Don’t be afraid. After more than two decades, the Wayans are back.
In Scary Movie, the masked killer ‘Ghostface’ has returned to take down those who have abandoned their preciously silly franchise. With Brenda (Regina Hall), Shorty (Marlon Wayans) and Ray (Shawn Wayans) back in the killer’s crosshairs, reclusive Cindy (Anna Faris) is drawn out of hiding to reunite the team, all the while slashing through an endless stream of reboots, remakes and re-quels along the way.
Truth be told, there’s always been an odd sense of importance to the Scary Movie franchise. Debuting at a time when words like ‘representation’ weren’t front and center in the cultural zeitgeist, the Wayans brought a fresh style and voice to the industry that broke through in a major way. There were more than just ‘parody’ movies. They were opportunities for the Wayans to simply be themselves and they caught fire.
And, without giving spoilers, the Wayans’ return to the franchise driver’s seat means that the series is finally allowed once again to cross the line with their unique style of humour, fully putting the R back in ‘Rated’. (In fact, the film even describes itself as being back ‘to cancel the Cancel Culture’.) Laughs about smoking weed and sex are par for the course in this film that really does feel like a throwback to early 2000s when R-rated comedy was at its peak. With the freedom to tap into their younger selves (while acknowledging their older selves), the Wayans let loose upon the world of horror with no boundaries.
Yet what Scary Movie does best is not only lampoon pop culture, but also itself. Much of the humour here revolves around the state of a franchise that has lay dormant since 2013 (and, in the case of the Wayans’ involvement, since 2001). There’s a recognition that Hall, Faris and the Wayans started this wild ride and that they were necessary to revive it. After all, many franchises begin with legacy characters only to pass the baton to younger ones. But Scary Movie is fully aware that fans really want the ‘core four’ front and centre.
And they shine when given the opportunity, especially Faris and Hall.
Anna Faris plays Cindy and Regina Hall plays Brenda in Scary Movie from Paramount Pictures.
Though they have continued to work, both Hall and Faris bring a little bit of extra energy into their performances. Clearly thrilled to be back in the franchise that established them as comedy stars, both women completely embrace the ridiculousness of the film. As ‘Cindy’, Faris lets her wild side loose, believing the entire franchise is about her. (If that sounds arrogant, it’s absolutely mean to be as it serves as a jab at other scream queens who return to their famous roles.) Meanwhile, Hall absolutely steals the film as a mother who is trying desperately to hold on to her ‘cool’ status amongst her daughter’s friends.
The biggest question remains whether or not it’s funny. And yes, Scary Movie absolutely has its moments. (No spoilers but the film’s finale is absolutely hilarious.) But truthfully, this is the type of film where you’re either onboard with its style of humour or you’re not. Every performer here is giving their all and, frankly, some of the parodies are brilliantly silly. With references to Sinners, Get Out, The Substance, Scream, and many, many more, Scary Movie fully looks to take down every horror film and trope of the last decade. And, frankly, a lot of them are ridiculously goofy in the best of ways. However, for those not fans of the Wayans brand of laughs, the humour will likely fall with a thud. I admit that it sounds cliché but comedy really is subjective and a film like Scary Movie puts that reality to the test.
Olivia Rose Keegan plays Sara, Cameron Scott Roberts plays Jack and Savannah Lee Nassif plays Tuesday in Scary Movie from Paramount Pictures.
Even so, the film’s greatest issue is that it can’t seem to get out of its own way with its spoofs. Though laughing at pop culture is what defines the series, Scary Movie often loses itself within them. At times, the film feels like an extended sketch comedy show as opposed to the sort of cohesive humour of sharper satires like The Blackening or even Naked Gun. (And, to be fair, the Wayans’ background does lie within the world of sketch comedy.) In those examples, the story never feels lost whereas Scary Movie injects its spoofs with a sense of randomness, throwing off the flow.
Having said this, the return of Scary Movie is truly a celebratory experience. This is meant to be a party movie where people can sit with their friends and laugh at the unhinged chaos that unfolds before them. And, on that level, it absolutely excels by offering up fans a joyfully anarchic journey into pop culture tropes that cross cultures. However, for those who have never cared for this franchise, just know that the wildness of this Movie might scare you off.
Scary Movie is available in theatres on Friday, June 5th, 2026.
