Does Scream Hold Up? - Movies with Mikey 

It's really impressive how Scream manages to work so well both as a deconstruction of the slasher genre and a film in this genre at the same time.

"But let's back up a bit. In 1764..." God I love your videos, Mikey.

Fun Facts: When Ghostface breaks through the window and Casey hits him with the phone, she actually did hit him in the face - and it was Wes Craven under the mask. The take is used in the film. At the end of the movie, Billy hitting Stu with the phone in anger was unintentional, as the phone accidentally slipped out of Skeet Ulrich's hands due to the fake blood. Stu screaming "You hit me with the phone, dick!" was actually Matthew Lillard's reaction. In the scene where Sidney attacks Billy with an umbrella, Billy's actor, Skeet Ulrich, got legitimately hurt because; due to surgery it was the one place that wasn’t covered with a pad.

Scream is such a clever film. One of the films that made me realise horror was far more intelligent than I gave it credit for initially.

Scream remains the best movie going experience of my life. I was the same age as the characters, I was huge into horror and at the time I worked at Circuit City where the trailer was played on loop in the store. There was hardly anybody there in the theater that opening night but for any of us who were there, after that first scene you could hear a pin drop and it remained that way through the end of the movie. I remember being sad when the box office results came back for that first weekend but then elated as you said when the box office kept going up week after week. Scream will always hold a special place in my heart and I'm glad that after all these years it's still being recognized. Yes, Scream still works!

“Maybe Wes Craven was just airing his goofy grievances against John Carpenter, who knows?” Craven was vocal about his issues with the horror genre and the limits of its trappings, like you point out here. This is why that first Nightmare film deliberately has a competent, intelligent heroine at its center, and why the People Under the Stairs is the most exciting Marxist film in existence. If we go by Nightmare, he started working on redeeming and expanding on his work in the genre nearly ten years before Scream, and on scripts he wrote himself. Let’s give the man his due

It’s incredibly refreshing to see a film essayist be able to both criticize the gender dynamics in horror while still being able to appreciate a horror icon like Craven. Hell, it’s refreshing to see a film essayist discuss Wes Craven at all. I feel like the horror genre is so often relegated to the pits of ‘genre faire’ and unjustly looked down upon by film critics when it’s so much more than that. Damn good video. Also I’m wondering if Mikey read ‘Men, Women and Chainsaws’ by Charolette J Clover because I think he would probs enjoy the heck out of it.

Thank you for making this video, and not only talking about what a miracle movies are but also bringing light to Wes' "That Moment". As someone who isn't a huge horror fan as it pertains to gore and violence in the extremes, it's very cool to see the relevance of Scream brought forward in the light of "Dudes blame women; women don't take shiiiiit".

2:24 The moment Horror basically turned into a 1980s Never-ending *Cocaine Waterfall* I think I've found the title of my first studio album.

I'm guessing that a lot of horror movies don't really fit the typical Movies with Mikey vibe because a lot of them are kind of...mean? But I'd love to see more.

Funnily enough I'm doing a Scream franchise rewatch at the moment.... definitely still holds up and honestly probably one of my favourites from that decade!

Perhaps this is weird but this makes me appreciate Wes Craven's cameo in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back even more.

I'VE BEEN SO HOPING YOU'D COVER THIS ONE. Kevin Williamson's script is so scarily relevant as the years go on, and I feel like seeing this film as a 15 year old going to an all boys school *really* checked a lot of my entitlement and taught me a lot about trauma, though people handwave this film's virtues away like nothing. Scream 2 is fascinating in it's own right, and continues exploring trauma in ways that are arresting for a slasher, but the targets had already moved to being about movies and not movies *and* people... Thank you, can't wait to dig into this~

I love how painfully relevant the movie is now a days.

7:04 damn, with such creepy music you made it seem tenfold scary. I always laugh and enjoy myself during that part and basically the whole film. I think that if the music was more like this and the way they shot it was more uncomfortable and menacing, it would have been more raw, especially considering the protagonists' friends and boyfriends were the killers.

I just have to say, thank you for mentioning Red Eye it very much deserves all the appreciation it gets and is vastly underrated.

