Scary Movie Is a Throwback With Familiar Highs and Lows

After a 13-year absence, the Wayans brothers revive Scary Movie with a loose sequel/reboot that mainly skewers the 2022 Scream legacy sequel while also lampooning other recent horror hits. Director Michael Tiddes leans into the visual styles of the films he parodies.

The first half spends extra time introducing a younger generation of characters and follows Scream 2022 almost to a tee, while the second half returns to the franchise’s familiar string of sketches — some, like the Substance and Get Out send-ups, land well; others, such as the Longlegs nod, fizzle.

The cast remains the film’s best asset. Anna Faris and Regina Hall deliver the sharpest jokes, Marlon and Shawn Wayans get a few solid scenes but rely on repetitive beats, and Olivia Rose Keegan stands out with a pitch-perfect Faris impression that helps carry the movie.

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