"I Know What You Did Last Summer" unfortunately earns its place among films with incredibly promising titles that fail to deliver on that promise, much like "The Spy Who Shagged Me" or "The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover." It’s a frustrating experience to see such a great title attached to a film that ultimately squanders its potential.
The screenplay, penned by Kevin Williamson, feels like a misguided attempt to recapture the magic of early "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer" seasons. While "Scream" might be a more obvious comparison point, surprisingly, "Scream" manages to be the superior film. One wonders if Williamson was even aiming for that kind of "cred," evidenced by the constant bickering and squabbling among the central characters. The charm of "Buffy" lies in the genuine support its characters show for each other. This element of camaraderie could have significantly elevated Williamson’s script, injecting a dose of realism. Even if these characters were prone to interpersonal conflicts, a genuine external threat should have compelled them to unite, not further fracture.
The core issue isn’t that "I Know What You Did Last Summer" is inherently terrible. The real disappointment stems from the squandering of a compelling premise alongside a talented I Know What You Did Last Summer Cast. The film centers around teenagers grappling with guilt after a hit-and-run accident, their attempt to conceal the body, and their misguided belief that they can simply return to their previous lives. This narrative setup held immense potential, offering numerous intriguing directions. Regrettably, Williamson opted for a well-trodden path of slasher-horror conventions, venturing into territory so familiar it feels like a tourist trap.
