The latest installment of “Scary Movie” begins with a comical scene where the fearsome Ghostface targets Teyana Taylor. Known for her fitness, Taylor deflects the attack effortlessly, leaving Ghostface with a bent dagger. Taylor retorts, “My abs have abs,” showcasing her resilience.
The scene typifies the Wayans’ unique comedic style. It blends slapstick, topical references, and sometimes crude humor. The film features Anna Faris and Regina Hall in familiar roles.
The Wayans family joins forces again in this chapter, filled with interconnected skits parodying horror films and current events, like music rivalries and immigration raids. The writing credit includes Marlon, Shawn, Keenen Ivory, and Craig Wayans, alongside Rick Alvarez. Direction is by Michael Tiddes, with multiple Wayans involved throughout the production.
The script contains references that bridge different generations, mixing “The Jeffersons” with modern elements like ChatGPT. Fans of the series will recognize the return of the iconic “Wazzup!” from over two decades ago.
The plot revolves around Ghostface pursuing the ‘Scary Movie’ original group, now older. The ensemble includes Marlon Wayans’ Shorty, Shawn’s Ray, Anna Faris’ Cindy, and Regina Hall’s Brenda. They must navigate a variety of comical and bizarre scenarios.
Expectations for a tightly woven plot might not be met here. Instead, the film delivers outrageous humor, guest stars, and a nostalgic touch with characters from past movies making unexpected returns.
The characters have evolved in interesting ways. Cindy, once an innocent character, has leaned towards alcohol, while Shorty benefits from his wealth in cryptocurrency. Cindy’s child humorously struggles with “Mommy issues.”
The film engages with contemporary topics, including COVID-19 and the rise of OnlyFans. Mingling old-fashioned jokes with new sensibilities, it mentions figures like Kanye West and topics like diversity hires.
Another segment parodies “Terrifier 3” with humorous reinterpretations. Yet, some references, particularly towards the end, feel superficial, simply pointing to inspirations without deeper satire.
The film introduces an amusing setting, a theme park based on “Final Destination,” where the rides perpetually crash, humorously echoing the franchise’s deadly premise.
A sequence satirizing “KPop Demon Hunters” with animation offers a bizarre twist, ending in unexpected bedfellows. The film occasionally layers its humor by mocking its own previous parodies, featuring characters like Cheri Oteri as Gail Hailstorm.
Despite some moments feeling tired or lacking sharpness, Taylor’s confrontation with Ghostface reflects a deeper understanding of their audience. The movie embraces gross-out misfires, aiming for moments of comedic brilliance.
“Scary Movie” opens for audiences rated R for a range of mature themes, including language and strong violence. Its runtime is 95 minutes, earning one and a half stars out of four for its attempt to blend humor with nostalgia.
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