When studying comedy, I was taught that parody is a form of high humor because of its witty commentary on its punchlines — making it an effective form of criticism to the mainstream. Unfortunately, the only form of “high humor” from the highly anticipated “Scary Movie” (2026) comes from Marlon Wayans’ weed-obsessed character Shorty and all the clever ways he tries to ingest marijuana.

Growing up, I was fond of the “Scary Movie” films. The franchise was created by the Wayans brothers, a comedic family famous for their sharp, satirical edge. I adored its ridiculous gags and thoughtful critiques of pop culture despite its vulgar humor. The films even became a celebrated stoner classic through Shorty, who has been the subject of many iconic internet memes throughout the years. And with the Wayans brothers returning to the helm after being fired from “Scary Movie 3,” news of the latest entry seemed promising.

But alas, “Scary Movie” (2026) ended up being among the stupidest creations of the 2020s — and not in the way audiences may hope. It is a film that fails to offer any original, thoughtful comedy on the subjects it parodies. And, like the friend that repeats your joke only louder, the film reiterates familiar ideas and jokes but in a less funny, clever way.

The narrative of “Scary Movie” (2026) plays out as a parody of horror franchise reboots/legacy sequels of “Scream” (2022-2026) and “Halloween” (2018-2022). The Ghostface killer returns after 26 years to haunt the “Scary Movie” core four: Cindy, Brenda, Shorty and Ray.

Aside from that, the film largely consists of mostly unconnected scenes that can best be described as sketches parodying other popular contemporary horror films and trends in pop culture. The result is something less traditional “feature narrative” and more akin to a Halloween-themed episode of “In Living Color.” Although a spoof, such as “Scary Movie,” is not meant to be taken seriously, it’s hard to find myself invested in a film mostly composed of filler gags that, unlike “In Living Color,” just aren’t that funny.

What does it say that my screening packed with Wayans superfans, quoting iconic franchise lines and pointing out callbacks to past entries, were silent for most of the movie? With lowered standards and a desire to laugh even if it meant forcing one out, I — and presumably the rest of my theater — struggled to find the movie as funny as it thought it was.

And no, I am not criticizing the film as a “woke-left snowflake that got offended.” The film thrives on a marketing campaign claiming “every line will be crossed” to “legalize comedy” again, a catastrophized agenda former Presidential Senior Advisor Elon Musk and those associated with the MAGA movement seem to actively push. But what these parties fail to understand is it’s not that people are too sensitive now and shocking/offensive humor is becoming “illegal.” It’s just that provocative, mean-spirited jokes aren’t funny. The film is bad at being funny. 

It’s bad at being offensive, too. The most offensive part about “Scary Movie” (2026) is just how lousy and dated its attempts are. A major gag involves the COVID-19 pandemic, an epidemic that officially ended 3 years ago. Admittedly, the jokes do succeed when the film makes genuine criticisms on soulless cash-grab trends in pop culture, Hollywood and even white America. But with its more controversial topics from the national raids enforced by the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to the Me Too movement, the punchlines are lazy and familiar — the same recycled jokes you’ll find online from trolls looking to be edgy and offensive. “Offensive humor” works best when it wants to make a point, but many of the film’s jokes only feel provocative for the sake of being provocative and nothing else. 

To its credit, the film can be a serviceable experience to those with nonexistent standards wanting to just watch something dumb and silly. It’s the kind of movie you just turn on and it exists in the background when you’re with friends and/or getting high, which is more than enough for some. 

What should’ve been a triumphant return to an era of parody movies, “Scary Movie” (2026) is a tiring time begging for your attention. It’s a film that fails in nearly every way, including its key selling factor: Being offensive. Watching this movie is practically a filler activity — it’s something to occupy time when you’re bored or with friends, intoxicated even.

In the words of Shorty from the first film, “Run bitch, run!” from this movie at any cinema you may visit this week.

1/5