In 1973, Lois Duncan published a book titled, “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” The Story’s about a group of college friends who accidentally run over a man. Assuming he’s dead, they toss his body into the ocean. One Year Later, the man dons a Fisherman outfit and hook blade seeking revenge on the group. Sony later adapted the book into a movie.
Released in 1997, (same year Final Fantasy VII came out) it received mixed reviews from critics and made money at the box office. A sequel was released in 1998. A short-lived TV show of I Know What You Did Last Summer steamed on Amazon Prime lasting only one season. It ran shorter than Nancy Grace as a contestant on “Dancing With the Stars.” Anyway, I’m gonna be watching and reviewing several Horror movies throughout the month of October. Don’t be shy to send me a request.
If you’re somewhat interested in this movie, there will be SPOILERS. Read at your own risk.
Polished & Rusty Aspects
Polished: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Freddie Prinze Jr. (Kanan from Star Wars: Rebels) Johnny Galacki and the late Anne Heche all did a great job for their respective performances.
Fun Fact: Sarah & Freddie also appeared in two live-action Scooby-Doo movies. They’re also married and have kids.
Cinematography didn’t have any technical issues.
John Debney (Hocus Pocus, Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, Sin City) orchestrated the soundtrack.
The Fisherman’s reason on why he came a serial killer, is because his daughter died and blames it on the daughter’s boyfriend. After killing him, Fisherman gets hit by the group. Thus, sets his revenge on them.
Rusty: The movie’s a tad dated. Obviously made in the 90s. Now that we live in the iPad era, it would’ve been easier to call on your phone if a serial killer stalks you a mile away.
Scare Factor never gave me the Heebie Jeebies. I never felt a sense of dread. Not one little bit.
Death Scenes aren’t as good as “Scream 2.”
When Julie opens the trunk of her car, a corpse covered in crabs is really a mannequin.
Julie and her friends aren’t as memorable or interesting. They’re just plain dull.
Helen’s unexpected death caused a stir. As if the Stock Market dropped down to zero.
I know, Barry’s paranoid throughout the whole movie, but he always nags and yells at his friends. He’s annoying as heck. Had Barry lived, I would’ve Triple Down this con. Too bad Ryan Philippe’s a real life big fat meanie. Beating up an ex-girlfriend. Reese Witherspoon dodged a bullet. Had they not divorced, Ryan would’ve treated his daughter, Ava like crap.
At first, Julie started it out as a good main protagonist. Up until Act Three, she constantly screams for her life. Feels outta character. Now I get why people wanted Julie to die instead of Helen. In the words of Scarecrow from “The Wizard of Oz.” “It’s no use screaming at a time like this!” That’s like Sidney Prescott (from the Scream series) yelling like a bumbling idiot
The Final Scene abruptly ends with the Fisherman lunging towards Julie. A poor excuse for sequel bait.
The Final Verdict: D, FOR DUMMY!
I Know What You Did Last Summer is an underwhelming dud. One of the worst movies of 1997, it pales in comparison to “Scream.” Rumor has it, a future sequel to the original movie might bring back Jennifer Love Hewitt.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 