I recently published a book about movies I hated, and people have been asking me which reviews are harder to write--those about great movies, or those about terrible ones. The answer is neither. The most unreviewable movies are those belonging to the spoof genre--movies like "Airplane!" and "The Naked Gun" and all the countless spin-offs and retreads of the same basic idea.
"Scary Movie" is a film in that tradition: A raucous, satirical attack on slasher movies, teenage horror movies and "The Matrix." I saw the movie, I laughed, I took notes, and now I am at a loss to write the review. All of the usual critical categories and strategies collapse in the face of a film like this.
Shall I discuss the plot? There is none, really--only a flimsy clothesline to link some of the gags. The characters? They are all types or targets, not people. The dialogue? You can't review the dialogue in the original movies (like "I Know What You Did Last Summer") because it is mindlessly functional, serving only to advance the plot. How can you discuss the satire, except to observe it is more mindless? (Some of the dialogue, indeed, seems lifted bodily from the earlier films and rotated slightly in the direction of satire.) Faced with a dilemma like this, the experienced critic falls back on a reliable ploy. He gives away some of the best jokes and punch lines. He's like a buddy who has just walked out of a movie and tells you the funny stuff before you walk in.
I am tempted. I fight the impulse to tell you that when a character is asked for the name of a favorite scary movie, the answer is "Kazaam." That some of the scenes take place at B. A. Corpse High School. That the teenagers in the movie are played mostly by actors in their late 20s and 30s--and that the movie comments on this. That the movie's virgin has a certificate to prove it. That the invaluable Carmen Electra plays a character not coincidentally named Drew.
The movie takes a shotgun approach to horror and slasher movies, but if it has a single target, that would be Kevin Williamson, screenwriter of "Scream" and co-inventor of the self-aware slasher subgenre. There is a sense in which "Scary Movie" is doing the same sort of self-referential humor as "Scream," since it is not only directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans, co-written by Shawn and Marlon Wayans (among others), and starring several Wayanses, but makes fun of various Wayans trademarks, especially the obligatory homophobic jokes. (There's a scene involving a closeted jock who can make love to his girlfriend only when she's wearing football shoulderpads.) The movie also features the wild exaggeration of stereotypical African-American behavior, which is another Wayans specialty. Consider the scene where Regina Hall plays a black woman at "Shakespeare in Love," who shouts "That ain't no man!" when Gwyneth Paltrow is on the screen, videotapes the movie from her seat and carries on a cell phone conversation. Funny, though; now that I've written about it, I realize this is not intended to be a satire of African-American behavior, but an attack on the behavior of countless moviegoers, and Wayans has simply used Regina Hall as an example of non-traditional casting. Or maybe not.
The bottom line in reviewing a movie like this is, does it work? Is it funny? Yes, it is. Not funny with the shocking impact of "Airplane!," which had the advantage of breaking new ground. But also not a tired wheeze like some of the lesser and later Leslie Nielsen films. To get your money's worth, you need to be familiar with the various teenage horror franchises, and if you are, "Scary Movie" delivers the goods.
Note: The original title of "Scary Movie" was "Scream If You Know What I Did Last Halloween." The original title of "Scream" was "Scary Movie." Still available: "I Still Know What You Did the Summer Before Last."
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
The Ebert Club is our hand-picked selection of content for Ebert fans. You will receive a weekly newsletter full of movie-related tidbits, articles, trailers, even the occasional streamable movie. Club members also get access to our members-only section on RogerEbert.com
Advertisement
More:
Scary Movie Movie Review & Film Summary (2000) | Roger Ebert
- Scary Movie 5 Still Happening, According To Facebook Post - Movie ... [Last Updated On: January 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: January 31st, 2011]
- Sequel-Buzz.com: Weinstein Offers Charlie Sheen 'Scary Movie 5 ... [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2011]
- Watch Scary Movie 3 (2003) Online [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2011]
- Anna Faris joins Baron Cohen comedy "Dictator" [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2011]
- Scary Movie 3 (2003) | All Mediafire Download Link - Gossip - News ... [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2011]
- The Brrrrrwitch Project - Scots explorer who spends months in the Antarctic makes the continents first horror movie [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2011]
- Trailer – Scary Movie (2000) | Gabgoob Movie Trailer [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2011]
- On-the-Town Weekend Buzz: Creature Feature, Grand Rapids Ballet, and a bonsai show [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2011]
- Scary Movie 5 (2011) Hollywood Movie Watch Online | Online Watch ... [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2011]
- Scary Movie 5 (2011) – Hollywood Movie Watch Online | Watch Latest ... [Last Updated On: May 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 12th, 2011]
- Watch Scary Movie 4 (2006) Online [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2011]
- Scary Movie 5 (2011) - Hollywood Movie Watch Online : Youku Movies ... [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2011]
- AskBlogster » Download Scary Movie Movie : Trailer Mp4 Download [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2011]
- Download Scary Movie 3 Movie : Full Movie In High Quality [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2011]
- Scary Movie 5 Watch Online - Online Movies Watch Free [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2011]
- NewMyvideolinks.Com - Scary Movie 4 [2006] [Unrated Edition ... [Last Updated On: May 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 15th, 2011]
- Scary Movie 4 (2006) | Quick TV [Last Updated On: May 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 15th, 2011]
- “What's Your Favorite Scary Movie?” : Thomas Jefferson Journal [Last Updated On: May 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 15th, 2011]
- The Amityville Horror - Amityville Horror Set For Sequel [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2011]
