⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3
A weak opening gradually gives way to a more entertaining film as it progresses. Having enjoyed the first few entries in the series, I felt it was time to revisit the franchise with this latest instalment. With mixed reviews and some critics questioning whether it was even funny, I was curious to see how it measured up.
The promotional campaign was impossible to miss, with months of trailers and marketing, some of which were genuinely amusing. Thankfully, this isn’t the complete train wreck it could easily have been. While the early scenes struggle to find their rhythm, the film steadily improves and becomes more enjoyable as it goes along. Highlights include the Michael/Jermaine sketch and the Gail Hailstorm surgery sequence, both of which stand out as some of the film’s funniest and most memorable moments.
Production values are surprisingly strong, with some impressive cinematography throughout. That said, the film is more mildly amusing than laugh-out-loud funny. Nostalgia plays a significant role, with the return of familiar faces alongside several younger additions, but much of the humour feels overly familiar.
As expected, the film takes aim at horror clichés, particularly those associated with Ghostface, but too many of the jokes fail to land. A large portion of the comedy feels recycled from earlier instalments, creating the impression that the franchise is leaning more heavily on past successes than fresh ideas. As for the criticism surrounding some of the film’s more questionable humour, I personally didn’t find anything particularly offensive or problematic. Though I appreciate some will take offence.
By the final act, I found myself smiling more often, and the film develops a modest feel-good factor. However, it’s not a film that really justifies the cost of a cinema ticket. It’s watchable enough and fans of the series may find plenty to enjoy, but this is one that’s probably best saved for streaming.
Scary Movie is a spoof comedy that pokes fun at modern horror films, supernatural thrillers and popular movies from the last decade. The story follows a group of friends who find themselves caught up in a series of bizarre and increasingly ridiculous situations involving mysterious deaths, paranormal events and masked killers. As the chaos escalates, the film delivers a rapid-fire mix of slapstick humour, outrageous gags, pop-culture references and horror parodies in the style that made the original Scary Movie films popular.
Online synopsis
Film Rating
Music
3 out of 5 (mainly instrumental)
Story/plot
2 out of 5
Acting/Performances
4 out of 5
Overall
3 out of 5
Certification: 15
Running time: 90 minutes
Screening type: 2D
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