A suburban town is terrorized by a series of grisly murders commited by a crazed psycho in a ghoul outfit who like to call his victims before pulling out their entrails.  Neve Campbell plays Sidney Prescott, who sent a man to death row after testifying againt him in the case involving the rape and murder of her mother the year before.  She may have implicated the wrong man as she becomes the focal point for the "ghoul's" obsession, who soon stalks her, leaving an endless trail of bodies in pursuit.  

The film is a slasher movie lover's dream as there are countless references to other films of the same ilk (HALLOWEEN, FRIDAY THE 13TH, and even director Craven's A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET).  It's more of a film made for fun than for terror.  The only truly horrific scene is the first which features Drew Barrymore being harrassed by a mysterious voice claiming to want to "see her insides."  The film later becomes more comical, albeit extremely violent, and plays more for ironic laughs than for stomach-turning gore.  The cast is likeable (with the exception of Depp-leganger Ulrich as Neve's blue-balled boyfriend and his annoying friend Stuart, played by the actor who was equally irritating in HACKERS, Matthew Lillard.)

This is the kind of moie one should see with a large group of roudy friends.  It's guaranteed for thrills and chills without feeling demeaned for having spent time and money on schlock.  The only drawback is that the film is mired with the same cliches it ridicules other films for, and it also requires you not to think too much about plot holes and motivations.  You may feel a guilt hangover afterward, but while the film is showing your eyes will be glued to the screen.

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