I first saw "Scary Movie" back in 2000 when it came out, I was 10 years old, easily impressed and with a single mother raising me who gave no film restrictions. I grew up with this Wayans brother's treat and its subpar sequels (only one I did enjoy was part 2). So I have a soft spot in my heart for this one even if it feels dated by today's standards. But thankfully I am one for vulgarity, mayhem, immature sex & drugs jokes.
First, let's start with the cast: Anna Faris is hilarious and this is the reason I fell in love with her (F*CK YOU CHRIS PRATT for breaking up with such a talented woman). She is a funny and honest leading lady who's probably way better than the material she's been given. Regina Hall is one who steals the show as "Brenda" with her having the funniest moment reminiscent of that iconic opening at the cinema with Jada Pinkett Smith in "Scream 2". Shawn & Marlon Wayans are also hilarious and I guess this paved the way for "White Chicks". Jon Abrahams (House Of Wax), Shannon Elizabeth (Thirteen Ghosts), Cheri Oteri (Southland Tales), Lochlyn Munro (Freddy Vs. Jason).... Really everyone seems to be having a blast.
There's some funny bits parodying "The Blair Witch Project", "Scream", "I Know What You Did Last Summer". One of my favorites being a moment from "Scream" where "Tatum" goes into the garage and gets killed by the garage door (you horror fans will know the one). "Scary Movie" managed to get the best of that moment.
Plot-wise is almost non-existent as its mostly just a long spoof of movie sequences. Some of the jokes do feel forced (like that "The Sixth Sense" & "The Matrix" bits).
I'm thinking, had "Scary Movie" come out today it probably wouldn't work. Audiences today are far more sensitive, having to do with a general growth in consciousness. What people found funny back then, is not the same as what's funny now. Personally, I prefer my comedies be nasty, offensive (to a degree), immature, violent, sexual but not rapey like "Twilight" (Yes, that is a comedy in my eyes) and just plain absurd. And I guess "Scary Movie" embraces that absurdity and takes it to a whole new level. None of the other parodies that came after (maybe "Not Another Teen Movie") ever really managed the level of hilarity of this one and for that this earns a space in my useless movie list.
Here's the trailer:
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