18:03 "goes all Sunshine in the third act" may be the single greatest endorsement possible for a film.

i remember seeing scream when it came out in theaters originally, so good. This year I saw the Alamo in Dallas was showing Scream in theater, and specifically flew down to Dallas for my birthday just to see it on the big screen again, was still awesome. Random Note: Red Eye left me a bit numb whereas Soul to Take I actually enjoyed to an extent.

You're an important human being.

Man Mikey! Please NEVER STOP MAKING THESE!!!! Your POV is refreshing and greatly walks the line of entertaining/informative. Thanks for your hard work.

Titanic was actually pushed back from December 12th to the 19th because they didn’t want to directly compete with Scream 2 on opening weekend. The more you know.

Please do a video about Red Eye that movie is wild and I love it- Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy are so good in it too.

The use of "Puttin' on the Ritz" alone makes this an insta-like for me 😋

Glad to see my favorite movie channel talk about my favorite movie. This franchise means so much to me, and I love all the films so much. However, I didn't know about that Wes Craven interview. For thank you showing that. It legitimately brought tears to my eyes. I think Sidney Prescott and Gale Weathers are some of my favorite characters in film, and watching their arcs is always a treat. Especially when in most slasher franchises the "last girl" tends to be the first kill of the following film undermining any enjoyment you get from seeing them survive in the first place.

Wow this was really, really good, mate. Congrats. Scream is one of my favorite movies, period. Not horror movies, just movies. So glad to see this.

Growing up poor af, my parents only had a few VHS tapes (don't worry kids you'll learn about those in history class) to watch. I still remember my favorite ones... Tommy Boy, Black Sheep, and most of the Nightmare On Elm Street movies. Wes Craven was basically my first intro into loving horror and I will never forget that. RIP Wes

I NEED an update now that scream is BACK. The fact that scream is coming back without Wes adds so much to the narrative, PLEASE

I gotta say, the Scream movies r literally some of my favorite films to watch on Halloween, to this day, I still love them, all 4, each film takes tropes, makes fun of them, and points them out, like in 4 how Anthony Anderson's character says: "Haven't you seen any horror film ever, the black guy always dies first"? I'm excited to watch these movies again this year with my roommate and friends. 🙂

This felt like a love letter to Wes Craven and Scream and I loved it

Matt: I was bouncing off the wall. Stu: AaHAAAAAA!!

Just earned yourself another subscriber my friend. Great analysis video of my favorite horror film of all time! Keep up the good work my guy!!

Neverending Cocaine Waterfall; new band name, called it, BOOM.

Oh man, Worms 2 was such a defining part of my childhood. You just brought me back 20 years.

This is one of those movies that I not only can watch any time of year, but I can actually watch it again within a short time frame of already having just watched it. I watched it with some coworkers a couple of weeks ago after work, and then a buddy of mine told me the other night that he had never seen it, so I watched it again with him, and I wasn't bored or antsy for a second of it. It's such a great one to watch with people who have never seen it. It's like watching it for the first time again when you see their reactions.

I recently watched this movie for the first time, and it definitely holds up. I was actually quite scared (watched it by myself in an empty house). It’s funny , scary, and intelligent in a self aware kind of way.

I am so happy that you used the Crispin Glover dance seen from Friday the 13th. That clip should be shown everywhere.

Holy hell, dude... this might not be the best MovieswithMikey, but it's the one that really brought some unexpected tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for this!

1:18 - you could only do that after the Hays Code was removed in the late 60's, which is why it wasn't done sooner. Also, Rosemary's Baby is from the 60's, not 70's. Also also, if movies were like throwing a dart from space, how come we have more and more and more and more movies made every single year? I suspect it is not because dart-throwers are getting sharper aim. Also also also, releasing movies in December is not a new concept. Gone With the Wind was released in December and that seemed to work out well. Releasing horror movies in December is also not new. The Exorcist was released in December.

I say this every time, but holy fuck, your editing skills are fantastic. I love your intro sequences so much.

Well, did Jordan Catalano like you back?

Yaaas! Redeye is so underrated and often overlooked. The final act may be imperfect but there is so much, current, horror directors can learn from it. I wasnt a huge fan of suspense/horror at the time but i loved this movie because of the feeling of dread/inescapability the plane segment had. This movie and the Strangers are actually what opened me up to "scary" movies in general. (I use the term "scary" to encapsulate all types.... horror, suspense, thriller, slasher, etc.) Now it is one of my favorite genres because it is one of the most diverse. You can have simple slashers, thoughtful character pieces,horror comedies, creature features. They can be minimalist or terrifyingly over the top and gory. Quiet or loud. They can just be so varied that tge bad elevates the great ones even higher. Thanks again, Mikey, for helping me see a movie, I love, in a new light.

