Review: Scary Movie V is a Surprise Hit

The term "don’t judge a book by it’s cover" has never been more applicable that in the case of Scary Movie V. The franchise that started out as an amusing, farcical romp with Anna Faris had worn out it’s welcome after a couple of lame sequels. Once it was announced that part five was on the way, the movie going public collectively rolled their eyes.  By the time we learned that Charlie Sheen and Lindsay Lohan would be making an appearance, the nails might as well have been driven into the coffin lid.

Imagine my surprise when I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of the movie from a friend in the media. I popped in the DVD expecting the worst, and I am delighted to report that I was pleasantly surprised. Scary Movie V is the funniest horror comedy movie I have ever seen.

Let me say that again. Scary Movie V is the funniest horror comedy movie I have ever seen. 

And I am a grizzled veteran when it comes to both horror and comedy movies. This is like Mario Batali saying these are the best meatballs he’s ever had. 

Here’s the synopsis:

A couple begin to experience some unusual activity after bringing their newborn son home from the hospital. With the help of home-surveillance cameras and a team of experts, they learn they're being stalked by a nefarious demon. (IMDB)

I’ll get to Lohan and Sheen in a minute. The real star of the show is High School Musical alum, Ashley Tisdale, who proves she is not just another pretty face. She is the key to the movie because she is able to pick-up the comedy baton from Anna Faris and inject some real humor into this installment. Her comedy timing is reminiscent of a young Lucille Ball.  The rest of the cast is stellar, but this is a star-making role for Tisdale.

As for Lindsay Lohan and Charlie Sheen, they open the movie in a scene that is worth the price of admission alone. I don’t want to spoil it, so I’ll just say that it was great to see them able to have a sense of humor about their infamous reputations.

The writing is also spot on. Whether they are poking fun at recent horror films like, Mama, Paranormal Activity and The Devil Inside or paying loving tribute to classics like The Exorcist and The Amityville Horror, Scary Movie V does not just rely on foul language and fart jokes to elicit cheap laughs aimed at an adolescent audience. 

So put those preconceived notions aside and reserved your tickets to Scary Movie V.  And remember, if you read a movie review on April first, it just may be an April Fool's joke. 

So there you have it. This whole article is a joke. I have not seen this movie and I expect the worst from Scary Movie V. Happy April Fool's Day! Go see Evil Dead.

See you at the snack bar. If you get there first, order me a large popcorn.