Scary movie is supposed to be a parody on the horror genre. In my opinion it has failed to do so. But let me first explain what the movie is about.
The plot ====== The plot of “Scary movie” is based on “I know what you did last summer”. A couple of adolescents fool around at night in a car and what had to happen, happens: they run over a man crossing the street. After a short discussion they decide to dump the body and to drive away. Exactly one year later a mysterious killer starts murdering around in their school. Of course our adolescents suspect that the man they ran over wasn’t really dead and is back to take revenge…
The critics ========
The concept --------------- The idea wasn’t bad at all. The past few years a whole bunch of new horror movies came up (“Scream”, “I know what you did last summer”, … and their respective sequels) which were all of a pathetic level. The idea here was to not to take the horror genre so seriously anymore,
and have a good laugh at those films.
The way they try to ridicule their predecessors is pretty much the way Matt Groenig refers to other movies in “The Simpsons”. Our characters from “Scary movie” end up in very similar scenes we saw in “The Blairwitch Project”, “The sixth sense”, “I still know what you did last summer”, “The usual suspects”, “The Matrix”, and many many others. However, contrary to “The Simpsons” where these references are nicely incorporated in the story, and were the humour is by moments very subtle, in “Scary movie” these references are really forced. You get the feeling that they really tried to put as much references in it as possible, not regarding whether it was suitable or not. The story line was already rather thin, but with these sequences, you get the impression that there is no plot at all. (Which is not far from the truth sadly)
The humour --------------- Most of the supposed humoristic scenes are of a questionable level. The humour is often unsubtle, unoriginal and predictable. If the joke is not silly, you feel like you’ve seen it before. An example of the lack of taste: picture the scene where a couple are having a romantic moment –just talking- in the girl’s bedroom. The girl says something like “now we’re alone” and the boy answers very cool “But no, we’re not, there is also the director, the cameraman, …” and you get a quick look at these people filming the scene. I didn’t expect it could get as bad as this.
The jokes about sex are even worse. Sex on television doesn’t bother me at all –I’m a fanatic opponent of censorship-, but here the jokes show such a lack of inspiration you could start crying. For ex ample, there is a scene where the same couple is having sex. When the boy comes, it has been such a long time since he last came that the girl is thrown against the ceiling by his “fountain”. (Kärcher spray is maybe a more appropriate description) As you can see it can get even worse. It makes me think of the humour seen in “There’s something about Mary” and “American pie”.
However, I have to say I had a good laugh on some occasions. Especially the scene where Shorty (Marlon Wayans) says “I can see dead people…” I won’t tell you any further, but those of you who have seen know what I’m talking about. It’s a pity there weren’t more of these moments, there was a real potential for a hilarious movie.
The actors ------------- I have to admit I found Anna Faris adorable. She’s the main character (Cindy Campbell) of the film. Her acting wasn’t bad at all, but unfortunately it was often spoiled by the stupidities of the scenario. I really would like to see her playing in other movies…
But the most convincing actor has to be Dave Sheridan, playing Doofy, the retarded brother of Buffy (Shannon Elizabeth). His performance is hilarious, without overacting. You can feel he really enjoyed playing his role.
The rest of the actors played characters that were too much stereotypes to be really interesting: the gay-but-hasn’t-realized-himself-type, the macho-with-small-dick-type, etc… It is all “déjà-vu”. Marlon Wayans (Shorty) had a funny role though.
Conclusion ======== Do I recommend it? No. Don’t spend any money on it. This movie had some real potential but I’m afraid they blew it!
Director: Keenen Ivory Wayans
Cast: Anna Faris, Jon Abrahams, Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Shannon Elizabeth, Cheri Oteri
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Production Year: 1984 - Horror - Director: Joe Dante - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton, Polly Holliday, Frances Lee McCain, Judge Reinhold, Corey Feldman
InScary Moviewe visit BA Corpse High School, where all the pupils are visibly in their ... more
late 20s and a masked madman (or two) is on the loose, slaughtering self-involved, pop-culture-obsessed kids while trying to get to virginal heroine Cindy Campbell (...
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(Senseless), Jon Abrahams (Boiler Room, The Faculty) and some of today's hottest young stars in a wickedly funny send-up of today's most popular horror movies! A...
InScary Moviewe visit BA Corpse High School, where all the pupils are visibly in their ... more
late 20s and a masked madman (or two) is on the loose, slaughtering self-involved, pop-culture-obsessed kids while trying to get to virginal heroine Cindy Campbell (...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Advantages: Hilarious gags and sketches - mickey takes of films like scream and a great cast Disadvantages: Sick-minded humour for some not amazingly long
jmobstar2 05.04.2005 (05.04.2005)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Scary Movie (DVD)
Advantages: This is hilarious - if you're of the juvenile persuasion. Disadvantages: This is terribly offensive, disgusting, and occasionally delves into sacrilege.
Sarah_B 31.03.2002 (31.03.2002)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of ScaryMovie 2 (DVD)
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![Scary Movie [DVD] [2000]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78234908.jpg "Scary Movie [DVD] [2000]")
Aug 15th, 2001
(May 22nd, 2002)
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