Scary Movie 2026

Scary Movie is back and they plan to cancel the cancel culture…at least that’s their tagline. If you’re a fan of the franchise, then you may have already bought your ticket and sat down for this mildly entertaining film.

Warning: this review has spoilers. Turn back now if you do not want them.

Synopsis

The plot of this film mirrors Scream VI and Scream VII. Ghostface returns seeking revenge by killing the offsprings of legends, Brenda and Cindy. With their children the target, the gang runs around comedically looking for who the murderer pulling iconic scenes from various horror films.

Worked

Parody films similar to Scary Movie, I love to play a little game called, figure out which pop-cultural reference, or film, was that scene from? The overarching film is obviously Scream. Other films include Weapons, Megan, K-Pop Demon Hunters, Sinners, and more. Those five films stood out the most based on how the Wayans embedded them into the film. The Wayans Brothers clear intent of this film is pure entertainment and they mimic Deadpool by breaking the fourth wall and speaking directly to the audience. One of the character mocks them for their choice of watching the film in a few scenes too. I even questioned myself about choosing the watch the film. Comedically, of course.

Some of the special effects amazed me. In one scene, Shorty (Marlon Wayans) falls into a buzzed dream sequence about Korean Demons (yes, it goes EXACTLY where you think it goes). I actually enjoyed his parody of Golden and chucked at the absurd lyrics.

Flat

Seeing how the plot simply copies the Scream franchise, it fell flat for me. Bringing back Brenda (Regina Hall) and Cindy (Anna Faris) for their role worked, but only to an extent. Most of the jokes are stale and pulled from a different time period, not really working for me this time around. It reminded me of the Wayans’s film Haunted House jokes because it targets the same group of people who remain the punchline for many older comedians. Sprinkle in a touch of slapstick and sexual innuendo to teeter on the edge of late-night raunchy comedy, which I am not a fan of. Did I expect this going in? Of course I did. I knew what to expect and I still sat in the theater hoping to enjoy the film.

Deep Dive

As with many older comedians, the Wayans do poke fun at the LGBTQ+ community. However, the difference between them and other comedians, they do not necessary “punch down” on them. I’m sure many have already seen the trailer where Dei Meeks (Sydney Park) expresses anger over her pronouns and the subway erupts in a debate over pronouns. Also, where Ray Wilkins (Shawn Wayans) expresses concern over “Why only half-gay?” However, that’s the depth of their jokes towards the LGBTQ+ community. They do not disrespect them, but tip-toe around the issue. Was it necessary? Probably not. The film might have been better with a different line of jokes, but then it wouldn’t be a Wayans’ production, would it?

Overall Ranking

The film didn’t work for me. The joke fell flatter than a pancake steamrolled over. Sure, some scenes entertained me to the point I chuckle with a forced laugh, but nothing like I did when they released Scary Movie III (which remains my favorite Scary Movie). However, if you plan to watch it, enter with low expectation and understand it’s only in jest, then you may find the film entertaining. Overall, 1/5 stars, because I actually fell asleep while watching.

What are your thoughts? Share your comments below.