Scream 3 Turns 20!

The most terrifying scream is always the last.

It’s crazy to think that Scream 3, the third, and at the time final instalment in the Scream franchise, turns 20 today. The film is considered the worst in the franchise by many, with most fans ranking Scream 4 before it. Nonetheless, it has a special place in my heart and in my opinion, holds up well against the other three films. Sure, it delivers more camp than scares and moves the setting from Woodsboro to Hollywood, but it also offers a unique screenplay that was different for the horror genre. The movie-in-a-movie idea is played up with Ghostface setting his sights on the cast of the fictional slasher Stab 3, based on the Woodsboro Murder and more importantly, the characters Sidney, Dewey and Gale. Scream 3 acted as the concluding chapter of a trilogy and that meant all rules were out the window and anyone was a target. And how could we forget the film also gave birth to one of the most memorable hairstyles in horror history: Gale’s iconic Bettie Page-inspired bangs!

Scream 3 was the first Scream film I saw in theatres and as a young rabbit, I was beyond excited! I had become obsessed with Scream and Scream 2 and every time a new promo picture leaked or the trailer would air I’d light up. I still have admiration for the film to this day and in honour of its 20th anniversary, I’m counting down my 3 favourite moments.

/ Sidney, Dewey and Gale reunite

“OMG Sidney? Was that fast or what?”

Sidney spends a good portion of Scream 3 in hiding under the fake name Laura. She works as a counsellor on a self-help line but eventually is forced out of hiding when she receives a call from Ghostface. Just as Dewey is phoning Sid about the recent murders, she appears at the precinct giving fans the reunion they’d been waiting for. I especially love the awkward hug between her and Gale as it’s the first time in three films Gale isn’t greeted with a slap to the face.

/ The Final Act

“Hey, lose something?” “Found something.”

The reveal of Roman Bridger as not only the killer but Sidney’s brother was a shock for audiences. Roman reveals that he had been orchestrating the murders since the very beginning. The final battle between Sidney and Roman is especially intense and I truly thought Sidney wouldn’t make it out alive. Ultimately, after surviving the worst attack yet, final girl Sidney prevails, making for a genuine feel-good moment.

/ Gale Weathers and “Gale Weathers” investigating

“Need to get into that building? Is there a story in that building? Gale Weathers would find a way.”

All of Courteney Cox’s scenes with Parker Posey’s are fun to watch and add a camp factor to the film. Posey plays Jennifer Jolie, the quirky actress portraying Gale in Stab 3. My favourite scene is when they’re forced to work together while searching a movie production studio for information on Rina Reynolds, the stage name for Maureen Prescott. We get to enjoy some bitchy back and forth banter and a surprise cameo by the late Carrie Fisher. Fun Fact: The role of Bianca was originally offered to Jamie Lee Curtis.

Honourable Mentions

/ Jennifer’s Death

scream 3 20th anniversary

/ The explosion in the Hollywood Hills

scream 3 20th anniversary

/ Dewey proposing to Gale

scream 3 20th anniversary

Scream 3 is playing at Drunken Cinema on June 20th, 2020. Looking forward to seeing the film in theatres for the first time in 20 years! Get tickets here.