Scary Movie is a movie because custom: A raucous, satirical attack on slasher movies
I recently released a book about movies I disliked, and individuals have been asking me which reviews are harder to write--those about great movies, or those about awful ones. The answer is neither. One of the most unreviewable movies are those coming from the spoof genre--movies such as "Plane!" and "The Nude Weapon" and all the countless spin-offs and retreads of the same keynote.
"Scary Movie" is a movie because custom: A raucous, satirical attack on slasher movies, teen scary movies and "The Matrix." I saw the movie, I laughed, I took keeps in mind, and currently I am at a loss to write the review. All the usual critical categories and strategies break down in the face ofin the face of a movie such as this.
I recently released a book about movies I disliked, and individuals have been asking me which reviews are harder to write--those about great movies, or those about awful ones. The answer is neither. One of the most unreviewable movies are those coming from the spoof genre--movies such as "Plane!" and "The Nude Weapon" and all the countless spin-offs and retreads of the same keynote.
"Scary Movie" is a movie because custom: A raucous, satirical attack on slasher movies, teen scary movies and "The Matrix." I saw the movie, I laughed, I took keeps in mind, and currently I am at a loss to write the review. All the usual critical categories and strategies break down in the face ofin the face of a movie such as this.
The movie takes a shotgun approach to scary and slasher movies, but if it has a solitary target, that would certainly be Kevin Williamson, screenwriter of "Shout" and co-inventor of the self-aware slasher subgenre. There's a feeling where "Scary Movie" is doing the same kind of self-referential wit as "Shout," since it's not just guided by Keenen Cream color Wayans, co-written by Shawn and Marlon Wayans (amongst others), and starring several Wayanses, but makes enjoyable of various Wayans hallmarks, particularly the obligatory homophobic jokes. (There is a scene including a closeted jock that can make love to his sweetheart just when she's wearing football shoulderpads.) The movie also features the wild exaggeration of stereotypical African-American habits, which is another Wayans specialized. Consider the scene where Regina Hall plays a black lady at "Shakespeare in Love," that shouts "That ain't no guy!" when Gwyneth Paltrow gets on the screen, videotapes the movie from her seat and brings on a mobile phone discussion. Amusing, though; since I've discussed it, I recognize this isn't intended to be a satire of African-American habits, but an assault on the habits of countless moviegoers, and Wayans has simply used Regina Hall as an instance of non-traditional spreading. Or perhaps not.
The movie takes a shotgun approach to scary and slasher movies, but if it has a solitary target, that would certainly be Kevin Williamson, screenwriter of "Shout" and co-inventor of the self-aware slasher subgenre. There's a feeling where "Scary Movie" is doing the same kind of self-referential wit as "Shout," since it's not just guided by Keenen Cream color Wayans, co-written by Shawn and Marlon Wayans (amongst others), and starring several Wayanses, but makes enjoyable of various Wayans hallmarks, particularly the obligatory homophobic jokes. (There is a scene including a closeted jock that can make love to his sweetheart just when she's wearing football shoulderpads.) The movie also features the wild exaggeration of stereotypical African-American habits, which is another Wayans specialized. Consider the scene where Regina Hall plays a black lady at "Shakespeare in Love," that shouts "That ain't no guy!" when Gwyneth Paltrow gets on the screen, videotapes the movie from her seat and brings on a mobile phone discussion. Amusing, though; since I've discussed it, I recognize this isn't intended to be a satire of African-American habits, but an assault on the habits of countless moviegoers, and Wayans has simply used Regina Hall as an instance of non-traditional spreading. Or perhaps not.