'I Know What You Did Last Summer' review: The last one wasn't good either...
Director: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson
Cast: Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, Jonah Hauer-King, Tyriq Withers, Sarah Pidgeon, Billy Campbell, Gabbriette Bechtel, Austin Nichols, Freddie Prinze Jr, Jennifer Love Hewitt
The rebooted I Know What You Did Last Summer feels more like a recycled I Know What You Did Last Summer.
This legacy sequel to the 1997 horror hit, which followed in Scream's reawakening of the teen horror machine, follows the familiar beats of the original film, except with less personality and a total lack of suspense. With results this tepid, who cares what you did last summer?
On a cliffside road one night, a group of CW-ready North Carolina friends — including Danica (Madelyn Cline), her best friend Ava (Chase Sui Wonders) and her fiancé Teddy (Tyriq Withers) — are party to an accidental death they sort of maybe had a hand in partially causing.
Ok, time to start taking bets on who's going to die first.
They try to keep the incident a secret amongst themselves, but a year later it comes back to haunt them in the form of an anonymous letter sent to Danica which reads in full, I know what you did last summer. Stop me if you've heard this one before.
Enter the hook-wielding killer, who inspired enough references to the Gorton's Fisherman back then that there's no need to rehash them here.
The difference is this time around there's precedent for the events, which means all sorts of references to 'The Slaughter of '97', which the town attempted to bury in an effort to rebrand itself as the Hamptons of the South.
That also means bringing original stars Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. back into the fold to reprise their original roles.
You'd think the Ghost Whisperer would know better than to stick around a town with a serial killer.
Look, we're in an era where everything that was once old can always be new again, where nothing or no one ever really dies until they're buried 6 feet deep, and even then things are open to negotiations.
I Know What You Did Last Summer was never that good the first time around, and co-writer and director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (2022's dark comic teen thriller Do Revenge) doesn't do much to spice up this revisited take.
The characters are flat and unlikeable, the staging of the horror sequences is clumsy, and the kills are wan and uninspired. What are we doing here?
I Know What You Did Last Summer isn't quite scraping the bottom of the barrel — that would be an Urban Legend reboot/sequel, quite frankly — but it's a lifeless attempt to squeeze blood from a stone that didn't have much to offer in the first place
Nostalgia is overrated, Jennifer Love Hewitt's character says at one point late in the movie. You said it, sister. – Adam Graham/The Detroit News/Tribune News Service
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The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Hook, line, mostly sinker
MORE than two decades after the bloody Southport Massacre first graced screens, I Know What You Did Last Summer resurfaces this year with a shiny new cast, a slick production and the very familiar glint of a hook. Directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, this fourth instalment in the long-dormant franchise aims to reignite the old-school slasher formula for a new generation and, to its credit, it certainly tries. But while it successfully reels in the nostalgic crowd with returning cast members and homages to the original, it ends up treading water when it comes to carving out its own legacy. It is a decent revival with a polished exterior, but one that struggles to escape the shadow of its 1997 predecessor or even the 1998 sequel, for that matter. Slick direction, familiar sins Robinson brings a modern edge to the franchise without sacrificing the genre's beloved formula: a group of young adults, a deadly secret and a masked killer out for vengeance. It is all executed with a certain self-awareness, though not quite the self-aware camp some fans might be hoping for. In fact, one could argue that if the film had leaned further into its potential for playful absurdity, it might have emerged as a guilty pleasure rather than a cautious homage. With that said, the direction is stylish and the pacing rarely lags. It is a smooth ride from beginning to end, perhaps a little too smooth, because for a horror film, it feels oddly predictable. The scares are competent, but rarely surprising. Every jump scare lands exactly where it is expected and