A HAUNTED HOUSE - REVIEW

A HAUNTED HOUSE - REVIEW

Spoof films have been around for longer then most of you would believe, and for the most part they have been done really well. Films like Hot Shots, Airplane and the Last Action Hero were really the epitome of parody films. Recently we have gone through a rough patch when it comes to parody films with the last good parody film arguably being Scary Movie 2. Now Marlon Wayans, being one of the brains behind the last arguable good parody film, steps into his own satirical venture and at the conclusion its clear to see that while it isn’t bad, its not exactly great either.

The film goes about, Malcolm and Kisha move into their dream home, but soon learn a demon also resides there. When Kisha becomes possessed, Malcolm - determined to keep his sex life on track - turns to a priest, a psychic, and a team of ghost-busters for help.

It goes without saying that this film is far from being a masterpiece but its not completely horrible either.

I’ll start with the good aspects of the film, as I felt the main strength of A Haunted House was that the film decided to keep this satirical story mainly focused on one film, in this case being Paranormal Activity. Now while there is a few unwarranted and brainless gags that rip off other films, they not as needless as the latest batch of Spoof films. The film isn’t one large buffet of random characters and scenes from other films, instead its own film.

It follows its own narrative while heavily borrowing from Paranormal Activity and its keeps this single focus throughout, which makes easily watchable.

The film also retains the horror mode from its source material, while throwing in comedy, which makes it entertaining.

However, the film isn’t as good as the first Scary Movie, although it tries to be but it does fail. Needless grotesque anal rape scenes fart jokes and childish antidotes, completely negate the clever scenarios that were set up and diminish the films narrative. The first half or so is probably where the film shines the most, thereafter it would seem they ran out of ideas.

 With a little more thought A Haunted House could have certainly been one great parody movie.

 Even so, the film will still draw in some laughs, and you might find yourself enjoying it.

Our Rating

5,5/10