reveal, with red herrings and misdirections adding to the suspense. Scream 4 also includes twists and turns, with multiple suspects and false leads keeping the audience on edge. The film plays with the idea of expectations and subverts traditional horror movie tropes to keep viewers guessing until the very end.

Legacy

Scream 3 is often considered the weakest entry in the original trilogy, with critics and fans pointing to the more comedic tone and convoluted plot as drawbacks. The film did not perform as well at the box office as its predecessors, leading to a decline in interest in the franchise. Scream 4, on the other hand, was seen as a return to form for the series, with many praising the film for its clever writing, strong performances, and effective scares. The movie breathed new life into the franchise and sparked interest in potential sequels.