seasoned horror buffs will likely find themselves whispering, 'Called it,' more than once. Underused cast Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, Jonah Hauer-King, Tyriq Withers and Sarah Pidgeon make up the unlucky friend group at the centre of the story and they all deliver respectable performances. There is enough charisma to go around and even when the script veers into cliché territory, the cast mostly manages to keep things afloat. Cline, in particular, brings a grounded intensity that helps anchor the film when it teeters on melodrama. However, the script does not always know what to do with its characters. Motivations are thin, backstories are rushed and emotional arcs are more suggested than explored. As a result, the audience's investment in who lives or dies feels more like a passive guess than a desperate hope. Returning icons Freddie Prinze Jr and Jennifer Love Hewitt bring the weight of the original films with them and while their appearances are undeniably welcome, they function more as nostalgia bait than true narrative drivers. Still, their inclusion is a smart move, a reminder of the franchise's legacy, even if this chapter does not fully live up to it. Gore lite, camp lighter Fans expecting a return to the gnarly kills and delightfully over-the-top suspense of the original may find this outing a little... restrained. The gore is present but toned down, the tension is present but safe and the overall tone walks a straight line that never quite veers into fun chaos. If ever there was a film crying out to be more camp, it is this one. The bones are there, the concept, the killer, the secret, but it is all played a bit too straight. Had the film embraced a sillier tone, leaned into the absurdity of its premise, or amped up the stylised violence à la Scream VI, it might have found a fresher voice in the crowded slasher landscape. Still, for what it is, the film is serviceable. The production values are solid, the cinematography crisp and the sound design appropriately eerie. It is hard to call it bad, it simply lacks that killer instinct. Lower the bar, raise the fun Ultimately, I Know What You Did Last Summer is best enjoyed with expectations firmly in check. It is not trying to redefine horror. It is not even trying to redefine the franchise. What it offers is a glossy, by-the-numbers slasher flick that plays the hits and throws in a few nods to long-time fans. For those approaching it hoping for the same chills and thrills that made the original a cult classic, disappointment may be inevitable. But for viewers seeking a straightforward Friday night fright with a familiar formula and a few recognisable faces, this one delivers even if it does so on cruise control. It is the cinematic equivalent of revisiting an old vacation spot: some of the charm is gone, the surprise is missing, but it still hits a comforting note. Whether it is for the sake of nostalgia or simply to see what the Fisherman's been up to lately, it is worth a watch, just do not expect too many twists along the way. The legacy slasher returns with new blood and old scars. – PR Worth hooking onto While it does not quite live up to its legacy or take full advantage of its potential, I Know What You Did Last Summer manages to be an enjoyable enough return to a familiar horror playground. It is slick, safe and just spooky enough to keep viewers entertained, especially if they do not mind seeing every turn coming from a mile away. Those hoping for a blood-soaked thrill ride may find it a bit too tame and those looking for a reinvention of the franchise might be left wanting. But go in with low expectations and this reboot might just be the nostalgic slasher fix no one asked for, but some might still appreciate. Because sometimes, that is all a horror fan really needs. DIRECTOR: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson CAST: Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, Tyriq Withers, Jennifer Love Hewitt E-VALUE: 6/10 PLOT: 5/10 ACTING: 6/10
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' returns, but the hook feels blunt
