While Not the Best, “Scary Movie” Returns to Chaotic, No Holds Barred Comedy
- Matt Palmer
- Jun 12
- 4 min read
The past couple weeks I have been re-visiting the “Scary Movie” franchise, which you can find those bonus reviews available exclusively on my Facebook page! Now that I was able to finally check out the sixth entry of the series, while there are a couple jokes that didn’t really land, fans of the franchise (mainly the first two movies) should enjoy it.
In “Scary Movie 6” (actually titled “Scary Movie”), recluse Cindy Campbell and her estranged daughters are targeted by the familiar Ghostface Killer. To survive, Cindy reunites with Brenda, Ray and Shorty as they lampoon modern horror “requels” (reboot-sequel) and other blockbusters.
The latest entry of the “Scary Movie” franchise has been heavily dividing audiences. While longtime fans are enjoying its nostalgic absurdity, other viewers are criticizing its outdated, disorganized jokes. Sure, there are a few jokes and gags that didn’t exactly hit the landing, but it was really good to see the original cast back to the franchise!
Throughout this new parody, you can easily notice the Wayans brothers signature comedy style that was greatly missed in the franchise and the comedic timing from both the original cast and the new cast is really great. “Scary Movie 6” also delivers quite a few boundary-pushing jokes that easily captures the nostalgic feel of the first two installments.
Just like all parody movies, especially this franchise, you just have to drop your expectations, turn off your mind and just simply have a fun time. For those who grew up with the franchise (and really enjoyed the first two movies), the chaotic, no-limits spoof style successfully brings back the nostalgic energy of the earlier movies.
The latest “Scary Movie” delivers more over the top moments to the franchise, such as a “John Wick”-style scene where numerous Ghostface Killers converge and attack Cindy, Chris Elliot’s return as Hanson from “Scary Movie 2” while parodying “Longlegs,” and the meta-filled ending (which is probably my favorite). There’s also a hospital “chase” scene between Tuesday (the other daughter of Cindy’s) and Ghostface that is actually a very slow-moving and hilarious chase (due to them accidentally ingesting laughing gas - if I remember right) that can be quite hilarious.
Young actress Olivia Rose Keegan does an awesome job as Sara Campbell (Cindy’s oldest daughter) and she successfully channels Anna Faris’ voice, mannerisms and comedic timing.
There are times throughout the movie though that feel like a scattered compilation of sketches rather than a unified spoof. But, then I remembered that the first movie was also like that in a way and is still enjoyable. There’s also a couple moments where a few last minute pop culture nods are shoehorned in - such as the Michael Jackson biopic and K-Pop - that could have been a little better and funnier.
“Scary Movie 6” generated a massively divided audience reception. Longtime franchise fans praised it as a return to chaotic, no holds barred comedy, while others criticized its humor as dated, polarizing and out of touch.
Cast: Marlon Wayans (Shorty); Shawn Wayans (Ray); Anna Faris (Cindy); Regina Hall (Brenda); Dave Sheridan (Doofy); Lochlyn Munro (Greg); Cheri Oteri (Gail Hailstorm); Heide Gardner (Agent Berger); Damon Wayans Jr. (Agent Underwood); Chris Elliot (Shorthand); Jon Abrahams (Bobby); Olivia Rose Keegan (Sara); Cameron Scott Roberts (Jack); Savanna Lee Nassif (Tuesday)
Writer/director: Marlon Wayans (writer) (Fifty Shades of Black; A Haunted House 2); Shawn Wayans (writer) (Dance Flick; Little Man); Keenan Ivory Wayans (writer); Craig Wayans (writer); Rick Alvarez (writer) (Fifty Shades of Black; A Haunted House 1 and 2); Michael Tiddes (director) (Fifty Shades of Black; A Haunted House 1 and 2)
MPA: Rated R for crude sexual content, graphic nudity, strong violence, and drug content and language throughout (runtime 96 min)
As usual, make sure to check out and follow my Wyoming County Press Examiner reviews page to see what else I have planned for my upcoming review slates for the Examiner! Here is a look at what I have planned for my next review slate for the 6/24 edition: “Disclosure Day” (new release); “Masters of the Universe” (new release); “1776” (special America 250th Dietrich film event); “Monsters Inc” (Rewind Series 25th anniversary); Talladega Nights” (Rewind Series 20th anniversary). I am also in the middle of planning a review slate for America’s 250th anniversary so make sure to check out my Facebook page for more updates on that as well!
Marlon Wayans lost 25 pounds in preparation to reprise his role as Shorty.
According to Dave Sheridan, the original script written by Mike Binder that was announced in April 2024 was spoofing Scream (2022) and Scream VI (2023). Six months later, Marlon Wayans bought back the rights, and did a rewrite of the film to have the Wayans flavor.
Anna Faris initially believed her time with the Scary Movie franchise was over, after she was not invited back for Scary Movie 5 (2013). For years, she remained uncertain about where she stood with the Wayans brothers. In 2026, Faris revealed that Marlon Wayans had called her in 2002 and advised her not to appear in the third film because the franchise had been taken away from them. Following that conversation, they did not speak again until 2025—the week after Faris lost her home in the Los Angeles wildfires—when the Wayans brothers regained the rights to the franchise and invited her to return. Faris has since described making the sixth installment as a "therapeutic" experience.
Scary Movie 6 marks the return of the Wayans brothers since Scary Movie 2 (2001).
Anna Faris' first film to get a wide theatrical release since Overboard (2018).
The film was set for release on June 12, 2026. However, the release was moved up to June 5, 2026 due to the massive response when the trailer debuted online as of March 2, 2026.
Jordan Peele approved of the Get Out (2017) parody, but declined to appear in the film himself. He and Marlon Wayans previously worked together on Him (2025).
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