# Scary Movie (2000)

### reviewed by
Bob Bloom

Scary Movie (2000) 3 1/2 stars out of 4. Starring Jon Abrahams, Carmen Electra, Shannon Elizabeth, Anna Faris, Kurt Fuller, Cheri Oteri, Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans and Regina Hall. Written by Phil Beauman, Jason Friedberg, Buddy Johnson, Aaron Seltzer, Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans. Directed by Keenan Ivory Wayans. Rated R. Running time: about 88 minutes.

"Scary Movie" sets new highs in low comedy.

It is crude, vulgar and provides something to offend everyone - blacks, women, teens, gays, lesbians, the mentally challenged, cops and teachers.

"Scary Movie" also is the funniest movie of the year, a shameless, unapologetic, savage spoof of teen slasher flicks such as "Scream," "I Know What You Did Last Summer," their sequels and various rip-offs, as well as a satiric tip of the cap to "The Sixth Sense," "The Blair Witch Project" and "The Matrix."

Despite all its crassness, "Scary Movie" is a very smart and expertly done burlesque, ranking with the likes of "Blazing Saddles," "Young Frankenstein" and "Airplane."

Director Keenan Ivory Wayans, with the help of six screenwriters, has created a movie that not only lampoons the genre's well-worn formulas, but does so by reproducing the cinematic techniques familiar from those films: the closeup of the hand reaching for the locked door, the character who suddenly jumps into frame, the telephone unexpectedly ringing, and so on.

Usually when you see six names in a writing credit, it means trouble; the cliché about too many cooks is true, especially in screenwriting. But "Scary Movie" is an exception. The movie has a cohesiveness and single-minded focus that is maintained from opening reel to closing credits - and beyond. (Viewer alert: Do not leave after the end credits, there's more to see.)

This is one movie in which you cannot discuss the jokes. Most are too tasteless, involving various sexual organs, bodily functions and fluids, appliances and garden tools. Ironically, the nudity is held to a minimum, and it's mostly male.

The cast consists basically of young, bland performers, the types you usually find in such movies. The `Drew Barrymore cameo' role is played by Carmen Electra as the flatulent Drew.

Also in the cast are Marlon and Shawn Wayans, as well as "Saturday Night Live" regular Cheri Oteri as Gail Hailstorm, doing a broad spoof of Courtney Cox's "Scream" news reporter, Gail Weathers.

Oteri also figures in a wild salute to "The Blair Witch Project" that will leave you reaching for a hankie and laughing until you hurt.

For a film buff such as myself, there is nothing as satisfying as a top-notch sendup. And "Scary Movie" fits that description. I laughed from beginning to end, not only at the jokes, but at the recognition of the ambiance created by director Wayans.

"Scary Movie" is hilarious. Filmgoers without a sense of humor or who are easily offended might as well stay home. This is not for you.

But for the rest of us who want to feel our bellies shake and we guffaw, giggle and scream with delight, "Scary Movie" scores a bulls-eye.

It's a gem, a small treasure, a bit tarnished as well as ribald, scatological and unrefined. And the first chance I get, I'm going to rush out and see it again. You'll want to do the same, I guarantee it.

Bob Bloom is the film critic at the Journal and Courier in Lafayette, IN. He can be reached by e-mail at bloom@journal-courier.com or at bobbloom@iquest.net Bloom's reviews can be found on the Internet Movie Database at: http://www.imdb.com/M/reviews_by?Bob+Bloom

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