The body count increases, but the scare factor is considerably diluted in this easily digestible horror sequel from Wes Craven. It's two years since the notorious Woodsboro murders and the movie Stab - based on pushy news reporter Courteney Cox's book - hits town. When two members of the audience are killed during the screening, student target Neve Campbell finds herself flung back in the limelight. Although the movie once again cleverly twists the genre rules for its own ends and makes cogent comments about life imitating art, alongside perceptive discussions on sequel lore, it coasts rather than builds on the shrewd achievements of the far superior first film.

Two years after the Woodsboro murders, Sidney Prescott acclimates to college life while someone donning the Ghostface costume begins a new string of killings.