Page 18 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • April 27, 2011 ‘Scream 4’ ignores potential in favor of cheap thrills by Dennis Seuling Let’s start with a bit of history. In 1978, “Halloween” ushered in a series of popular slasher films. Inexpensively made, that movie had a tremendous amount of suspense, some gruesome (though not overly graphic) murders, and a heroine (Jamie Lee Curtis) in distress. “Friday the 13th,” “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” “Sleepaway Camp,” “Hell Night,” “My Bloody Valentine,” and a host of others attempted to capitalize on the formula of a madman on the loose wielding something sharp and nasty until audiences began to stay away in droves. It was therefore a commercial risk to release yet another slasher film in the mid-1990s. “Scream” made a fortune, primarily because its clever script poked fun at horror film conventions while simultaneously confirming them. The film initiated a whole new cycle of slasher pictures and led to two sequels in 1997 and 2000. Now, “Scream 4” comes to theaters for another attempt to stay ahead of an audience. The job of shocking, let alone surprising, viewers has become more difficult. Wes Craven, who directed the original “Scream,” has returned to put his stamp on this fourth installment. There are still those (continued on Crossword page) State Line 375 State Highway 17 North, Mahwah Open 24 Hours, 7 Days Join Us For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner The Best Got Better! Diner - Restaurant 201-529-3353 David Arquette and Courteney Cox in ‘Scream 4.’ Best-selling author and Ridgewood resident Harlan Coben recently released “Live Wire,” the latest installa- Harlan Coben continues Bolitar’s saga ����������������������� ����������������������� ������������������� Major Credit Cards Accepted Now Serving Cocktails, Espresso & Cappuccino $ 00 On $10.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. State Line Diner VT Off 1 $ 00 On $20.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. State Line Diner VT Off 2 ������������ Chinese Restaurant Family Dining � ���������������� ��������������� ����������������������������������������������������� ���� ������������������������ tion in the continuing saga of sports agent and detective Myron Bolitar. All of Coben’s compelling characters are back in living color, including Win, Esperanza, and Big Cyndi. This time, Myron’s quest begins with a plea from client Suzze T, a former tennis star, who is haunted by an anonymous Facebook post that questions the paternity of her unborn child. Myron’s search for Suzze’s husband leads him to an unexpected encounter with his own sister-in-law, and a tangle of lies about Myron’s estranged brother. As usual, Coben leads readers on a thrilling ride with an unexpected ending. Coben is the winner of the Edgar Award, the Shamus Award, and the Anthony Award. His last three books, “Caught,” “Long Lost,” and “Hold Tight,” were instant #1 New York Times Best-sellers. His books have been published in over 40 languages. “Live Wire,” published by Dutton, is now available. ������������������� ��������������������� ���������� 11-17-10 Joan/Janine StateLine2x4(2Coup)11-17-10 2 col x 4 Test your knowledge of Mobster Expertise - DJ Rich will have questions about your favorite Mobster movies, actors & quotes. Answer correctly & you can win a prize! Entertainment provided by: Rich Resz Entertainment ALL PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH To purchase tickets register @ www.westbergen.org For more info, contact Chrissie @ 201.444.3550 clijoi@westbergen.org