Scary Movie 5: A Reboot That Misses the Mark
In “Scary Movie 5,” ballerina Jody (Ashley Tisdale) and primatologist Dan (Simon Rex) find themselves adopting Dan’s niece and nephews, who were discovered living in a forest cabin. The children are haunted by a malevolent spirit known as Mama.
With the first four “Scary Movie” installments released between 2000 and 2006, this fifth entry feels like a reboot. However, the extended hiatus doesn’t seem to have benefited the franchise. The humor falls flat, and there’s little evidence of effort to revitalize the series. The Wayans family, who were integral to the earlier films, departed after “Scary Movie 2,” with Marlon Wayans even creating a competing parody, “A Haunted House,” spoofing “Paranormal Activity.” David Zucker remains as a producer and co-writer, alongside Pat Proft (known for the “Star Wars Holiday Special” and “Police Academy”). Directing duties were handed to Malcolm D. Lee (“Undercover Brother”), a newcomer to the franchise. Ashley Tisdale, the blonde from “High School Musical,” bravely steps into the role previously held by Anna Faris.
A Disappointing Start and a Muddled Focus
The film opens and closes with a labored scene featuring Charlie Sheen and Lindsay Lohan poking fun at their tabloid troubles. This sketch, which inexplicably includes the Benny Hill theme (a bad omen!), is so unfunny that it makes you long for the days when they starred in genuinely funny comedies like “Hot Shots! Part Deux” or “Mean Girls.” Surprisingly, instead of primarily targeting “Paranormal Activity,” the film shifts focus to a remake of “Mama,” complete with excessive head trauma and burning babies.
Over-Reliance on References
The film exemplifies the current state of movie parodies, relying heavily on referencing a multitude of films rather than genuinely satirizing them. Rehashed scenes from “Black Swan,” “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” (with monkeys flinging feces), “Inception,” and (prematurely) “Fifty Shades of Grey” consume far too much of “Scary Movie 5.”
Missed Opportunities and Unfunny Outtakes
To add insult to injury, the end credits roll over a series of dreadful outtakes, including multiple takes of a pop-up book gag that was so weak it was ultimately cut from the film. While the filmmakers deserve credit for staying current with cinematic trends, even referencing the “Evil Dead” remake, they seem to have forgotten to include a single genuinely funny scene.
Final Verdict
“Scary Movie 5” is a disappointing entry in the franchise, failing to deliver on its comedic potential. The over-reliance on references and the lack of original humor make it a forgettable experience.