Scream has been branded a 'gloriously gory basement party' by critics, with many lauding the franchise's return to form after several lacklustre entries.
Ahead of its release on Friday, many critics praised the slasher for its 'witty' and 'vicious' commentary on 'requels' and reboots, and lauded the 'effortless' returns of stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and David Arquette.
Scream marks a new era for the slasher series which began back in 1996, as a new killer dons the iconic Ghostface mask to begin terrorising the residents of Woodsboro.
Grand return: Scream has been branded a 'gloriously gory basement party' by critics, with many lauding the franchise's return to form (Courteney Cox pictured)
Leading those offering their thoughts was Empire's Ben Travis, who gave the film four stars, and lauded the latest entry for maintaining creator Wes Craven's vision, following his death in 2015.
He said: 'Even though the series has already been referencing and remixing itself for 25 years now, there are still fun new twists to mine — even if some clichés (Did you really just leave that lift? Don't forget your inhaler!) are required to keep things moving.
'For the most part, this is a ''re-quel''as fast, funny and ferocious as a Scream movie should be. In an era of elevated horror, it's a gloriously gory basement party.'
Tense: Ahead of its release on Friday, many critics praised the slasher for its 'witty' and 'vicious' commentary on 'requels' and reboots (Jenna Ortega is pictured in the film)
Digital Spy's Ian Sandwell also awarded the film four stars and lauded the 'shocking, bloody and clever' return for the series following an 11-year hiatus.
He said: 'Alongside the expected gags and references about horror trends such as the rise of so-called elevated horror, Scream isn't afraid to mock its very existence – right down to the use of the same title.
Praising the 'effortless' returns of the show's original trio, he added: 'Scream was arguably never really going to live up to its namesake, yet the new movie recaptures the spirit of Wes Craven's classic and its winning blend of horror and humour'.
The Wrap's William Bibbiani offered his own positive thoughts on the film, writing: 'Smartly scary and scary smart, consistent with the history of this series but unafraid to p**s off fans if it's for the good of the story. This satire of requels may very well be the first requel done right. It's a scream, baby.'
Grand return: Several critics lauded the 'effortless' returns of stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and David Arquette (pictured far right)
IGN's Amelia Emberwing praised the fifth entry for its 'pitch-perfect' performances, including the new generation of teens being terrorised by Ghostface.
She said: 'The latest addition to the Scream franchise expertly blends reverence for the source material while creating something that feels almost completely new.
'All of the performances are pitch-perfect as the new generation of Woodsboro teens step into their futures, the kills are gnarly, and no version of toxic fandom is left unmocked.'
Variety's Owen Gleiberman admitted that this new Scream isn't as good as the iconic 90s original, but still praised the film for keeping fans guessing when it comes to the identity of the killer.
He wrote: 'The new Scream is about as good
