Scary Movie 3

SYNOPSIS

The scariest thing about this second Scary Movie sequel is that Pop Idol's Simon Cowell is in it. Granted, it may not be as disturbing as an appearance by Pete Waterman, but it does show the extent of Cowell's infiltration of US popular culture. Director David Zucker and his Naked Gun co-writer Pat Proft helm this entry in the horror-spoof franchise, which, though not as good as the original, is certainly an improvement on Scary Movie 2. This time around, television reporter Cindy Campbell (Anna Faris) investigates a planned alien invasion of a farm owned by Tom (Charlie Sheen), while a mysterious video kills all who watch it. All kinds of references are dragged kicking and screaming into the bedraggled plot, from 8 Mile to The Others, and there are some inspired moments to be found along the way (Leslie Nielsen, here playing a goofy American president, is always a joy). But, because of the over-reliance on recycled gags, this isn't as funny as it thinks it is.