Common Sense Media Review
By Beth Pratt
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
This movie will only frighten you with its crudeness.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Scary Movie
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 32 parent reviews
Parents say the movie is a mix of raunchy humor and violence, with many reviews labeling it inappropriate for younger audiences due to explicit content. While some find it hilarious and a classic comedy, others warn that its humor may not be suitable for children or sensitive viewers, recommending it only for mature teens.
- inappropriate
- raunchy humor
- mature audience
- comical violence
- parental guidance
- classic comedy
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 128 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a hilarious parody that mixes crude humor with violence, making it a hit for older teens, though it contains substantial sexual content and foul language that may not be suitable for younger viewers. Despite the negative opinions about its explicitness and ridiculousness, many praise its ability to generate laughter, particularly among those familiar with 90s horror films.
- hilarious parody
- crude humor
- sexual content
- teen recommendation
- violent scenes
- mixed opinions
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
SCARY MOVIE is a spoof of the Scream movies, which themselves lampoon traditional horror flicks. That would make Scary Movie a spoof of a spoof. The plot, such that it is, revolves around a bunch of stereotypical teens targeted by a crazy killer determined to dispatch the whole gang.
Is It Any Good?
The writers often go for the cheap laugh in this movie, frequently at the expense of minorities. And the scenes involving male organs and bodily fluids feel like reheated Farrelly brothers (There's Something About Mary) without the laughs. While Scary Movie's thin plot mirrors scenes from Scream, the comparison ends there. All three Scream movies relied on witty dialogue and engaging characters, something that Scary Movie desperately lacks.
A costumed killer chases a flatulent, underwear-clad character and stabs her, piercing her breast implant. A grandmother is thrown down steps to impede a killer's progress. A retarded deputy soils his pants. Are you in hysterics yet? If not, Scary Movie will only frighten you with its crudeness. But not all the movie's humor is as juvenile as it might seem; some jokes -- like a scene in which a group of guys and the costumed killer re-create the famous "Whassup!" beer commercial -- evoke hearty laughter from the teen target audience. Such humor, however, has its limitations -- if you don't know the references that were made fun of, you won't find it funny.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what's funny, and what's offensive and/or stupid. Why do different people find different things funny? Why do parents and kids often laugh at such different things?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 7, 2000
- On DVD or streaming : October 13, 2001
- Cast : Marlon Wayans , Shannon Elizabeth , Shawn Wayans
- Director : Keenen Ivory Wayans
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , African American Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Dimension
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong crude sexual humor, language, drug use and violence
- Last updated : February 5, 2026
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