The third entry in the “Scream” series undoubtedly feels a lot more on the comedic side than the earlier movies. It’s satisfying to see the franchise keeps the dialog funny and the mystery intriguing. This is still a horror film but only just.

“Stab 3”, the third film based on the series of murders in Woodsboro, is now in production but a new Ghostface killer is lurking around and is killing the cast members in the order that their characters die in the film. Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell “Wild Things”) and her friends must try to figure out who is behind this latest killing spree before they themselves end up dead.

All the regulars are back including Campbell and Courteney Cox (“Ace Ventura: Pet Detective”). Campbell is still very entertaining to watch as the protagonist. It’s also interesting to see the people playing the versions of these characters in “Stab”. The best one is Parker Poser (“Superman Returns”), playing Cox’s Gale Weathers. There are appearances by legendary schlock producer Roger Corman (“The Terror”) as well as Lance Henriksen (“Aliens”, “Pumpkinhead”). Also, keep an eye for Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith from “Clerks”, “Mallrats” etc… as Jay and Silent Bob.

“Scream 3” is certainly a little goofier than the first two but it’s still fairly enjoyable. I think some of the twists and turns of the plot are fairly creative and I also like the shots that this film takes at Hollywood. In that respect, it reminded me a little of “Get Shorty”. I’m recommending it but it’s not a modest recommendation. Don’t go into this expecting it to reinvent the wheel. If you liked the other films then this is more of what you have already seen but that’s okay. It’s also interesting to see a slasher franchise where all the main cast and the director (Wes Craven “Red Eye”, “Swamp Thing”) stuck around for so many sequels.