Latest news with #SouthportMassacre
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- 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
Elle
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
‘I Know What You Did Last Summer' Gets a Modern Reboot—Here's How to Watch
I Know What You Did Last Summer is back. Directed by Do Revenge's Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, the remake of the 1997 cult classic reunites original stars Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. as Julie James and Ray Bronson, nearly three decades after they first survived the Southport Massacre. And this time, they're the ones being turned to for help. Released in theaters today, the film introduces a new cast of characters—including Ava (Chase Sui Wonders), Danica (Madelyn Cline), Milo (Jonah Hauer-King), Stevie (Sarah Pidgeon), and Teddy (Tyriq Withers)—who become entangled in a hit-and-run coverup eerily similar to what happened in 1997. When a masked killer starts targeting them, they discover the events of the past are far from buried, and that the only people who might have answers are Julie and Ray. While the sequel honors the campy thrills and iconic visuals of the original, Robinson brings new emotional stakes to the story. 'I wanted it to be something that felt like a twin flame to the 1997 original,' she told IndieWire, adding that the film explores 'what accountability looks like today.' When it came to her influences for the film, 'Jaws was a big one,' she said. For Hewitt, returning to the role came with what she described as 'immediate fear and panic.' She told USA Today, 'Coming back at 46 is really daunting in Hollywood, for lots of reasons. You don't want people to be like, 'Oh, she looks different,' or 'She's aged.' You don't want any of that.' So, how can you watch the reboot? Not quite. I Know What You Did Last Summer is currently playing exclusively in theaters, with a digital release expected later this fall. Given distributor Sony's existing deal with Netflix, the film is likely to hit the platform just in time for spooky season. Before its streaming debut, the film will likely become available to rent or purchase on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV+. And if you're looking to revisit the full franchise, the original 1997 film is also available to buy or rent online.
Hype Malaysia
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
'I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025)' Review: Trip Down Memory Lane That Delivers On The Horror
If you've lived longer than 20 years, you've probably heard of the recent '20-Year' or '30-Year' rule, when something that was mediocre then (that still managed to receive a cult following when it first came out) suddenly sees a massive resurgence or renewed interest today because of nostalgia, among other factors. The same is true for movies, as seen with the recent incarnation of 'I Know What You Did Last Summer.' Directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and starring Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, Jonah Hauer-King, Tyriq Withers, and Sarah Pidgeon, the film also features Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. reprising their roles and taking us back to the same old town with the same old serial killer. Much like the original 1997 film, 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' 2025 follows another group of friends who are caught up in an accident, resulting in the death of a stranger. After failing to save the stranger, the group of friends form a pact to never speak of what happened again to avoid the consequences. Yet, despite this, their actions come back to haunt them a year later and they are now chased by the legendary serial killer, or at least an imitation of them. Realising this, the friends seek help from the two survivors of the original Southport Massacre of 1997. Similar to how it revisits Southport after all these years, the film recreates a lot of the things we loved about the original. From the air of mystery that the OG is well known for, to the campy vibes it had all those years ago – this movie is an absolute treat for dedicated fans of the franchise (which includes 'I Still Know What You Did Last Summer' and 'I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer'), but also serves as a nice starting-off point for those new to the series. If you are in the former camp, however, you will be incredibly rewarded for watching the previous entry, as there are tonnes of references for you to spot, and you might make your movie experience more enjoyable. The film kicks us off by introducing a tight group of friends who have essentially known each other for their entire lives – and are the central focus throughout its 1 hour and 51 minute runtime. Oftentimes, legacy sequels find it quite hard to break away from their predecessor's shadow and it makes sense. Rather than running away from it or disregarding it, 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' (2025) doubles down and embraces it by reinventing itself just enough for it to still be refreshing, with enough similarities to make it still feel