So I finished watching this video about my favorite horror film ever, Scream. (I'm 33) Immediately watched Red Eye on your recommendation and simply came back to say thank you. Loved it beginning to end. Delightful, you might say.

I don't think there is a single person on this hellish site that is better at making me like the things they like, and there are a LOT of people here who try. Thanks Mikey!

Mikey, I gotta say that the video essays you make for fun and for the art make me deeply introspective sometimes. Like I take a step back and try to figure out what my place is in life. Maybe you're not the video game producer anymore and instead make essays that analyze and critique other people's work but that has a lot of value. I feel like, at best, I can work my 9 to 5 and produce content pointing at other people who analyze and critique other people's content in an attempt to make enough ad revenue to buy a few more frozen burritos for myself. I guess what I'm saying is that I value what you do and I feel like it comes from the heart. I wish my own soul could produce works to that level.

Loved your nuanced take on this, awesome and sympathetic and kind to everyone involved as usual ❤ I was the perfect age for Scream back then and we watched that movie so many times, I can still quote it from heart. Very fond memories attached to this amazing film.

you ended this show with a preposition. now i won't stop thinking about that all day. THANKS MIKEY. Thanks for that.

Found it! This was the filmjoy that really cemented my appreciation for movies

This movie will always stick in my head as being frustrating to the kid who bought a Scream mask the year before the movie came out. As in, before it was known as "The Scream Mask." There was a whole line of different facial expressions, and the one I had was a sinister grin. So for years, every Halloween, I became known as the kid with "the knock-off Scream mask." Even though it wasn't a knock-off, and it wasn't explicitly a Scream thing.

Your editing skills (chefs kiss)

As a MASSSSSSIVE horror fan I’ve been waiting for this episode for a long time XD

Mickey... your vids make me so happy... I smile all the time. Thank u

Every time I read something Siskle or Ebert wrote about basically any movie I'm amazed by on how point they were for their time, much less reading them decades later. They were amazing critics. Anyway, Scream scared the shit out of me. And I love it now that I get the meta aspects to it.

I love the day when a MwM comes out. You make me think better, Mikey.

Watching your videos for films that I haven't seen is always a really cool experience, because it's like a thoughtful and extended movie recommendation. The poignancy you manage to inject into this one along with your (excellent as) usual humour made for a really insightful look at a movie that, if I'm being honest, I had never given much thought to before. Thank you for the great work you do.

Scream was one of the few horror movies I've watched that I actually liked. Great movie.

I don’t even like horror movies but I will always have a soft spot for Scream. Just as I have one for Mikey and his videos!😁

My favorite episode since Last Action Hero. Well done, Mikey.

I don't know what it is, I rarely enjoy watching horror myself, they just make me so ANXIOUS, but I LOVE hearing people talk about horror.

mikey, you continue to be my favorite film analyst on youtube :)

This was the best love letter to Scream ever. Fun fact, I was also 12 when this movie came out and i had to sleep in my sisters room with her for 3 days. I was traumatized haha.

Red Eye is my favorite thriller. It shows the power of survivors and that is essential.

How is it your end credits theme is simultaneously comforting and dissapointing all at the same time?

Not related to Scream, but I love it when people have watched so many films so much they start subconsciously using the dialogue in everyday speech without really realising it (I know I do it). "If your not in to the whole brevity thing" at 19:42 is from The Big Lebowski

Mikey I think this is one of your best written episodes. So many threads and compelling mini-stories that add up to a coherent narrative.

Mikey, just wanted to say Thanks, and hope you know we all love you, man! This video made me smile today, and I really needed SOMETHING that would make me smile...This was a gift, and, for that...Thanks!

Just wanted to say that the Scream trilogy was never much of a Xmas movie series for me, they were my birthday movies. I was a teen each time they came out and my mom took me to each of them since I’m a horror fan. I have some awesome memories watching these movies in the theater. And I always appreciated my mom taking me because she’s not a horror movie person. Not that she gets scared with them, she just never liked them; unless there’s a good Sci-Fi element to them, like The Thing. When Scream came out, my friends and I would prank call each other always asking “what’s your favorite scary movie?” It was a blast. So I’m glad that Scream was a success. Sydney is badass and awesome. Gale is strong and awesome. Dewey is adorable and awesome. The killers are some of the most memorable characters in movie killer history now. It’s amazing.

