Released in 2001, Scary Movie 2 is the second installment in the Scary Movie franchise, a series renowned for its parody of popular horror films and tropes. Directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans, this comedy-horror spoof follows the successful formula established by the original Scary Movie (2000), blending slapstick, satire, and absurd humor. Although not as critically acclaimed as its predecessor, Scary Movie 2 has carved out a cult following and remains a staple for fans of comedic takes on the horror genre.
This article delves deep into Scary Movie 2, examining its plot, characters, influences, comedic style, cultural impact, and critical reception, while also comparing it to other films in the parody genre.
Plot Overview
The plot of Scary Movie 2 loosely follows a traditional haunted house horror narrative, specifically parodying films like The Haunting, The Exorcist, Poltergeist, and House on Haunted Hill. The story begins with a chaotic exorcism scene that sets the tone for the rest of the film: irreverent, absurd, and over-the-top.
Opening Sequence: A Parody of The Exorcist
The film kicks off with a parody of The Exorcist in which Father McFeely (James Woods) and Father Harris attempt to exorcise a demon from a young girl named Megan. This segment is packed with slapstick humor and crass jokes, serving as a standalone sketch that showcases the film’s outrageous comedic style.
The Main Story: Haunted House Hijinks
The narrative then shifts to a group of college students—Cindy Campbell (Anna Faris), Brenda Meeks (Regina Hall), Ray Wilkins (Shawn Wayans), and Shorty Meeks (Marlon Wayans)—who are invited to spend a weekend at Hell House for a psychological study conducted by Professor Oldman (Tim Curry) and his assistant Dwight Hartman (David Cross). Unbeknownst to them, the house is haunted by the ghost of Hugh Kane, and hilarity ensues as the group faces a series of supernatural occurrences, each more ridiculous than the last.
From possessed dolls and groping ghosts to talking parrots and marijuana-loving spirits, Scary Movie 2 pulls no punches when it comes to comedic exaggeration.
Characters and Cast
Cindy Campbell (Anna Faris)
Cindy is the franchise’s central protagonist. In Scary Movie 2, she is portrayed as intelligent but somewhat naïve. Faris’s comedic timing and commitment to the absurdity of her character are major highlights of the film.
Brenda Meeks (Regina Hall)
Brenda is Cindy’s sassy and loud-mouthed friend. Hall brings energy and comedic sharpness to the role, often breaking the fourth wall and reacting to the film’s ridiculousness in a way that mirrors the audience’s perspective.
Ray Wilkins (Shawn Wayans)
Ray continues his ambiguous portrayal from the first film. His character is often the butt of jokes related to gender and sexual orientation, reflecting the film’s unapologetic use of controversial humor.
Shorty Meeks (Marlon Wayans)
Shorty is the resident stoner and comic relief. His interactions with supernatural elements often include marijuana, blending horror tropes with the classic “stoner comedy” subgenre.
Professor Oldman (Tim Curry) and Dwight Hartman (David Cross)
The eccentric scientist and his sarcastic assistant provide the academic backdrop for the horror study at Hell House. Both actors lean into the absurdity of their roles, particularly Cross, whose wheelchair-bound character is part of several exaggerated and slapstick physical gags.
Parody Elements and Film References
One of Scary Movie 2’s main draws is its relentless parody of other horror and pop culture references. The film doesn’t just stick to one target but takes broad swings at numerous films and genres.
Major Horror Films Parodied:
- The Exorcist (1973): The opening exorcism scene is a nearly shot-for-shot recreation with added absurdities.
- The Haunting (1999): The primary setting of Hell House mimics the mansion from The Haunting.
- Poltergeist (1982): A scene involving a possessed clown doll references this film.
- Hollow Man (2000): A scene where a ghost sexually harasses a character parodies the invisible man trope.
- What Lies Beneath (2000): Referenced in the bathtub and mirror scenes involving ghostly presences.
Non-Horror References:
- Nike Commercials: The basketball scene parodies famous Nike freestyle dribbling ads.
- Charlie’s Angels: A slow-motion fight scene references the over-the-top martial arts choreography of the film.
- Titanic: A romantic sequence mirrors the “Draw me like one of your French girls” scene.
- The Others: Elements of eerie mansion life are also spoofed, though more subtly.
Comedic Style and Themes
Scary Movie 2 thrives on lowbrow humor, slapstick, and exaggerated caricatures. The film embraces every form of comedy—from bathroom humor and sexual innuendo to absurd physical gags and grotesque sight jokes.
Recurring Themes and Gags:
- Sexual Innuendo: The film uses sexually explicit jokes liberally, especially through the character of Ray and scenes involving ghosts.
- Physical Comedy: From falls and fights to exaggerated gestures, the humor often leans into the physical.
- Meta-Humor: Characters often reference the absurdity of their situation, adding a layer of self-awareness.
