Smart commentary on films, music, and books is always a joy to read, especially when it involves a favorite franchise. Thanks to Google Alerts, I stumbled upon a great piece by Carl Roberson on Yahoo Contributor Network, where he delves into how Scream 4 critiques Hollywood’s lack of originality.

A Critique on Hollywood’s Remake Epidemic

Roberson’s column highlights a growing trend in Hollywood: the reliance on remakes over original storytelling.

“We all know that this [the remakes] has become something of an epidemic in Hollywood these last few years. It seems as if all originality has left the building and every producer, screenwriter and film company seems to be keen on the idea of taking something old and making it new again,” he writes.

He also notes how this trend has particularly enraged the horror community, which feels many classics have been tarnished by modern remakes.

Scream 4’s Clever Commentary

Roberson points out two standout moments in Scream 4 that cleverly call out Hollywood’s obsession with rehashing old ideas:

• Hayden Panettiere’s Scene: Towards the climax, Kirby Reed (Hayden Panettiere) is on the phone with the killer, who starts to ask her about horror remakes. Before he can even finish, she rattles off an impressive list of remakes from recent years, showcasing the over-saturation in the genre.
• Neve Campbell’s Final Remark: At the film’s end, Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) delivers one of the film’s most iconic lines to the killer: “Don’t fuck with the original.” This statement encapsulates the film’s core message—a direct critique of Hollywood’s approach to remakes and sequels.

A Refreshing Message

While some critics dismissed Scream 4 as a weak attempt to revive a dead franchise, Roberson argues the film’s message is vital:

“It’s time for Hollywood to get creative again, come up with something original instead of rehashing the same stuff whether it’s with a remake of an old movie or putting out a twentieth sequel. This movie was one of the best that 2011 has had to offer because the message it sent was a refreshing one, one that Hollywood will hopefully listen to.”

Food for Thought

Roberson’s insightful take reminds us why Scream 4 stands out—not just as a great horror movie but as a sharp critique of the industry itself. It’s more than entertainment; it’s a call to action for Hollywood to prioritize creativity and originality once again.

Do you think Hollywood will listen? Let us know your thoughts!