NDSU Spectrum: Movie review

‘Shriek’ offers a few jokes not found in ‘Scary Movie’

By JOHN HANSEN

Oct. 27, 2000

“Shriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the 13th” isn’t quite in the same league as “Scary Movie,” but it taps into the same irreverent spirit and connects on enough jokes to keep you entertained. This horror parody was originally planned for the big screen, but it was picked up by the USA network (along with “Cherry Falls,” also originally planned for theaters).

Sure, the cast (Tom Arnold, Tiffani Theissen, Harley Cross, Majandra Delfino, Julie Benz, Danny Strong, Simon Rex) is too good for the material, but that can also be said about some horror films not intended to be funny.

There are a few inspired bits. A character outlines the rules of parodies as the group gathers around watching “The Naked Gun,” “Airplane” and “Hot Shots!” All of the killer’s intended victims end up dying in bizarre fashion before he gets to them. A chase scene is accompanied by a live band and Pop-Up video bubbles.

Keep your expectations low and give “Shriek” a try if USA airs it again. B-