BY PHILLIP NAKOV | If you go into this movie with any expectations of a plot, story, character development or perhaps the notion that you might learn something, please do not go see this movie, walk out slowly, go to the box office and ask for a refund and go to the theater next door and see "Lost In Translation." Thank you, and have a nice day!

But, if you are like the millions of moviegoers who flocked to cinemas in 2000 and 2001 to see the first two 'Scary' movies installments, you will certainly tap into this third outing of the laugh out loud comedy series.

"Scary Movie 3" is being released just one week shy of Halloween and should do well since last week's big opener "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" proved that audiences were in the mood for a little gore, and this will be a welcome addition, not gory, but still be within the sphere of that 'scary' genre. It is interesting to note that the first two 'Scary' movies were both released in July (2000 and 2001) so this new Fall release experiment is a just another interesting twist in the release of this film since this third 'Scary' movie also does not feature the participation of any of the Wayan's brothers who had previously written and directed the first two installments. At the helm of this pic is master comedy director David Zucker, who is perhaps best known for his "Airplane!" and "Naked Gun" movies.

The pic stars a veritable who's who of pop culture casting... Jenny McCarthy, Pamela Anderson, Charlie Sheen, Simon Rex, Jeremy Piven, Camryn Manheim, Darryl Hammond, and back as the delightfully silly and open eyed belle Cindy  Anna Faris.
If you have seen the trailer you will know that the film pokes fun at "Signs", "The Ring", "8 Mile" and "The Matrix". One really can't get anymore topical and fun than that. Enjoy!

EXPECTATIONS

What I'd Seen

I, like millions of other fans online and in theaters around the country, saw the amazingly well cut and brilliantly executed trailer for the film featuring Pamela Anderson and Jenny McCarthy discussing 'that video tape.' I actually watched the trailer a few times and encouraged others to check it out! I have also seen a different trailer run almost ad nausea on TV and again, had to rewind my Tivo to watch again. Great work!

What I'd Heard

I had heard that since the Wayan's' brothers were not involved that the film was actually funny again and fun to watch. Also, I heard the Zucker took a no holds barred approach of parodying other films. So much so that Michael Jackson is apparently so upset about a joke made at his expense in the film, that he is suing Dimension!

What I Wanted

I wanted a film that would make me laugh and fully enjoy the time I was spending away from the office. I was hoping to see a film that was at least funny enough to merit a sequel. (Scary Movie 4 is in pre-production!)

EXPERIENCE

What Turned Me On

That trailer and the cast really got me excited to see this film. So much so that I actually drove 20 miles away to see this film in Woodland Hills! I never go that far out of my way to see a movie, ever. But somehow I was compelled to make the journey. Another large part of my enjoyment of this film was the audience I watched it with. The audience was almost entirely made up of teens and college aged fans that hooted and hollered during every appropriate moment and sometimes the reactions were just as much fun as the action on the screen. Like sound is sometimes considered to be 50% of the movie going experience, I would say that the energy of the audience is that other 50%. That makes going to a movie a 150% sensory experience. No wonder we like going to the movies.

What Turned Me Off

Perhaps I am a little too demanding as a moviegoer but I was totally put off by the fact that there was really no story, plot or character development. But, since I had already seen "Lost In Translation", I decided to stay and watch it. That coupled with the fact that I had driven all the way out to Woodland Hills.

Lines Worth Repeating

My mind draws a blank... well ok, I guess, "I have a dream... to have a dream..."

Never Saw That Before

So much violence against children! The child abuse that I witnessed made me hope there would be a statement at the end of the picture stating that no child was injured or harmed in the making of this movie. Children are struck, thrown, hit by cars, slapped, smashed and bashed so much that at first it was funny... but then it became almost redundant and sad.

Fidget Factor

Slight. There were moments where I moved around a little and looked at my watch. But as soon as I had readjusted myself in my seat, the action got back into gear and moved forward. Except for a few bumps in the road and a few slow moments, I was left with very little fidget time on my hands.

AFTERMATH

I left thinking... my gawd, I can't believe how old I am! (I really am not, but I was just made to feel that way) This crowd LOVED this movie... is it that I am that much older or am I just that much more demanding of the films I see? I was left confused, dazed and doubting my mortality. What will I become? Who am I? What is this thing life all about? But all these thoughts passed when I got to the car and realized I was still hungry. From that point on I focused my energy on deciding on a place to go and eat.

I left saying... My gawd, this movie is going to make a mint. That crowd LOVED this movie. I also left saying I can't believe I drove all the way out to Woodland Hills for this!

Expiry Date... Should be around for a good run. It will reign supreme at the box office this weekend and should open at number one. The first two opened at $42.3 million and $20.5 million respectively with the first 'Scary' movie cuming $157 million and the second installment passing $71 million. With Matrix hitting theaters in two weeks, this 'Scary' movie should be around for at least a couple of weeks.

When it comes out on DVD... Rent it and maybe even buy it. It's funny and a great movie to watch certain scenes over and over and to show to friends. This film would also make for great background party atmosphere filler. Have a great weekend and I'll see you in line at the concession stand!