A Walk Down Memory Lane or Just a Cash Grab?

In a world where nostalgia reigns supreme, ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ attempts to recapture the magic of its 1997 predecessor. But instead of a gripping revival, we get a legacy sequel that feels more like a desperate ploy to cash in on past glories.

The Premise: Same Old Story, New Faces

The storyline follows a familiar trope: a group of beautiful twenty-somethings who conceal a dark secret after a tragic accident. Fast forward a year, and one of them receives a menacing note. Soon after, a hook-wielding killer dressed in fisherman's garb starts picking them off one by one.

Meet the Bland Cast

The cast is led by Danica (Madelyn Cline) and her fiancée Teddy (Tyriq Withers). Add in Ava (Chase Sui Wonders), who's back to celebrate their engagement, Milo (Jonah Hauer-King), her ex, and Stevie (Sarah Pidgeon), their estranged friend. Unfortunately, their personalities lack the spark needed to captivate audiences.

Setting the Stage for Mayhem

The first victim is Wyatt (Joshua Orpin), Danica's new beau, who was uninvolved in their dark past. His murder kicks off a spiral of terror, yet the core group remains intact, truly testing the audience's patience.

Enter the Survivors from the Past

Desperate for help, they turn to Ray Bronson and Julie James, played by fan favorites Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt. These familiar faces bring a sense of nostalgia and gravity, as Julie has transformed her trauma into a teaching career.

A Sluggish Slasher with No Thrills

The film's pacing drags, often leaning too hard on predictable slasher clichés. The kills lack creativity and genuine suspense, and it isn't until the chaotic final act that things take a turn for the absurd, riddled with plot twists that would leave even Agatha Christie scratching her head.

Underutilized Talent and Missed Opportunities

While the film features quirky supporting characters, including a suspicious pastor and a quirky podcaster with a show titled 'Live, Laugh, Slaughter,' their roles feel disappointingly underdeveloped.

A Silver Lining with Original Stars

Thankfully, Prinze Jr. and Hewitt shine amidst the chaos. Their chemistry provides a rare comic relief, and their presence serves as a link to the franchise's roots.

A Love Letter That Falls Flat

Director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and co-writer Sam Lansky clearly love the original franchise, introducing fun cameos that had the audience cheering. However, their efforts can't mask a lack of originality in a franchise that desperately needed a breath of fresh air.