Lacey Chabert – Scarecrow (TV movie)

It may not have the same kind of outlandish title like most SyFy Originals (think “Ragin’ Cajun Redneck Gators” or “Chupacabra Vs. the Alamo,” for example), but actress Lacey Chabert (“Mean Girls”) says her new movie “Scarecrow” is still a fun ride.

In “Scarecrow,” Chabert plays Kristen, a young woman who is trying to sell her family farm, which is being haunted by a – you guessed it – killer scarecrow.

During a quick phone chat, Chabert, 31, talked to me about the TV movie and shared some thoughts about a possible 10-year-reunion for the cast of “Mean Girls.”

“Scarecrow” airs on the SyFy Channel Oct. 5 at 8 p.m. (CT).

I think most people would describe SyFy original movies as somewhat campy, but that term could mean different things to different audiences. Can you tell me what the term campy means to you?

To me campy is when you don’t take yourself too seriously. It’s sort of a wink to the audience. That’s how I would describe it.

When you hear the term SyFy original movie these days, people tend to anticipate some kind of crazy title like “Sharknado” or “Ragin’ Cajun Redneck Gators.” But here, we simply have “Scarecrow.” So, do you think that’s enough of a hook?

I hope so. I mean, I don’t know the last time I saw a movie about a killer scarecrow. So, to me, that’s enough of a hook. I just saw the movie last week and it’s a fun ride. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, but I think it has a bit of a darker vibe and it is actually scary. But it’s all in good Halloween fun.

Most people know you for your role in “Mean Girls,” but if you could pick a movie you’ve been in that you think deserved more attention when it first came out and could help define you as an actress, which movie would you ask fans to seek out?

Oh, wow, that’s a great question. Gosh, you know, I totally appreciate that people are “Mean Girls” fans. I was so lucky to be a part of that movie. It thrills me that people are still talking about it. You know, I did a movie about two years ago called “Imaginary Friend.” It ended up airing on Lifetime I believe. I was very proud of the work we did in that film. I played a woman who had a history of emotional abuse in her life. She realizes her husband is trying to harm her. She really rises to the occasion to turn the tables on him. I was really proud of that movie.

Six months from now – April 30, 2014 to be exact – will mark a decade since “Mean Girls” hit theaters. Don’t you think that calls from some kind of 10-year reunion?

Gosh, it’s so crazy that it’s been 10 years! Someone else just reminded me recently that next year is “Party of Five’s” 20-year reunion. All of this makes me feel very old. (Laughs) Very old, but very lucky and very happy to be alive and still working and still pursuing my dreams. Yes, a 10-year reunion, absolutely! It calls for some sort of celebration! We’ll definitely have to put that together. [Actor] Jonathan Bennett (he played Aaron Samuels) and I are still very good friends. I’m still friends with [actor] Daniel Franzese (he played Damian). I would love it if they did something with the cast.

What do you think Gretchen Wieners would be doing 10 years after graduating from high school?

(Laughs) Well, she’s running the Toaster Strudels Company, of course!