THE familiar chilling melody of 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' echoes once more on the big screen, as the 2025 iteration of the iconic slasher franchise attempts to reignite the terrifying tale of a deadly secret. However, while it serves up a generous platter of nostalgia and ample gore, this latest cinematic offering from Sony Pictures struggles to carve out its own identity, ultimately feeling more like a rehashed effort than a fresh scare. For those who grew up with the 1997 original, the premise is as familiar as a forgotten summer crush: a group of high schoolers, high on youthful recklessness, commit a grave error, dispose of the evidence, and then find themselves haunted by a hook-wielding killer a year later. This new film faithfully recreates that backbone, aiming for a legacy sequel status that directly follows the first two installments, conveniently sidestepping the forgettable third. The film makes an earnest attempt to modernise the narrative, injecting elements of class commentary and true-crime podcast vibes. Yet, these promising avenues often lead to dead ends, leaving the storyline feeling inconsistent and, at times, downright illogical. One can't help but feel a missed opportunity here to truly delve into contemporary anxieties, rather than simply grafting them onto an archaic framework. On the acting front, the new blood, including the likes of Madelyn Cline and Chase Sui Wonders, deliver passable performances. Cline, in particular, shows flashes of engaging comic timing, but the ensemble largely struggles to leave a lasting impression, their characters often as thinly sketched as the film's own plot. Where the film truly finds its footing, ironically, is in the return of its seasoned veterans. Freddie Prinze Jr. reprises his role as Ray Bronson with a newfound gravitas, portraying a character burdened by the past with a palpable "brittle bitterness". He's a more compelling presence here than in his earlier outings, adding a much-needed layer of weary depth. Jennifer Love Hewitt's return as Julie James, while welcome, is unfortunately a more passive affair; her character seemingly sidelined by the narrative's focus on the new generation. For fans, the cameos are certainly a draw, with Sarah Michelle Gellar making an appearance and, notably, Brandy Norwood's return as Karla Wilson in a tantalising mid-credits scene. This particular moment is sure to spark discussions and hopes for future instalments, suggesting that the franchise might have more tricks up its sleeve. In terms of pacing, it's a mixed bag. Some might find the horror set-pieces arriving in rapid succession, maintaining a certain momentum, while others might experience a slog despite the relatively swift 111-minute runtime. The film certainly doesn't shy away from gore, delivering blood-soaked splatter and grisly kills that are arguably more graphic than its predecessors. However, the increased viscera doesn't necessarily translate into increased fear. Jump scares are often telegraphed, and the genuine tension that made the original so effective is largely absent. What starts as potentially gory fun often devolves into something disturbing without truly being entertaining. So, is this latest 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' worth the price of a cinema ticket? For the casual moviegoer, probably not. It's a film that leans heavily on the nostalgia of a bygone era but fails to innovate or truly terrify. It's the kind of slasher flick that might be better enjoyed from the comfort of your couch, if curiosity truly gets the better of you. However, for the die-hard fans of the franchise, particularly those eager to see the original cast members back in action and revel in the sheer audacity of its blood-soaked moments, it might offer just enough familiar thrills to make it a worthwhile, albeit forgettable, trip down memory lane. Just don't expect it to hook you like it used to. NOW SHOWING I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER Durarion: 111 mins Classification: 16
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Malay Mail
Malay Mail's Top 10 Picks: ‘Superman' stays second while the dinos keep their territory safe at No. 1
KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 — Superman still can't seem to punch its way to the top of the local box office, even two weeks after its release, as Jurassic World: Rebirth continues to dominate at No.1. This week's chart also marks the return of familiar classics, such as the slasher flick I Know What You Did Last Summer, which makes a comeback with a long-awaited legacy sequel, while the Smurfs receive a fresh reboot for a new generation. July has been packed with big-screen blockbusters — some films smashing expectations, others simply riding the hype — but there's no denying it's been a brilliant month for cinema lovers. If your weekend plans are looking a little flat, don't worry — from the latest cinema releases to must-watch series on Netflix, Viu, and Disney+ Hotstar, along with trending songs and best-selling books, there's plenty to keep you entertained, and as always, Malay Mail has your weekend