I can still remember renting the first Scary Movie film with my cousin from the video shop and asking him if it was a horror or a comedy and him telling me both.
If you’re not as familiar with the “Scary Movie” franchise its a series of American parody films that spoof the conventions and clichés of the horror genre.
Created by Keenen Ivory Wayans and produced by Dimension Films, the first installment was released in 2000. The series has since become a cultural phenomenon, known for its irreverent humor, slapstick comedy, and endless references to popular horror films and other movies.
The original “Scary Movie” was directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans and written by Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Buddy Johnson, Phil Beauman, Jason Friedberg, and Aaron Seltzer. The film parodied a number of successful horror films from the 1990s, most notably “Scream” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” The success of the first film, which grossed over $278 million worldwide against a modest budget, paved the way for multiple sequels.
Each “Scary Movie” film follows a loosely connected plot that ties together various horror and popular film parodies. The franchise is characterized by its over-the-top and often crude humor, with jokes ranging from physical comedy to satirical takes on well-known movie scenes.
- Scary Movie (2000): The first film primarily spoofs “Scream” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” following a group of teenagers who are targeted by a mysterious killer.
- Scary Movie 2 (2001): Directed again by Keenen Ivory Wayans, this sequel parodies haunted house films such as “The Haunting” and “The Exorcist,” featuring the original cast in a new setting.
- Scary Movie 3 (2003): Directed by David Zucker, the third installment takes aim at films like “The Ring,” “Signs,” and “8 Mile,” with a new cast joining returning members.
- Scary Movie 4 (2006): Also directed by David Zucker, this entry parodies “War of the Worlds,” “The Grudge,” “Saw,” and others.
- Scary Movie 5 (2013): Directed by Malcolm D. Lee, the fifth and latest installment spoofs films like “Paranormal Activity,” “Black Swan,” and “Inception,” featuring an entirely new cast.
The “Scary Movie” franchise has had a significant impact on the genre of parody films. Its success helped revive interest in spoof films, which had waned since the golden era of parodies in the 1980s. The franchise is credited with popularizing a new wave of parody films, although few have matched its success or cultural impact.
Despite mixed reviews from critics, the “Scary Movie” films have maintained a dedicated fan base. The series is known for its ability to poke fun at the tropes of horror movies while providing a comedic escape for audiences. Key performances, particularly by Anna Faris, who starred in the first four films, have been praised for their comedic timing and charisma.
The franchise is notorious for its extensive use of cultural references, not just limited to horror films. It includes nods to a wide array of genres and popular culture phenomena which hits me even more when I have to explain to younger family members that the jokes they don’t get are based on adverts that were out at the time like the famous ‘What’s Up!!’ scene.
The “Scary Movie” franchise stands out as a hallmark of early 2000s comedy, offering a unique blend of parody, satire, and slapstick humor. While its formula may not appeal to everyone, its influence on the parody genre and its ability to entertain a wide audience are undeniable. As a reflection of popular culture and horror film conventions, “Scary Movie” remains a significant, if not always critically acclaimed, series in the landscape of American cinema.