Brandon Fletcher
The Scary Movie franchise has a well-established reputation. Viewers can expect a blend of grotesque humor, irreverent satire, and a plethora of jokes referencing other films, particularly within the horror genre. This formula has remained consistent since the franchise’s inception in 2000, which itself paid tribute to the spoof genre popularized by filmmakers like the Zucker brothers and Mel Brooks. The latest installment aims to fit into this established framework while attempting to infuse some modern updates. it struggles to maintain a consistent level of humor and engagement throughout.
After a hiatus from the franchise during its last three films, the latest Scary Movie returns to the creative hands of the Wayans family. Marlon and Shawn Wayans take on the roles of writer, producer, and actor, with additional family members appearing in cameo roles or contributing behind the scenes. This project feels deeply personal for them, reflecting their determination to reclaim their legacy after being sidelined from the franchise.
Directed by Michael Tiddes, the sixth installment of Scary Movie (simply titled Scary Movie) adheres closely to the narrative style of the fifth Scream film. The iconic Ghostface killer returns, targeting a new generation to lure the original cast back into the plot. Olivia Rose Keegan and Savannah Lee Nassif portray sisters Sara and Tuesday, the daughters of Cindy (played by Anna Faris), who has spent years in preparation for Ghostface’s inevitable return, reminiscent of Jamie Lee Curtis’s character in the 2018 Halloween. Eventually, familiar faces like Brenda (Regina Hall), Shorty (Marlon Wayans), and Ray (Shawn Wayans) rejoin the story, some now parents, while others retain their youthful antics.
The film begins on a promising note, skillfully intertwining its Scream-inspired narrative with references not only to Halloween, but also films like Final Destination, Sinners, and One Battle After Another. as the story progresses, it becomes increasingly chaotic. What initially unfolds as an amusing tale filled with clever movie references devolves into a disorganized mess of unrelated jokes and scenes. The film features extended sequences, including a sexually charged dance number and a lengthy, drug-fueled animated interlude. At times, it even feels like the trailer for an unrelated movie has been awkwardly inserted into the narrative. These elements disrupt the film’s flow and coherence.
These disjointed scenes undermine the film’s initial momentum, resulting in a haphazard collection of references that occasionally succeed, but more often fall flat. Does it really matter if a scene introduces unfamiliar characters who never reappear? Not really, as long as there’s a joke about Longlegs in there. Do characters who have clearly interacted earlier in the film need to act like strangers? Apparently not, as long as another Sinners joke makes the cut. While Scary Movie is meant to be absurd and irreverent, it still needs to maintain a semblance of coherence and logic. Unfortunately, this installment rarely achieves that.
The film continues its uneven journey. Occasionally, a joke or concept hits the mark, reminding viewers of the film’s potential. Yet, just as quickly, a string of poorly received attempts follows, leading to a feeling of discomfort and disappointment.
The film’s portrayal of contemporary culture stands out as a key talking point. Scenes featuring characters interacting on Twitch or engaging in video games seem to target a Gen Z audience. other moments undermine this by making the younger generation the subject of ridicule. The film attempts to tackle “woke” issues, including jokes about trans individuals and pronouns, but these attempts often miss the mark. They come off as overly familiar rather than provocative or edgy.
By the film’s conclusion, some unexpected choices appeared to redeem its earlier inconsistencies. just as one might feel inclined to celebrate, two end credit scenes emerge, highlighting the film’s ongoing issues.
While dedicated fans of the franchise may find enough enjoyment in this installment to justify the price of admission, that’s a modest bar to meet. This film doesn’t reach the innovative heights or entertainment value of earlier Wayans films. It represents a commendable effort to revive the franchise but falls short in execution.
Scary Movie is currently showing in theaters.
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Daniel Mercer