covered. Top 10 films in local cinemas (Domestic & International) (July 17 to July 20) Jurassic World Rebirth Superman F1: The Movie Impak Maksima 2 I Know What You Did Last Summer Smurfs Noise Tak Ingin Usai Di Sini Ghost Train Doraemon The Movie: Nobita's Art World Tales Source: and GSC Top 10 streaming on Netflix and Viu (July 14 to July 20) Netflix (Top 10 TV) TV Series UNTAMED: Limited Series Squid Game: Season 3 Gachiakuta: Season 1 DAN DA DAN: Season 2 Kaiju No. 8: Season 2 Tougen Anki: Season 1 I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability: Season 2 The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity: Season 1 Only You: Season 1 7 Bears: Limited Series Source: Netflix Top 10 Viu (Top 10 shows) The First Night with the Duke Mitos Cinta Akira Running Man (2025) Bitch x Rich 2 Bitch x Rich Revenged Love 逆爱 Lambaian Huda Our Generation 樱桃琥珀 Farewell Letter Taxi Driver 2 Source: Viu Frontpage Disney+ Hotstar (Top 10 shows) Our Movie: Season 1 Kaiju No.8: Season 2 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+: Season 1 Big City Greens: Season 1 Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur: Season 2 Washington Black: Season 1 Low Life: Season 1 Suspicious Partner (Japanese Version): Season 1 The Nice Guy: Season 1 Law and the City: Season 1 Source: Disney+ Hotstar Top 10 songs of the week (Spotify) (July 15 to July 23) HUNTR/X - Golden (w/ Ejae, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI, KPop Demon Hunters Cast) Jin - Don't Say You Love Me BLACKPINK - JUMP Tenxi - mejikuhibiniu (w/ Suisei, Jemsii) sombr - back to friends Saja Boys - Your Idol (w/ Andrew Choi, Neckwav, Danny Chung, KEVIN WOO, samUIL Lee, KPop Demon Hunters Cast) Saja Boys - Soda Pop (w/ Andrew Choi, Neckwav, Danny Chung, KEVIN WOO, samUIL Lee, KPop Demon Hunters Cast) Fourtwnty - Mangu (w/ Charita Utami) Naim Daniel - Seni Berdamai Dengan Takdir (w/ Adnin Roslan) HUNTR/X - What It Sounds Like (w/ Ejae, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI, KPop Demon Hunters Cast) Top 10 Malay songs of the week (Spotify) (July 15 to July 23) Adrianna Cinta, Farouk Roman - Dalam Sujudku (Acoustic version) - From 'Dia Bukan Syurga' Naim Daniel, Adnin Roslan - Seni Berdamai Dengan Takdir Rombongan Bodonk Koplo, Ncum - Calon Mantu Idaman Tenxi, Suisei, Jemsii - mejikuhibiniu Batas Senja - Kita Usahakan Lagi Ara Johari - Menjaga Jodoh Orang Lain Nadeera - Bukan Lagi Kita Imran Ajmain - Seribu Tahun Lagi Dato' Sri Siti Nurhaliza, Ade Govinda - Menamakanmu Cinta Noh Salleh - Rahsia Tuhan Source: and Spotify Top 10 books of the week (July 11 to July 17) Fiction Strange Houses by Uketsu (HarperVia) The Wizard's Bakery by Gu Byeong-Mo (Wildfire) Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi (Picador) Maybe This Is Love by Maria Mahat (Rumaa Books imprint IMAN Publication) Powerless by Lauren Roberts (simon & schuster books for young readers) Strange Pictures by Uketsu (HarperVia) A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber (Flatiron Books) Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors (Ballantine Books) Five Survive by Holly Jackson (Electric Monkey) A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini (Riverhead Books) Non-Fiction You're Not Bad with Money by Rachel Liew ( A Doctor in the House by Mahathir Mohamad (MPH Group Publishing Sdn Bhd) Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson (St. Martin's Essentials) Atomic Habits by James Clear (Penguin Books) The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins & Sawyer Robbins (Hay House LLC) The Malay Dilemma (Reissue Edition) by Mahathir Mohamad (Marshall Cavendish) The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest (Thought Catalog Books) A Conversation with Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad by Perdana Leadership Foundation (gerakbudaya enterprise) Once Upon a Miao 2 (Remastered): Crushes, Friendship & Chaos by Jian Goh (Space Voyager Log PLT) Once Upon a Miao 3 by Jian Goh (Space Voyager Log PLT) Mutiara Minda (Malay Novels) Kaisar by Jiwa (Nukilan Biruni) Thariq Ridzuwan Commando's: His Treasure by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) Qaid: The Unknown by Effalee (Manes Wordworks) Mi Carino by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) Rahsia Danny by Teme Abdullah (Iman Publication) His Code Name Alpha 2 by Elyshakaman (Idea Kreatif) Mi Linda by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) Mi Veneno 1 by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) His Code Name Alpha by Elyshakaman (Idea Kreatif) Mi Veneno 2 by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) Source: MPH
