HOLLYWOOD—I remember when I first witnessed the trailer for “Scary Movie 6” while watching “Scream 7.” I haven’t laughed that hard in a very long time. It was the first time that transpired in years, because comedy is not always my cup of tea. It takes a lot for me to laugh, as there are those who tend to cower to slapstick comedy, while I’m more who tends to look for witty dialogue or a play on words that is unexpected.

I mean the first “Scary Movie” when it was released in 2000 was not just something special it was so hilarious my gut hurt from all the laughs. The parody which took aim at all the horror films from the 90s, in particular “Scream” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer” was something special thanks to the Wayans family, Keenan Ivory, Shawn and Marlon, and the introduction of Anna Faris and Regina Hall.

We have some of that chemistry back with the return of Shawn and Marlon as Ray and Shorty, and Faris and Hall as Cindy and Brenda. Keenan serves as a producer and writer, while allowing Michael Tiddes to take on directing duties. At the focal point this time around is Cindy, Brenda, Ray and Shorty who are brought back together after more than 20 years being apart when Cindy’s daughter Tuesday (Savannah Lee Nassif) is attacked by Ghostface.

Does it sound familiar? If it does it’s because this sequel relies heavily on the storyline of “Scream” (2022) aka “Scream 5” and “Scream VI” with a few pokes at “Halloween” (2018). Cindy is estranged from her daughter Sara (Olivia Keegan Rose), who returns to town with her boyfriend Jack (Cameron Scott Roberts). Brenda has two kids, Brad (Gregg Wayans) and Dei (Sydney Park), where the latter has funnier one liner than you can imagine.

There are cameos from faces of the past including Lochlyn Munro, Cheri Oteri and Dave Sheridan. The problem is most of the scenes with these characters have been spoiled in trailers or previews. You still laugh while watching “Scary Movie 6,” but because you know what is already coming, the laughs are not bellyaches for me.

There is indeed one scene that is a play from the 2022 “Scream” where I laughed so hard I could not stop. It was unexpected and just hilarious. With pokes at “The Substance,” “Weapons,” “Longlegs,” “Get Out,” “Halloween,” “Sinners,” “John Wick,” “Terrifier” and so much more, horror movies are not the only one’s poked fun at, but thrillers, pop culture, wokeness and so much more.

Let it be known the Wayans know how to push the envelope and in a way that absolutely works for fans for the franchise, especially the first 2 movies that pushed the envelope with its R-rating before going to PG-13 that limited that envelope to be pushed.

Have to say the opening of the movie with that cameo by an Oscar-nominee was unexpected but totally worked and I loved it. Could I see a “Scary Movie 7?” Without a doubt, but I would want the enveloped pushed a bit more, as the realm of current horror is truly teased and some of the best laughs or gags are saved for the movie itself and not actually teased beforehand in the trailer.