Critical Reception: New Scary Movie Falls Flat with Critics

The sixth installment in the parody franchise has received a 22% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on early reviews.

The film reunites Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Anna Faris, and Regina Hall. Directed by Michael Tiddes and written by Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Craig Wayans, and Rick Alvarez, the movie is scheduled for theatrical release this weekend.

"A lazy retread." — The Hollywood Reporter

Review Summaries

The Hollywood Reporter stated that the film lacks fresh inspiration and described it as a "lazy retread."

Variety called it "mostly so meta it's meh."

The Wrap noted that the humor does not resonate in the current cultural context.

Deadline reported that the film is "surprisingly devoid of many laughs" and characterized it as a "flat-footed and predictable satire."

"The promotional posters are wittier than the film itself." — Empire

Empire pointed out that the promotional posters are wittier than the film itself.

ComingSoon.net described it as "not the funniest in the series, nor is it the worst."

IndieWire criticized the film for failing to engage with any actual controversy and called it "thoughtless and toothless."

Slash Film stated that the film relies on "offensive queer jokes and topical references" without offering a coherent perspective.

Background

The original Scary Movie (2000) holds a 52% Rotten Tomatoes score. Subsequent sequels received lower scores:

• Scary Movie 2: 13%
• Scary Movie 3: 36%
• Scary Movie 4: 34%
• Scary Movie V: 4%

The franchise had been dormant for over a decade before this installment.