OMG I was SO SO EXCITED TO SEE THIS!!

Recommendation for a "Does it hold up?" -- The Crow! I feel that captures that 90s movie requirement and would love your take

That ending bit about Wes Craven...if I could like the video twice, I would. Well said, Mikey.

Before i even start this video, yes it does. And Scream 4 is vastly underrated

I asked for this episode on Twitter, not thinking it would actually happen. I guess Santa is real. I'm just so happy to be talking about Scream again. It's too good a movie and too fun a franchise to be forgotten, and that's how it feels nowadays. It was shocking to 13 year old me how smart, interesting, funny and scary it could be at once. I got sad that I'd never see it in theaters, then over the moon when they announced Scream 4 for the following year. Not enough films made me genuinely feel things like that, unfortunately. But watching this video and reading the comments, I'm happy I'm not the only one.

And Wes was good enough to do a cameo for Kevin Smith in Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back.

Thanks for helping give me a framework to understand and enjoy movies better.

This channel is so amazing! I know as soon as I click the link, my mind will be blown and I will learn more about film and cinema and history than before I watched it.

Just watched Scream tonight for the first time. Thanks for making watch it Mikey, absolutely loved it.

Dude.. this made me cry. Well done.

Man, whenever you upload it makes me feel so excited out of nowhere. Great stuff, dude.

Oooh, that stinging sensation when Mikey explains the phone gag scene. The feels

Wes Craven is one of the best directors of horror movies. I was hoping for another Scream before he died. But I know that will never happen.

I watched this for the first time in 2021, smart film, enjoyed it a lot

Man I hope the absolutely correct and fantastic to hear nod here leads to something from you on the Terry Gilliam catalog.

Hey Mikey. I legit watched this last night and forgot how much I loved the movie. And then just by choice I was watching CinemaWins Thor Ragnarok and the reminded me of your channel, and now i am watching this. Many thanks for the video!

I was in middle school when SCR3AM came out. Some friends and I had to sneak in movies to see it and I Know What You Did Last Summer

Another brilliant video man. Great job.

Gosh I love your videos. Like, thanks for making them.

Thanks man, love you for this work 🙌

filmJOY! you always bring the ding dong sunshine to every movie you talk about, this one is my best friends favourite movie(s) of all time i feel like i learned more about him and the film c':

Friday afternoon, off work early with a beer and shawarma watching MWM..... sometimes, life is goooood. Thanks man.

"...totally goes Sunshine in the 3rd act." Nice.

It's in my top 5 movies of all time . It haunted me for days after i saw it for the first time .

Aw, I wanted you to talk about the Castle of Otranto

Again and always, thank you for what you do.

Thank you for using some of the Sing Street soundtrack, bc that film is top-tier!

I love Scream. A Slasher movie where the characters have seen other slasher movies is such a chef's kiss of an idea I'm jealous I didn't come up with it.

It’s insane how everyone in the Horror movie world was doing the same thing and being unoriginal. And then their goes Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson working together to bringing the audience a damn classic that we still talk about to this day.

I'm surprised Kevin Williamson wasn't given more credit for all the digs and references to Halloween. He's stated that he's a huge fan of that movie and even partially wrote H20. He's said before that it helped inspire the Scream script

That was great! Thank you. The 1st Nightmare still stands up.

Kinda odd you didn't mentioned after Working Title for the script share the name of that Wayans spoof, that's neat trivia

Me and scream are the same age. But I’ve been terrified of this fucking movie since I was a toddler. It didn’t help that my mom loved the shit out of it and always had it on in the background. I didn’t sit down and watch the film in its entirety until last year when me and scream were both 22. Even then it was mostly through my fingers 😂 But I noticed the meta humor and the cabin in the woods level deconstruction of the horror genre and I was all for it (I guess cabin in the woods is scream level deconstruction?). I may not be able to watch the movie without being terrified, but at least I finally got to see how good it was. And I’m glad I did because that made this video super enjoyable. Even if I had to cover my eyes every time the ghostface popped up on the screen. Great video Mikey!

Your intro is effing awesome. Every time. With every topic.