familiar. A key reason for this is the return of Prinze Jr. and Love Hewitt as Ray Bronson and Julie James, respectively, which creates a sense of continuity without making them the centre of attention. One of the major positives of this movie is that it finds a way to bring the original cast back without making it feel like they are shoehorned in for the sake of nostalgia — they are an actual force in the story that actually progresses the plot. Of course, having had their time in the spotlight, Prinze Jr. and Love Hewitt take a step back to welcome the next generation of Southport residents. They support the main cast, which comprises Cline, Sui Wonders, Hauer-King, Withers and Pidgeon. As mentioned earlier, they create a convincing and realistic upper-class friend group that hooks you in so that you actually want them to survive this ordeal. They alone create a convincing sequel for the film as is, but with the reprisal of the original cast, it feels like it's a passing-of-a-torch moment that you have to see if you're a fan. Furthermore, when it comes to slashers, a lot of characters are randomly introduced to fill up the body count. Sometimes, there are instances of just being at the wrong place at the wrong time, and you can say the same for the previous entries. But 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' (2025) feels more intimate and personal, as the kills focus more on the people that are close to the main cast instead of some passersby. Because of this, we get to know the cast far better, making it far more thrilling when the serial killer comes knocking down their door and gives the newer cast more story importance than the recurring ones. However, the film is not perfect. One of the glaring faults is its story, particularly the ending. As the tale homes in on its conclusion, we are left wondering who is the man behind the slicker outfit? Though the crew do their best to unravel the killer's identity, they never really do a good job compared to the original. Sure, there are hints, and it makes sense in the end, but they never seem significant enough, so much so that the big reveal feels forced and leaves us scratching our heads. To say this is a major blow — for a horror/mystery no less — would be a massive understatement. Additionally, the ending itself is also extremely contrived, as if the filmmakers are forcing a certain ending to occur rather than letting it happen naturally. Another painful issue is that many argue that this entry is not as campy as its predecessor and therefore hurts the film in some way. You can make the argument that the original film was not made with the intention of being campy, but the fact that it was is what made it so iconic. Sure, the tone is far darker now, but it is also a prime candidate for the injection of some dark humour into the mix, which would have elevated it to being more than just a regular entry/continuation. This is mildly offset by the fact that the characters display massive amounts of character development that only the past entries could dream of. If there's a follow-up to this franchise, we just hope it takes all the best aspects of its predecessors and uses them to create a thriller we won't soon forget. 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' is a refreshing yet familiar return to Southport, complete with a brand new cast of characters with the same old killer. This refreshing entry sees it reimagining the franchise for younger fans while maintaining familiarity for more seasoned ones, and it does so with flying colours! However, it falters painfully at the end by not providing enough evidence to make the big reveal more convincing, while the conclusion itself feels extremely forced. Despite it all, it's still an enjoyable film that deserves your attention. 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' is now in theatres.
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
Freddie Prinze Jr. says his kids weren't afraid of 1st 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' film
Freddie Prinze Jr. says his kids weren't phased by the first "I Know What You Did Last Summer" film. At the world premiere for the new "I Know What You Did Last Summer" film in Los Angeles on Monday, Prinze said his kids Charlotte and Rocky, whom he shares with wife Sarah Michelle Gellar, "didn't scream once" when they saw the original 1997 film directed by Jim Gillespie. "They were laughing because guys like James Wan made 'Saw,' which sort of changed the genre," he said, adding that he hopes this new film continues to "push the [horror] genre forward and challenge that next generation of filmmakers to do the same thing." "Horror evolves so quickly," Prinze continued. "These writers and directors are constantly trying to outdo one another ... what was scary five, 10 years ago isn't scary now." The actor, who starred in the original "I Know What You Did Last Summer" alongside Gellar, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Ryan Phillippe, stars in the new sequel directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, reprising his role as Ray Bronson. Hewitt also returns to the new