“When you come to this movie, you’ll laugh at the other guy and you’ll laugh at yourself,” promises Marlon Wayans, who, together with his brothers Shawn and Keenen Ivory, created the first Scary Movie more than 25 years ago. “I’ve spent the last 15 years on a comedy stage every weekend so I know where the laughs are. I think we’re delivering something special to the theaters.”
Anna Faris as Cindy, and Regina Hall as Brenda, in Scary Movie
Photo credit: Paramount Pictures
According to director Michael Tiddes, that willingness to push boundaries is exactly what gives the franchise its edge. “I’ve always believed that great R-rated comedy should feel fearless. It should surprise you, make you slightly uncomfortable, catch you off guard, and then have you laughing before you even realize what just happened,” he says. “That’s one of the reasons I’ve loved working with the Wayans family and Rick [Alvarez, producer] for so many years – there’s never been an interest in playing it safe or sanding down the edges to make everyone comfortable. The comedy works because it’s bold, unapologetic, self-aware, and willing to go places most movies won’t.”
Shawn Wayans as Ray in Scary Movie
Photo credit: Paramount Pictures
That mindset, says Tiddes, fueled the team’s ambition to make this installment feel bigger, crazier, and more unpredictable than ever. “We wanted Scary Movie to feel dangerous again, like anything could happen, nobody is safe, and every scene is trying to top the last in the funniest, wildest way possible. Rick, Marlon, and the entire team were constantly pushing creatively to make every joke sharper and every sequence bigger. For me, this movie also feels like a celebration of something audiences have been missing for a while: unapologetic, crowd-pleasing, hard-R comedy on the big screen. There’s something special about sitting in a packed theater hearing people gasp, laugh, and lose it together. I really believe R-rated comedy is back, and Scary Movie is leading the charge by crossing every line.”
Cheri Oteri as Gail Hailstorm, and Dave Sheridan as Doofy, in Scary Movie
Photo credit: Paramount Pictures
That approach has been a part of the DNA since the beginning, and Wayans is quick to remind audiences of how unusual the original Scary Movie was at the time. “It was the first of its kind: a parody brought to you by African-Americans featuring a diverse cast,” says Marlon. “We explored culture and humor and characters that hadn’t really been seen in mainstream movies. This one is no different. We kicked the doors open all those years ago and we’re keeping up the tradition that we always stood by. Everybody’s going to get it in this movie. Just enjoy it when it’s your turn, laugh with it and at it and then feel free to laugh again. Scary Movie, made with the Wayans’ formula and the Wayans’ recipe, is what the world needs now to come together and laugh together.”
Scary Movie, rated R-16, no cuts, opens in Philippine cinemas June 10. Tickets are now available. So what are you waiting for, huh?! What are you waiting for? #ScaryMovie
Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures”
