I Still Know What You Did Last Summer

Thanks, Kevin Williamson. Thank you a whole lot.

The co-creator of the "Scream" films and TV's "Dawson's Creek" has a lot to answer for lately — particularly, this year's slew of awful "Scream" knock-offs, which have included "Disturbing Behavior" and "Urban Legend."

Even worse, he also wrote last year's surprise hit, "I Know What You Did Last Summer," which showed little of the wit of the two "Screams." But he didn't return to pen its even dumber sequel, "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer," an idiotic slasher thriller could have used his writing skills — or anything, for that matter — to make it better.

Instead, the film was left in the hands of a screenwriting neophyte and a schlock film director (Danny Cannon, of "Judge Dredd" fame), who skimp on characterizations so they can concentrate on upping the gore quotient. Also, there are so few genuine scares here that even fans of the original are bound to be disappointed.

Jennifer Love Hewitt reprises her role as Julie James, one of two survivors (evidently) from the first film. Now a college student living in Boston, Julie is still haunted by memories of Ben Willis (Muse Watson), the hook-wielding fisherman who tried to kill her.

Julie is trying to readjust to normal life and is getting help from her roommate, Karla (singer-turned-actress Brandy Norwood), who has won an all-expense-paid trip to the Bahamas. Accompanied by Karla's boyfriend, Tyrell (Mekhi Phifer), and their classmate, Will (Matthew Settle), they're anticipating a much-needed vacation in paradise.

However, the four arrive on the island as the hurricane season begins. And to their horror, bodies start popping up everywhere, bearing wounds that look eerily like Willis's handiwork.

What happens next won't surprise anyone who's been paying attention. Although that could be a problem, since the first hour is a snore, thanks to slow pacing and uninteresting character development.

Hewitt's stiff performance proves that they might have killed off the wrong female character the first time around (she's certainly no Sarah Michelle Gellar), while Norwood's character is surprisingly unlikable.

The supporting cast doesn't seem too motivated, either, especially Freddie Prinze Jr.

"I Still Know What You Did Last Summer" is rated R for violent attacks with various sharp objects, some extremely gory makeup effects, profanity, simulated drug use (marijuana) and one vulgar double-entendre.