- 'Amityville Horror' set for sequel [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2011]
- Scary Movie (2000) [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2011]
- Scary Movie 2 (2001) [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2011]
- Watch Free Movie Scary Movie 5 (2011) Online - Watch-The-Movies ... [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2011]
- Watch Movie Scary Movie 5 (2011) Free Online - MovieWatchMachine.com [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2011]
- Download Scary Movie 3 (2003) for FREE – Download Movies for FREE ... [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2011]
- Theonlydevice: Watch Movies online Free For Free| Download Movies ... [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2011]
- Watch Scary Movie 5 Free Movie On Megavideo. Streaming movie on ... [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2011]
- Epic movie, date movie, scary movie, is it ethical to mock other ... [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2011]
- Anna Faris got breast implants for fun, divorce [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2011]
- Scary Movie 3 (Full Screen Edition) « Movies List [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2011]
- Scary Movie 3 (Widescreen Edition) « Movies List [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2011]
- Scary Movie 4 Trailer – Tweesap.com [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2011]
- Scary Movie [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2011]
- Download Scary Movie 4 Movie : Download Dvd [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2011]
- Download Scary Movie 4 Movie : For Download » Easy Web Articles [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2011]
- Scary Movie 1 - Brenda at the movies [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2011]
- Writing Nook: Scary Movie Night [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2011]
- The Scary Truth About Movie Popcorn « Eating Made Easy [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2011]
- Watch Scary Movie 5 (2010) Full Movie | I Do Articles [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2011]
- Watch Scary Movie 5 Online Free High Quality » Easy Web Articles [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2011]
- TENCHOO - SCARY MOVIE (OUT NOW) - UK Hip Hop News, Reviews and ... [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2011]
- Urban News - TENCHOO – SCARY MOVIE (OUT NOW) [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- Watch Scary Movie 5 2010 HD Part » Articles Miracle [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- Watch Scary Movie 5 2010 HD Part » Best Article Directory [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- scary movie eminem [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- Watch Scary Movie Online Film Streaming Free | ArticleChain.Info [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- What's a really good scary movie all about ghosts? | NYCPPL.COM [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- What horror parody movies are there besides scary movie? | NYCPPL.COM [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- UK Hip Hop Review – Tenchoo 'Scary Movie' [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- Scary Movie 5 | theOneStopMovies [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- bratz SCARY MOVIE [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- Scary Movie 2 (Intro) [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- Watch Scary Movie Movie, Download Scary Movie Free » ArticleCobra.com [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- Watch Scary Movie 5 (2010) Full Movie » Voice Of Blogs [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- Watch Scary Movie 5 2010 HD Part | Captivating Articles [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- Watch Scary Movie Online Free Megavideo Streaming » Click Links [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- Scary Movie 4 – How to Speak in Japanese? [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- Tenchoo – Scary Movie (Album Review) | Tom Clements [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2011]
- Download Scary Movie 2 Movie : Full In High Quality » Easy Web ... [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2011]
- Watch Scary Movie 5 (2010) Full Movie | Hotbuzznews.net, [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2011]
- Watch Scary Movie 5 Online Free Megavideo Streaming » Earn 4 Ads [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2011]
- The Seventh Seal opens on Scary Movie Saturday! [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2011]
- Scary Movie 2 (2001 Hindi Dubbed Movie) | LuckyLinks.in [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2011]
- Scary Movie 4 (2006 Hindi Dubbed Movie) | LuckyLinks.in [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2011]
- Peak-A-Boo-Life: INSIDIOUS - SCARY MOVIE - THE REVIEW [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2011]
- Film parodies that fail to raise a smile [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2011]
- Friedberg and Seltzer are Back with The Biggest Movie of All Time 3D [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2011]
- Scary Movie Team Will Spoof James Cameron's Avatar Next | Movieline [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2011]
- Team Behind “Scary Movie,” “Epic Movie,” etc To Spoof “Avatar ... [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2011]
- The best of Shorty-Scary movie 1 [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2011]
- Scary Movie - Wass up scream [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2011]
- ‘The Biggest Movie of All Time 3D’ revealed [Last Updated On: May 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 24th, 2011]
- AVATAR Spoof Coming Soon [Last Updated On: May 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 24th, 2011]
- My Most Scary Movie | Rock's Backpages Writers' Blogs [Last Updated On: May 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 24th, 2011]
- My Most Scary Movie | Greg Wilson [Last Updated On: May 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 24th, 2011]
- 'Don't Be Afraid of the Dark' Trailer Scares! [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2011]
- Scary movie 4 snippit [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2011]
- Scary Movie (2000) (In Hindi) | Watch Online Hindi Movies, Live ... [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2011]
- Scary Movie 4 Trailer [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2011]
- Scary Movie 4 - Viagra [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2011]