I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER Combines Fresh and Familiar Slasher Fun (Review)

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The movie “I Know What You Did Last Summer” combines nostalgia with increased gore and humor, keeping laughter flowing all throughout. Although the identity of the killer isn’t particularly shocking, their motive is more perplexing than convincing. Some characters fail to make a strong impression in this slasher genre, but the original cast members’ return brings an element of complexity. “I Know What You Did Last Summer” serves up laughs, jumpscares, and some chilling deaths, albeit with its third act veering off course.

In this chilling thriller masterfully crafted by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (known for “Do Revenge” and “Someone Great”), I found myself drawn in as a captivated viewer. The story unfolds from the perspective of a gang of friends who find themselves hunted by a ruthless killer, following a heinous event they chose to conceal. In a twist of fate, they reach out to two individuals who survived a similar murder rampage that occurred in their town many years ago for help. Remarkably, these survivors are none other than Julie, portrayed by Jennifer Love-Hewitt, and Ray, played by Freddie Prinze Jr., who graced the horror genre before. So, we’re all on the edge of our seats as Julie and Ray reprise their roles to protect the new generation of potential victims from becoming hook’s next catch.

I Know What You Did Last Summer Has Some Frustrating, and Some Fun, New Cast

It seems like the audience might be more sophisticated, but the tendency of this fresh cast to frequently separate themselves, reminiscent of the effects from “The Cabin in the Woods,” makes you question with a raised eyebrow, much like Marty does. They appear to have an aversion to spending extended periods together, almost as if they’re suffering from some sort of social allergy. As for this new set of friends, they come across as less deeply connected compared to others in the film. The replacement for Julie is Ava, portrayed by Chase Sui Wonders, and unfortunately, she’s one of the least engaging characters in the movie. This might be because other characters were given better dialogue and more distinct personalities.

In the movie, Ava’s romance or casual relationship with Milo, acted by Jonah Hauer-King, appears unconvincing, especially towards the end. On the other hand, the bond between Ava and Tyler, played by Gabbriette, a model and musician, seemed more authentic. Lastly, there’s Danica, portrayed by Madelyn Cline, and Teddy, played by Tyriq Withers. As suggested in the previews, Teddy is similar to Helen (Rest in Peace, fighter) in this film.

There’s Lots of Nostalgia for Laughs (and That’s a Good Thing)

The film exhibits a playful tone, embracing the absurdly gruesome nature of a revamped Thanksgiving storyline. It echoes scenes from past movies, such as Julie’s exclamation, “What are you waiting for?!” Though it may not pack the same punch as before, it continues to elicit chuckles from fans of the series. Moreover, I Know What You Did Last Summer reboot doesn’t solely depend on its original cast; instead, it presents a fresh batch of victims for a contemporary audience. With a blend of nostalgia and the new cast’s humor, particularly Danica’s wit, the movie manages to keep viewers entertained.

I Know What You Did Last Summer Delivers Gore and Imaginative Deaths

In contrast to the 1997 film with the same title, the recent adaptation ramps up the graphic deaths. The initial version focused on obscure, almost bloodless fatalities. However, the new movie accentuates the gruesome carnage without crossing any boundaries. Moreover, a unique aspect of the deaths in this film adds an additional layer of unsettling shock. Essentially, the latest adaptation of I Know What You Did Last Summer surpasses its predecessor in terms of the intensity and unexpected nature of the violent chaos it presents.

Out With the Old, In With the New Development

The film’s underlying message occasionally surfaces in scattered moments, yet it presents an overly sanitized portrayal of a troubled past while erasing unique characteristics that make a place distinctive. Instead, we are left with a generic, upscale locale that could easily be swapped with any other location dominated by capitalistic greed. “I Know What You Did Last Summer” touches upon this idea, albeit superficially, which makes it seem almost comical. The film missed an opportunity to delve deeper into the concept of gentrification, disregarding or belittling those who represent the area’s history, resulting in a thought-provoking yet tragically underdeveloped theme. This lack of depth, combined with unexpected twists and revelations, stretches the boundaries of credibility in the final act.

Overall, This Slasher Sequel Is a Deadly Delight

The movie “I Know What You Did Last Summer” reimagines the original story within modern slasher horror themes such as violence, gore, dark humor, and more. Although it stumbles towards the end, it’s still an entertaining film that features both new and familiar characters. Interestingly, the 1998 sequel, “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer,” is one of the rare ’90s slasher films in which the Black character survives – a significant departure from movies like “Scream.

Not only did I thoroughly enjoy watching “I Know What You Did Last Summer”, but I’m eagerly looking forward to catching any future installments in the series. This movie undeniably belongs among the chilling, suspenseful horror films that are perfect for a hot and tense viewing experience.

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2025-07-16 19:05