As someone born in the late 90s, when I think of movies from that time I usually think about the teen-centric movies that came out that usually had overlapping cast members and a punk-rock soundtrack. I think about the fashion and the make-up and the hairstyles that are so specific to that time period.
Urban Legend fits into that mold so perfectly, and when I watch it I feel this weird sense of nostalgia for a time that I wasn't around for. Kind of like how many 80s kids have fallen for Stranger Things or It, this movie has me longing for the late 90s.
Sure, the movie isn't perfect, but it is fun. And it is completely aware of what it wants to be and who it wants to entertain. It knows that slasher fans will recognize the voice of Chucky as the gas station attendant. It knows fans will recognize Freddy Kruger as the professor. It knows that the characters are cookie-cutter stereotypes and fans will be able to guess who lives or dies upon first glance. But that's the whole point; Brad Dourif and Robert Englund are here to add a bit of fun and inside jokes, even in limited roles. Sex-obsessed Sasha is doomed from the moment she appears on screen, but we're not concerned whether she lives or dies, we're concerned with how creative her death will be (and guys with how much cleavage she'll show off before she croaks). We also know that Natalie is going to be our final girl by her conservative wardrobe and her blandly likable personality.
Urban Legend knows all of this, and it works hard to make sure you know it knows what it's doing. I'd be hard pressed to find a more entertaining few hours than sitting down and watching this with a few friends when you're in the mood for a blast from the past.
