I Know What You Did Last Summer’ Tests Nostalgia in Twin Cities Film Scene

“I Know What You Did Last Summer” Reboot Fails to Hook Audiences

The recent reboot of “I Know What You Did Last summer” attempts to modernize the classic slasher by upgrading its protagonists from high school seniors to young professionals in their early twenties. Though, this shift, while aiming for increased credulity, ultimately dilutes the core impact of the original story, leaving a hollow echo of its predecessor.

The premise remains rooted in a youthful transgression: a group of friends involved in a tragic accidental death on the Fourth of July. A year later, they are terrorized by an anonymous tormentor and a hook-wielding killer. The reboot places Ava (Chase Sui Wonders) and her beauty queen friend Danica (Madelyn Cline) at the center. Ava’s former boyfriend is the bland DC politico milo (Jonah Hauer-King), while Danica’s wealthy ex is the town’s golden boy, Teddy (Tyriq Withers), son of real estate mogul Grant Spencer (Billy Campbell). A new character, Stevie (Sarah Pidgeon), a recently sober friend, is also introduced, her recovery derailed by the unfolding events.

The narrative attempts to weave in contemporary elements, like the town of Southport’s transformation into the “Hamptons of the South,” with a true-crime podcaster, Tyler (Gabbriette Bechtel), arriving to investigate a past massacre. This “gentrifislaytion” angle, along with hints of Danica’s spiritual beliefs, are introduced but left underdeveloped, feeling like dropped plot threads rather than integral components. When her friends begin to fall victim, Ava seeks help from Julie, now a psychology professor, and Ray (Freddie Prinze Jr.), the owner of a local bar and Stevie’s employer.

While writers Robinson, Lansky, and McKendrick bring forth intriguing modern concepts, they ultimately fail to capitalize on them. The film offers scant emotional weight to the newly introduced characters, whose relationships feel contrived. the core storytelling power, as the review suggests, lies with the returning characters, Julie and Ray, hinting that the reboot’s departures from the original are its weakest link.

Cinematographer Elisha Christian pays homage to the original’s visual style but misses the atmospheric, haunted nautical quality that defined its predecessor. Despite some witty banter and palpable chemistry between Cline and Withers, the overall experience feels weightless, failing to resonate.

The film culminates in a twist and reveal that, according to the review, is a canonical betrayal utterly lacking in believable motivation, causing the entire endeavor to collapse. The new “I Know What You Did Last Summer” may aim to subvert nostalgia, but ironically, it’s the lingering fragments of the original film that offer the onyl moments of genuine engagement.

‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’

2 stars (out of 4)

MPA rating: R (for bloody horror violence, language throughout, some sexual content and brief drug use)

Running time: 1:51

How to watch: In theaters July 18

How does the filming of “I Know What You Did Last Summer” in Minnesota exemplify the state’s ability to attract productions seeking 90s nostalgia aesthetics?

The Return of a 90s Slasher Icon: Filming in Minnesota

The recent buzz surrounding the potential revival of “I Know what You Did Last Summer” isn’t just about a beloved 90s slasher film making a comeback.It’s about where that comeback is happening: the Twin Cities. production crews have descended upon locations across Minneapolis and St. Paul, sparking excitement amongst film buffs and a significant economic boost for local businesses. This isn’t simply a remake; it’s a test of the Twin Cities’ growing appeal as a prime filming destination, leveraging the power of 90s nostalgia and recognizable franchises.

Why Minnesota? The Appeal for Filmmakers

Several factors are contributing to Minnesota’s rising popularity wiht film and television productions.

Tax Incentives: Minnesota offers a competitive film production tax credit, making it financially attractive for studios. This incentive helps offset production costs, encouraging larger projects to choose the state.

Diverse Locations: From urban landscapes to picturesque lakes and forests, the Twin Cities provide a versatile backdrop for a wide range of stories. The aesthetic aligns well with the original film’s coastal vibe, surprisingly.

Skilled Crew Base: A growing pool of experienced film professionals resides in Minnesota, reducing the need to import talent and streamlining the production process.

Sound Stages & Studio Facilities: Increased investment in local sound stages and studio facilities is making Minnesota a more complete production hub.

The “I Know What You Did Last Summer” project is a high-profile example, but it follows a trend. Recent productions like the film Shirley (2020) and various autonomous projects have utilized Minnesota’s resources. This demonstrates a shift in perception – the Twin Cities are no longer just a flyover state for Hollywood.

Local Impact: Economic Benefits and Community Involvement

The filming of “I Know What You Did Last Summer” is injecting significant capital into the local economy.

Job Creation: Hundreds of temporary jobs have been created for crew members, extras, and support staff.

Hotel & Hospitality Boost: Production teams and cast members require lodging, dining, and transportation, benefiting local hotels, restaurants, and transportation services.

Business for Local Vendors: From equipment rentals to catering services, local businesses are seeing increased demand due to the production.

Increased Visibility: The publicity surrounding the filming is putting the Twin Cities on the map as a viable filming location, perhaps attracting future projects.

Local communities have largely welcomed the production, with some residents even landing roles as extras. The presence of the film crew has created a buzz and a sense of excitement.

The 90s Revival & Slasher Film trends

The timing of this remake is strategic. The 1990s are experiencing a major cultural resurgence,fueled by nostalgia marketing and a renewed interest in the decade’s fashion,music,and films. Slasher films, too, are enjoying a revival, with franchises like Scream continuing to draw large audiences.

Gen Z & Millennial Appeal: Both Gen Z and Millennial audiences are drawn to the nostalgia factor of revisiting classic 90s properties.

Reboot & Remake Culture: Hollywood’s reliance on reboots and remakes provides a familiar entry point for audiences.

The Enduring Popularity of Slashers: The slasher genre continues to resonate with audiences who enjoy suspense, thrills, and iconic villains.

“I Know What You Did Last Summer” taps into all these trends, making it a potentially prosperous project. The original film, starring Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah michelle Gellar, and Ryan Phillippe, was a box office hit and remains a cult classic.

challenges and Future Outlook for Minnesota Film

Despite the positive momentum, Minnesota’s film industry faces challenges. Maintaining consistent funding for the film tax credit is crucial. Competition from other states with robust film incentives remains fierce.

However, the success of projects like “I Know What You Did Last Summer” demonstrates the potential for growth.Continued investment in infrastructure, workforce advancement, and marketing will be essential to solidify Minnesota’s position as a leading film production hub. The current project serves as a valuable case study for attracting future productions and showcasing the state’s capabilities. The future of Minnesota film looks promising, fueled by a blend of economic incentives, creative talent, and a growing reputation for quality production.

Resources for Minnesota Film Industry Information

Minnesota Film & TV Board: https://www.mnfilm.org/

Twin Cities Film Fest: https://www.tcff.org/

Local Crew & Vendor Directories: Available through the Minnesota Film & TV board website.