Scary Movie 4 clocks in at a brisk 83 minutes, making it one of the shorter entries in the franchise. This runtime prioritizes rapid-fire gags and parodies over lengthy exposition, ensuring a fast-paced comedic experience.
A Comedic Dive into Scary Movie 4
Scary Movie 4, released in 2006, continues the series’ tradition of spoofing popular horror and thriller films. Directed by David Zucker, the film primarily parodies War of the Worlds, The Village, and Saw. Anna Faris and Regina Hall reprise their roles as Cindy Campbell and Brenda Meeks, respectively, navigating a new wave of terrifying (and hilarious) situations. The film’s strength lies in its relentless comedic assault, throwing a barrage of jokes at the audience, some landing spectacularly, others less so.
The plot sees Cindy investigating a mysterious town where strange occurrences are commonplace. She teams up with Tom Logan (Craig Bierko), a character clearly modeled after Tom Cruise, as they encounter alien tripods, blind villagers, and a sadistic Jigsaw parody. The film’s humor is often broad and relies heavily on physical comedy and slapstick. Cameo appearances from celebrities like Shaquille O’Neal and Dr. Phil add to the film’s comedic appeal.
While critically divisive, Scary Movie 4 was a box office success, proving the enduring popularity of the parody genre. The film’s runtime contributes to its overall pacing, preventing any single joke or subplot from overstaying its welcome. It’s designed to be a quick, disposable laugh, perfect for a lighthearted movie night.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Scary Movie 4
Here are some commonly asked questions that delve deeper into the world of Scary Movie 4:
What’s the exact runtime of Scary Movie 4, including credits?
The exact runtime of Scary Movie 4, including the opening and closing credits, is 83 minutes. This is the standard theatrical release time and is consistent across most streaming platforms and DVD/Blu-ray versions.
Is there a longer, unrated version of Scary Movie 4?
Yes, there is an unrated version of Scary Movie 4 available. This version adds approximately 8 minutes of footage, bringing the total runtime to around 91 minutes. This additional footage typically consists of more graphic violence, crude humor, and extended scenes. However, the core narrative remains the same.
Where can I watch the unrated version of Scary Movie 4?
The availability of the unrated version varies depending on your region and streaming service. It is often found on DVD and Blu-ray releases labeled as “Unrated” or “Extended Edition.” Some digital platforms may also offer this version. Check the details of the specific product before purchasing or renting.
What films are primarily parodied in Scary Movie 4?
The main films parodied in Scary Movie 4 are War of the Worlds (2005), The Village (2004), and Saw (2004). However, it also includes references to other films like Million Dollar Baby and Brokeback Mountain, among others.
Who directed Scary Movie 4 and who were the main writers?
Scary Movie 4 was directed by David Zucker. The writing team included Craig Mazin, Jim Abrahams, and Pat Proft. Zucker is known for his work on other comedic classics like Airplane! and The Naked Gun, bringing his signature brand of slapstick humor to the film.
Who are the main actors in Scary Movie 4?
The main actors in Scary Movie 4 are Anna Faris (as Cindy Campbell), Regina Hall (as Brenda Meeks), and Craig Bierko (as Tom Logan). They are supported by a cast including Leslie Nielsen, Bill Pullman, and Michael Madsen.
Was Scary Movie 4 a critical or commercial success?
Critically, Scary Movie 4 received mostly negative reviews. However, commercially, it was a success, grossing over $178 million worldwide on a budget of approximately $40 million. This made it a profitable venture, cementing the franchise’s box office appeal.
How does Scary Movie 4 compare to other Scary Movie films in terms of runtime?
Scary Movie 4 is one of the shorter films in the Scary Movie franchise. The original Scary Movie (2000) has a runtime of 88 minutes, Scary Movie 2 (2001) runs for 83 minutes (same as Scary Movie 4), Scary Movie 3 (2003) is 84 minutes, and Scary Movie 5 (2013) stretches to approximately 88 minutes. Scary Movie 4 and Scary Movie 2 are tied for the shortest entries.
What kind of humor can I expect from Scary Movie 4?
Scary Movie 4 is known for its slapstick humor, gross-out gags, and parodies of popular culture. The humor is often broad and relies on visual gags and absurd situations. Viewers should expect a mix of clever parodies and juvenile jokes.
Are there any significant differences between the theatrical and unrated versions beyond added footage?
Beyond the added footage in the unrated version, the tone and intensity of some scenes are amplified. The unrated version often features more explicit language, sexual content, and gore, pushing the boundaries of comedic shock value.
Is Scary Movie 4 suitable for children?
Scary Movie 4 is not suitable for children. The film contains strong language, sexual content, violence, and drug references. It is rated PG-13 for the theatrical version and R for the unrated version.
Where does Scary Movie 4 rank in terms of box office performance within the Scary Movie franchise?
While all the Scary Movie films performed well at the box office, Scary Movie (2000) remains the highest-grossing entry. Scary Movie 4 falls somewhere in the middle, performing better than some sequels but not reaching the heights of the original. It solidified the franchise’s staying power as a reliable source of comedic parody.