Plot: What’s it about?
I don’t know how many times I have to say this, but the one thing “Scream” did for the horror movie genre was that its ripple-effect is still somewhat active today. If there were no “Scream” odds are that there’d be no “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and therefore no resulting sequel (and therefore no shots of Jennifer Love Hewitt in a tank top). As with most every moderately successful film franchise, a sequel was inevitable. However half of the four person original cast had been killed off (Ryan Philippe and Sarah Michelle Gellar) so the challenge was which teenybopper duo to fill their shoes? Oh and don’t let a little thing like a plot get in the way of a good sequel either, ok?
“I Still Know What You Did Last Summer” picks up a year after the last film and we again meet Julie (Jennifer Lowe Hewitt) as she’s having panic attacks in college. Luckily she’s got bouncy roommate Karla (Brandy Norwood aka “Brandy”) and it just so happens that a local radio station calls their unlisted number and they win a trip to the Bahamas. Nevermind the fact that they answer the trivia question incorrectly (the capitol of Brazil is Brazilia not Rio), but it doesn’t deter them from heading out for a little fun in the sun. Now the problem is that Ray (Freddie Prinze Jr.) is distancing himself from Julie and refuses the invite. Yet he still buys an engagement ring, go figure. Ray has a change of heart and is attacked by the “fisherman” killer (Muse Watson), so Julie is stuck with Will (Matthew Settle) instead. From there it’s a rehash of every slasher flick as the bodies pike up with our fearless foursome trying to make it out alive. Will they?
I remember seeing this movie when it came out, but I don’t think I firmly grasped at how bad it really was until its debut on Blu-ray. One thing I had totally forgotten was the cameo by Jack Black (he’s uncredited) as the weed-puffing Rastafarian wannabe. Mekhi Phifer and Brandy fill in for Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Philippe and I’m still trying to figure out where Matthew Settle’s character fits in. Will actually I know, but I don’t want to ruin one of the main plot points. Oddly enough, this movie wasn’t the last in the “I Know…” series; in 2006 there was a third installment entitled “I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer”. Thankfully Jennifer Love Hewitt was smart enough to stay away from that one. I suppose this isn’t as bad as I made out, but I’d stick with the original or any of the “Scream” movies over this.
Video: How does it look?
“I Still Know What You Did Last Summer” comes to Blu-ray in a fairly decent-looking 2.40:1 AVC HD transfer. Believe it or not, the film is ten years old and it hardly looks it. Colors are bright and bold with contrast looking very strong. There are a few of the darker scenes that leave a little to be desired, but by and large this is not a bad transfer here. It’s been so long since I saw this on standard DVD I can’t recall how it compares, but I’m sure this is an improvement.
Audio: How does it sound?
The Dolby TrueHD soundtrack isn’t half bad, either. I was surprised by a few of the scenes and how many of the slasher movies have a little sound associated when a knife is grabbed. Dialogue is fairly strong and the obligatory karaoke scene simply resonates throughout the room (there was a brief period of time when Jennifer Love Hewitt wanted to be a singer). Depth is good and the LFE do chime in for some added ambiance.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Those looking for a robust supplemental package here will be disappointed. All we get is a “Making of…”featurette, a trailer and Jennifer Love Hewitt’s music video (yes, really).
