Movie Review: ‘Scary Movie’

In theaters on June 5 is ‘Scary Movie,’ the sixth iteration of the horror spoof franchise (the title is a nod to the fifth ‘Scream’ outing reverting to the original’s name) which finds the likes of Shawn and Keenan Ivory Wayans taking aim at both the main genre and pop culture in general.

​In theaters on June 5 is ‘Scary Movie,’ the sixth iteration of the horror spoof franchise (the title is a nod to the fifth ‘Scream’ outing reverting to the original’s name) which finds the likes of Shawn and Keenan Ivory Wayans taking aim at both the main genre and pop culture in general.   

In theaters on June 5 is ‘Scary Movie,’ the sixth iteration of the horror spoof franchise (the title is a nod to the fifth ‘Scream’ outing reverting to the original’s name) which finds the likes of Shawn and Keenan Ivory Wayans taking aim at both the main genre and pop culture in general.

Directed by Michael Tiddes (‘A Haunted House’), the movie stars Anna Faris (‘The House Bunny’), Regina Hall (‘One Battle After Another’), Cheri Oteri (‘Scary Movie’) and Marlon Wayans (‘White Chicks’).

Related Article: Anna Faris and Regina Hall Both on to Return for the New ‘Scary Movie’

Initial Thoughts

With horror enjoying just the latest moment –– though it is a genre that constantly performs –– it’s perhaps fitting that the ‘Scary Movie’ franchise should return from limbo after 13 long years. But in an age where a lot of chillers show some self-awareness, is there still room for a spoof such as this?

Script and Direction

With the Wayans family back behind (and in front of) the camera again, this is very much more of the same, with the script taking aim at all manner of movie, TV and other pop cultural or zeitgeisty targets, and seeing what sticks.

The result is, as ever, hit and miss, with some gags provoking genuine chuckles and others going on well beyond their comic shelf-life (Marlon’s Shorty and his streaming buddies being a prime offender here).

Regular Wayans collaborator Michael Tiddes keeps things moving as director, though even he can’t quite keep it as consistently funny as it really needs to be. Still, a pointed section in the third act about the ‘Scary Movie’s own conflicted creative background, resonates.

Cast and Performances

With the core cast back, it’s great to see the dynamic between Anna Faris, Regina Hall, Marlon and Shawn Wayans re-ignited for this. The veterans bring their considerable comic talents to bear on any number of silly jokes, while the new cast do well fitting in.

Final Thoughts

It might still lean a little too much on easy reference comedy, but there is enough going on to make fans happy that ‘Scary Movie’ –– with the Wayans back in charge –– is in theaters.

‘Scary Movie’ receives 69 out of 100.

What is the plot of ‘Scary Movie’?

Twenty-six years after outrunning a suspiciously familiar masked killer, the Core Four are back in the killer’s crosshairs and no horror movie IP is safe. Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Anna Faris and Regina Hall reunite in ‘Scary Movie’ alongside returning favorites and fresh faces to slash through reboots, remakes, requels, prequels, sequels, spin-offs, elevated horror, origin stories, anything with the word legacy in it, and every “final chapter” that absolutely isn’t final.

Who is in the cast of ‘Scary Movie’?

Marlon Wayans as Shorty MeeksShawn Wayans as Ray WilkinsAnna Faris as Cindy CampbellRegina Hall as Brenda MeeksCameron Scott Roberts as JackCheri Oteri as Gail Hailstorm

Other Movies in the ‘Scary Movie’ Franchise:

Buy Tickets: ‘Scary Movie’ Showtimes

Buy ‘Scary Movie’ Movies On Amazon

 Movie Reviews RSS Feed