- Shock Value: Many jokes aim to surprise or gross out the audience, often pushing boundaries.
Production Background
Development and Direction
The original Scary Movie was a massive box-office success, prompting Miramax and the Wayans brothers to rush a sequel. Directed once again by Keenen Ivory Wayans, the production of Scary Movie 2 was accelerated, with less than a year between the release of the first and second film.
This rushed timeline is evident in the pacing and coherence of the plot, which many critics cited as a weakness. However, the humor and performances managed to maintain audience interest.
Budget and Box Office
- Budget: Approximately $45 million
- Box Office Gross: Over $141 million worldwide
Though not as successful as its predecessor, Scary Movie 2 was still profitable and helped cement the franchise’s longevity.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, Scary Movie 2 received largely negative reviews from critics. It holds a low approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with common criticisms including lazy writing, over-reliance on shock humor, and a lack of originality.
However, audiences were more forgiving. Fans of the first movie appreciated the return of familiar characters and the film’s brazen humor. Over time, it developed a cult following, particularly among viewers who enjoy parody films and absurd comedies.
Positive Aspects Noted:
- Strong performances from Anna Faris and Regina Hall
- Bold, unfiltered humor
- A variety of film references that cater to pop culture fans
Common Criticisms:
- Disjointed plot structure
- Overuse of crude jokes
- Lacking the freshness of the original film
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Despite its initial reception, Scary Movie 2 has remained in the public consciousness as a representative of early 2000s comedy. It exemplifies a period in Hollywood where parody films thrived, including franchises like Not Another Teen Movie, Epic Movie, and Date Movie.
It also contributed to the careers of its cast members, especially Anna Faris, who would go on to star in multiple comedy films and the hit TV series Mom. Regina Hall’s career also benefited, with roles in both comedic and dramatic films following her Scary Movie appearances.
Comparison with Other Films in the Series
The Scary Movie series includes five films, but the Wayans brothers only participated in the first two. Many fans consider the first two entries to be the strongest, with the subsequent films (especially Scary Movie 3 and 4) relying more on spoofing contemporary films like The Ring, Signs, and War of the Worlds.
Scary Movie 2 stands out for its more outrageous and riskier sense of humor. While it may lack the tighter storytelling of later entries, it maintains a raw comedic energy that resonates with fans of the genre.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
- James Woods and Andy Richter were cast in the opening scene largely for their comedic chops and willingness to push boundaries.
- The film’s production schedule was so tight that some scenes were reportedly written only days before shooting.
- The talking parrot was voiced by actor and comedian David Cross, who also plays the wheelchair-bound Dwight.
- A deleted scene involved an American Beauty-style parody with Cindy surrounded by floating food instead of rose petals.
Legacy in Pop Culture
Scary Movie 2 is often referenced in discussions of early 2000s humor, when raunchy comedies dominated the box office. Its most iconic scenes—like the haunted basketball game, the creepy butler with a deformed hand (“Take my strong hand!”), and the wild exorcism—have become internet memes and TikTok audio clips, keeping the film relevant to younger audiences.
Conclusion
Scary Movie 2 is not a film for everyone. Its humor is loud, crude, and often intentionally offensive. Yet, for fans of horror parody, slapstick, and the absurd, it offers a wildly entertaining experience. While it doesn’t quite match the original in terms of wit or coherence, its chaotic energy, memorable characters, and endless pop culture references make it a classic within the parody genre.
Whether you’re watching it for nostalgia or encountering it for the first time, Scary Movie 2 provides a gleefully irreverent take on haunted house horror, cementing its place in the annals of early 2000s comedy.
FAQs
1. Is Scary Movie 2 a direct sequel to Scary Movie?
Yes, Scary Movie 2 is a direct sequel that continues the story of some of the characters from the first film, including Cindy, Ray, Brenda, and Shorty. However, the plot is entirely different, focusing on a haunted house setting instead of a slasher story.
2. What movies does Scary Movie 2 parody?
The film primarily parodies horror films such as The Exorcist, The Haunting, Poltergeist, Hollow Man, and What Lies Beneath. It also includes references to non-horror films like Titanic, Charlie’s Angels, and Nike commercials.
3. Who directed Scary Movie 2?
Keenen Ivory Wayans directed Scary Movie 2. He also directed the first film and was a key figure in the Wayans family’s involvement in the early Scary Movie films.
4. Is Scary Movie 2 appropriate for children?
No, Scary Movie 2 is rated R and contains explicit language, sexual content, drug references, and crude humor. It is intended for mature audiences.
5. Was Scary Movie 2 successful at the box office?
Yes, despite mixed critical reception, the film grossed over $141 million worldwide against a budget of around $45 million, making it financially successful.
6. Are the Wayans brothers involved in all Scary Movie films?
No, the Wayans brothers were only involved in the first two Scary Movie films. Starting with Scary Movie 3, the franchise changed creative direction under new writers and producers.
