Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Actresses get sexy, scary for horror flick fame.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
SCREAM QUEENS follows 10 aspiring actresses as they compete for a coveted role in Saw VI. Each week, they're trained and mentored by horror film director James Gunn, acting coach John Homa, and actress Shawnee Smith, whose role in the Saw franchise has made her scream royalty. After a series of exercises designed to teach the contestants a specific trick of the terror trade, each is screen tested to see if she's got the looks and talent for the part. Those who fail to impress risk being axed from the competition. Adding to the theatrics is the drama resulting from all the up-and-coming performers living together and trying to get along.
Is It Any Good?
Scream Queens offers a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating horror films and highlights some of the production techniques used to create terrifying movie moments. It also highlights the contradictory traits that the ideal horror film actress has to portray -- from beauty and vulnerability to grittiness and a sense of empowerment -- to create the kinds of scenes that make these films cult classics.
But, like most other reality competitions, the pressure to outperform the other contestants in front of the judges leads to some catty arguing and other scary behavior. The show also has plenty of sexual innuendo, salty language, and violent imagery. It's not appropriate for tweens, but teens who can handle this sort of thing might get a kick out of watching what goes into making the ultimate horror flick.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the appeal of horror films. What makes them entertaining to some people? Are horror films the same as slasher movies? If not, what's the difference? Families can also discuss the challenges of pursuing a professional acting career. Do you think winning a competition like this can actually help aspiring actresses break into the industry, or is it just a one-shot deal? What do you think the contestants motivations are to be on this show?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 20, 2008
- Cast : John Gunn , John Homa , Shawnee Smith
- Network : VH1
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 19, 2019
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