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In the ’90s, R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps was a thrilling introduction to the mysterious and supernatural for many young readers, paving the way for them to venture into adult horror. To help bridge this gap for teenagers, Stine also wrote the Fear Street series. Although it didn’t achieve the global success of Goosebumps, it did cultivate a dedicated fanbase. Recently, in 2021, the Fear Street franchise was revitalized with Netflix’s live-action trilogy, earning both commercial and critical recognition. The franchise is now expanding with a new story in Fear Street: Prom Queen, a self-contained fourth installment that’s drenched in the atmosphere of the ’80s. Unfortunately, this teen slasher film doesn’t quite meet the standards set by its source material or previous cinematic adaptations.

In this latest edition, penned by Matt Palmer alongside Donald McLeary, we revisit Shadyside High School in May 1988. The prom is swiftly approaching, and the race for the crown of prom queen is particularly intense, especially for our main character Lori Granger (India Fowler). Despite not being the most socially prominent student in school, much of which isn’t her doing, she finds herself in a tough competition.

In a more challenging situation, she faces her longtime adversary Tiffany Falconer (Fina Strazza). Known for her cruel behavior, Tiffany is accompanied by her trio of friends, often referred to as the Wolfpack. These companions are also running for prom queen, which breaks the usual high school hierarchy norms. On the other hand, Christy, fitting the “bad girl with an older boyfriend and a motorcycle” stereotype, is another contender. As the prom approaches and finally arrives, the queens start disappearing one by one until the shocking revelation unfolds.

Visually and sonically speaking, “Fear Street: Prom Queen” delivers quite a delight with impressive set design, camera work, and a soundtrack that’s both catchy and heavily influenced by synth. While it might seem like overuse to incorporate Billy Idol’s “White Wedding” as if it’s the defining song of the 1980s, I’ll concede it’s tolerable. The film offers a more detailed portrayal of Shadyside with new locations and a closer look at its high school, suggesting the town may have been experiencing a steep decline in the early 1990s. Detailing like Sassy Magazine layouts, wood-paneled walls, windbreakers, acid-washed jeans, Ramones sweatshirts, and other elements contribute to this world. Regrettably, “Fear Street: Prom Queen” falls short where it matters the most.

In the movie, many primary and supporting characters, such as Lori and Megan (played by Suzanna Son), seem to embody certain stereotypes or tropes. However, these characters are not fully developed, failing to exploit the potential that their roles offer. For instance, Megan, who is the movie’s resident horror expert and Lori’s friend, is portrayed with a Fangoria magazine and performs a few grisly pranks at inopportune moments. Yet, her dialogue and thought processes do not explore or emphasize her claimed extensive knowledge of horror films.

The outstanding performer Strazza pours her heart into her role, playing a bothersome teenager who carries the movie on her back. She shines in the most impactful scenes and dramatic moments found in ‘Fear Street: Prom Queen’. While some scenes effectively capture the tone, they are often overshadowed by dialogue that feels forced and at times uncomfortable, failing to add depth or significantly advance the storyline.

The story lacks enough scenes that develop character relationships and dynamics, focusing more on explaining events rather than showing emotions. Unlike typical Fear Street stories, adults play larger roles, but they often feel like mere props until crucial plot points require their involvement. There’s a lack of depth in the narrative, with connections between events not feeling organic or rewarding. The scenes frequently jump around, causing an inconsistent and choppy flow that worsens the already unbalanced pace. This is disappointing given the film’s brief runtime of just over 90 minutes.

As a devoted cinephile, I must admit that the latest installment in this franchise seems rather predictable compared to the first three films, which Janiak skillfully directed and penned. The absence of a female perspective is strikingly noticeable here, making me wonder if a woman’s touch could have added depth to the narrative. Some viewers might argue that the trilogy format allowed for more extensive character development for our main protagonists in the overarching timeline.

I’d counter that the initial movie holds its ground independently, boasting a compelling narrative, snappy and impactful dialogue, and well-crafted character development. The film features the captain of the cheerleading squad who sells drugs and maintains excellent grades in her ambition to escape her rundown hometown. Deena, the series’ protagonist, is tough, quick-witted, and unwavering in her actions, even when she trembles with fear. Characters like these give a movie a sense of worth and make it a must-watch experience.

From my perspective, it’s acceptable that this 1988 event doesn’t heavily influence the existing narrative, limited only to a concluding sequence. However, I can’t help but feel that there’s a lack of subtly woven connections and well-developed characters to truly captivate an audience. There’s no hint of deceit, doubt, intriguing enigma, or any other elements that leave you yearning for more. It’s like serving a meal without the flavorful morsels that make it satisfying to finish.

About that meal, it unfortunately didn’t deliver the unexpected twist or surprise I was hoping for. While I wasn’t anticipating an intricate plot with profound symbolism, I did expect a captivating narrative filled with suspense, excitement, and well-developed characters.

In the movie “Fear Street: Prom Queen,” the killings are over-the-top and amusing, although they may not be original. Given that you’ve already achieved an R-rating for adult language, explicit content, and other mature themes, why not add a bit more excitement? And as for the killer, let me put it this way: this villain is enjoyable to watch, but I wouldn’t call them terrifying or menacing.

To sum up, “Fear Street: Prom Queen” isn’t the worst horror movie ever made, but it doesn’t quite match up to its source materials on screen or page.

Fear Street: Prom Queen ⭐ (2.5 of 5)

Fear Street: Prom Queen hits Netflix on May 23.

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2025-05-23 07:13