“I Know What You Did Last Summer” Reviews: Sloppy and Indecisive
According to cinemadrame news agency, Sony’s remake of “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” starring Madelyn Cline, has received numerous negative reviews. The film, which is currently heading for a $12 million opening, has received a 45% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 42% score on Metacritic.
The remake’s story is about five friends, played by Madelyn Cline, Jonah Hauer-King, Sarah Pidgeon, Tariq Withers, and Chase Sui Wonders, who are pursued by the victim of a hit-and-run accident. They turn to the characters of Hewitt and Prinze Jr., survivors of a similar incident three decades ago. Nicholas Alexander Chavez, Billy Campbell, Gabrielle Haugh, Austin Nichols, and Lola Tung will also star in the film.
Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, who directed “Do Revenge,” helmed this film based on a screenplay she co-rewrote with Sam Lansky. Leah McKendrick penned the initial script, and Neal H. Moritz will return as producer.
The Vulture critic writes: “It’s not scary enough to excite, not funny enough to charm, or smart enough to be believable. ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ isn’t just a forgettable movie. It’s consistently annoying.”
Rolling Stone describes the film as a “sloppy” work that doesn’t know if it’s an original horror film or a stereotypical slasher: “Or a mix of both (two missed opportunities for the price of one).”
The Guardian critic gave the film three stars, writing: “In an era saturated with nostalgia (‘Clueless,’ ‘Legally Blonde,’ and ‘Urban Legend’ are in the works), Robinson finds a way for her film to feel not exactly essential, but enjoyable and unpretentious enough that its necessity no longer matters. Another summer might not come, but this one could be an entertaining last goodbye.”
Variety writes: “I appreciate that Robinson actually tried to make a real movie. But at the same time, this isn’t a real movie. It’s a concoction that imitates such a film.”
Screen Rant writes: “‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ isn’t the worst long-awaited horror sequel in history, but it doesn’t try to be more than a superficial reflection of the first installment.”
Entertainment Weekly writes that for young audiences looking for something other than endless social media scrolling, watching this film might not be the worst decision: “For those old enough to have seen the first part in theaters, the best decision is to watch it on digital platforms a year later.”
“I Know What You Did Last Summer” will be released on July 18, 2025.