film, reprising her role as Julie James. Joining Prinze and Hewitt are Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, Jonah Hauer-King, Tyriq Withers and Sarah Pidgeon. Prinze lauded the new group and said "they earned the baton." "I didn't have to pass anything," he said. "They're so much better than I was at their age. It's not even funny. I love this cast so much, I respect their work so much, and it was a pleasure to get to work with them." The new film centers around five friends who cover up a deadly car accident that they inadvertently caused and make a pact to "keep it a secret rather than face the consequences," according to a synopsis. Like the first film, Robinson's film jumps to a year later, when the group is "forced to confront" what they did last summer, after a killer who knows the truth comes after them. The synopsis adds that the group turns to "two survivors of the legendary Southport Massacre of 1997 for help." Pidgeon, who plays Stevie Ward, described the film as "even splashier in terms of blood and gore" than previous films. "I think there's a lot of beautiful parts in the characters that touch on and give reverence and [are] referential to the original," she continued. "But it's also really standalone." "I think this can hold its own in a good way," she added. Screenwriter Sam Lansky said it was important to bring "everything that we loved about the original to carry into the world of 2025." "We just really, really wanted to take on what felt special about that first movie and give everyone who wants to go to the movies now the same jolt of adrenaline, the rush, the good time that we had seeing these movies as young people ourselves," he added. As a nod to the first film, Robinson said that fans can spot several Easter Eggs throughout the new movie. One Easter Egg in particular, Robinson said, pays special nautical tribute to the first film. "One of my favorites is Ray Bronson's boat in the first movie is 'Billy Blue,' and I recreated that sign and put it in his bar," she said. "So, there's a lot of stuff for the OG fans." Lansky added, "There are so many little things that you will find that I think you will be absolutely delighted by. And for people who are coming into it cold and experiencing this for the first time, I think they're also going to have a blast."
New York Post
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
‘I Know What You Did Last Summer' red carpet reunites Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar and more
Iconic '90s stars have called — and we're hooked. Twenty-eight years after the 1997 slasher 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' hit theaters, the cast of the sequel stepped out for its premiere at LA's United Theater on Broadway on Monday. Along with new faces, including Madelyn Cline, Lola Tung, Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Chase Sui Wonders, the crowds got a blast from the past. 13 Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ryan Philippe, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze Jr. in the 1997 poster for 'IKWYDLS.' ©Columbia Pictures/courtesy Everett Co Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. — who starred in the original project together — turned the premiere into date night. Prinze Jr., 49, reprises his role as Ray Bronson in the sequel. Gellar, 48, played Helen Shivers, who died in the OG movie. The original Kevin Williamson-written film followed a group of four friends who accidentally kill a man. One year later, they're stalked by a hook-wielding killer. Jennifer Love Hewitt and Ryan Phillippe rounded out the cast. 13 Freddie Prinze Jr. at the Los Angeles premiere of 'I Know What You Did Last Summer.' Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Phillippe's character, Barry William Cox, was also murdered. The sequel, 'I Still Know What You Did Last Summer,' was released in 1998. According to Sony Pictures, the 2025 movie follows five friends who 'inadvertently cause a deadly car accident' before they 'cover up their involvement and make a pact to keep it a secret rather than face the consequences.' 13 Jennifer Love Hewitt stuns in a black dress at the 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' premiere in Los Angeles. Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock However, 'a year later, their past comes back to haunt them and they're forced to confront a horrifying truth: someone knows what they did last summer…and is hell-bent on revenge. As one by one the friends are stalked by a killer, they discover this has happened before, and they turn to two survivors of the legendary Southport Massacre of 1997 for help.' Despite not being in the project, Gellar still came out to support her husband of 23 years. She donned a strapless, Oscar de la Renta butterfly mini dress and matched the carpet with a blue and orange color scheme. The 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' star accessorized with an orange leather clutch, orange pumps, and kept her long, blonde hair down. 13 Sarah Michelle Gellar wears Oscar de la Renta to the 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' premiere in Los Angeles. Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA 13 Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. have a date night at the 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' premiere. Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA Prinze coordinated with his other half, sporting a navy blue linen suit and loafers. In October 1997, the pair walked the carpet for the original horror movie separately at the GCC Galaxy Theatre in Hollywood, Calif. Gellar and Prinze first met on the set of 'I Know What You Did Last Summer,' but didn't start dating until 2000. 13 Sarah Michelle Gellar and Seth Green reunite at the 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' premiere. Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA 'History repeating itself! Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. at the I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER premiere in 1997 and again in 2025,' Gellar's friend, Evan Ross Katz, wrote on Instagram beneath a side-by-side shot from both carpets. Jennifer Love Hewitt, who stars as Julie James in the slasher franchise, also stunned on the red carpet. The actress, 46, wore a Rachel Gilbert black dress embellished with jewels and matching closed-toe heels. Unlike her brunette character, Hewitt rocked ginger-red hair for the big night. She joins Prinze Jr. onscreen for the new film. 13 Austin Nichols, Tyriq Withers, Jonah Hauer-King, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, Sarah Pidgeon, Freddie Prinze Jr., Gabriette Bechtel, Billy Campbell at the Los Angeles premiere. Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA Gellar had another nostalgic run-in on Monday night. The 'Ringer' actress posed with her 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' co-star, Seth Green. Their reunion comes five months after Michelle Trachtenberg, who played Buffy's little sister Dawn Summers, died at age 39. Gellar is currently in production for the reboot of the hit mystical drama series. In May, the 'Cruel Intentions' alum announced that Ryan Kiera Armstrong will play the new slayer. The show is set to be the next chapter in the Buffyverse. 13 Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt in the original 1997 slasher film. ©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection 13 Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe and Jennifer Love Hewitt in 'I Know What You Did Last Summer.' ©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection Gellar, meanwhile, spoke out in October about not returning to the 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' franchise. She simply told People at the time, 'I am dead.' 'My best friend [Jennifer Kaytin Robinson] is directing it, so we joke that I have an unofficial job, which is I am continuity,' Gellar explained. 'So I'm always the one telling her, 'Well, that would happen, or that wouldn't happen with those characters,' so I do have kind of an unofficial job title.' 13 Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe and Jennifer Love Hewitt in the original movie. ©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection Earlier this month, Prinze Jr. weighed in on reuniting with Hewitt on the project. 'Whatever a high school union feels like, that's what it felt like,' he expressed to People. 'You have no idea what's changed, what's the same. You're excited to show what you think you're better at. You hope they notice it. It was all those things.' Due to the tight filming schedule, 'there just had to be trust that each of us cared enough to put the work in,' Prinze Jr. continued. 'I didn't have any reason not to trust her. I know how much this character means to her. She puts everything into this girl and always has since the first movie.' 13 Jennifer Love Hewitt as Julie James in the 2025 film. ©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection 13 Chase Sui Wonders, Madelyn Cline, Sarah Pidgeon, Freddie Prinze Jr. in 'I Know What You Did Last Summer.' ©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection Hewitt, for her part, had some reservations about re-joining the cast. 'I'll be super honest, I had total anxiety for 48 hours before [filming] because I was like, 'Can I do this? Am I going to pull this off?' It's a lot of pressure,' she told People in April. Despite her fear, the 'Holiday Junkie' vet was grateful to be asked back. 13 Freddie Prinze Jr. in the new 'I Know What You Did Last Summer.' ©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection 'As a female in Hollywood, in your 40s, sometimes you can feel forgotten about,' Hewitt confessed, noting that she felt 'really touched emotionally and honored that Sony would have me back, that the franchise would have me back, that Jen wanted me back, and that the audience wanted me back. It really felt like an honor. Stepping into her shoes again was really fun.' She added that the current cast is 'phenomenal.' 'It's for them to make it their own,' Hewitt gushed. 'And for me to stand by like a proud mom and say, 'It's yours now, take it and run and enjoy.'' 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' hits theaters on Friday.
