We Have a Ghost - A Movie Review

Christopher Landon, known for directing the horror-comedy “Happy Death Day” and “Freaky,” is back with a new film, “We Have a Ghost,” which has just been released on Netflix. Although Landon has a history of successfully blending horror and comedy, his latest effort fails to capture the essence of the genre hybrid.

The plot follows a family that moves into an old, run-down house with a history that the real-estate agent tries to conceal. Despite their skepticism, the parents, played by Erica Ash and Anthony Mackie, cannot resist the affordable price tag. The family soon realizes that they are not alone in the house as they encounter a ghost named Ernest, portrayed by David Harbour, who tries to scare them but fails miserably.

The protagonist, Kevin, played by Jahi Winston, is initially amused by Ernest’s failed attempts at haunting him but soon develops a bond with the spirit after learning about his tragic story. Ernest can touch others but cannot be touched, and he has no memories of his previous existence. As a result, he is like a stray animal who can only be approached with caution and on his own terms.

The family quickly accepts Ernest’s presence, and the younger members even develop a strong bond with him. However, the mother, played by Ash, reacts typically to the ghost, displaying fear and anger towards her family for concealing him from her. The family’s attempts to monetize Ernest by posting videos of him online only draw the attention of a supernatural expert working with the CIA, played by Tig Notaro, and a TV medium, played by Jennifer Coolidge, who steals the show with her scene-stealing performance.

As the film progresses, it becomes increasingly challenging to determine its intended tone. The runtime of 127 minutes feels stretched out, and the attempts at humor fall flat, leaving the film feeling more sentimental than anything else. This clunky approach undermines the strong performances of the cast, including Harbour, who effectively portrays Ernest’s limitations and pain.

“We Have a Ghost” is based on a short story called “Ernest” by Geoff Manaugh, first published in 2017 by Vice. Reading the story offers insight into what a more ethereal and tonally consistent version of the film might have looked like. Unfortunately, the film falls short of its potential and feels more like a missed opportunity than a successful hybrid of horror and comedy.

In conclusion, while Christopher Landon has had success blending horror and comedy in the past, his latest film, “We Have a Ghost,” fails to capture the essence of the genre hybrid. Despite strong performances from the cast, the film's clunky approach and inconsistent tone undermine its potential.

It's disappointing to see Landon's talent for blending horror and comedy fall short in "We Have a Ghost." The film struggles to find a balance between the two genres, resulting in a disjointed viewing experience. At times, it seems like the movie is aiming for a heartfelt family drama, while at others, it's trying to be a spooky haunted-house thriller. The tonal shifts are jarring and prevent the audience from fully investing in the story.

Despite its flaws, "We Have a Ghost" does have some standout performances. David Harbour brings a sense of pathos to Ernest, the titular ghost, despite the character's inability to speak. Jahi Winston also delivers a strong performance as Kevin, the teenage boy who befriends Ernest. The scenes between the two are the most effective in the movie, and it's clear that they have a genuine connection.

Tig Notaro and Jennifer Coolidge provide some much-needed levity to the film, but their characters feel underdeveloped and don't have much to do. Erica Ash and Anthony Mackie, as Kevin's parents, are given little to work with and their characters feel one-dimensional.

In terms of visuals, "We Have a Ghost" is serviceable but unremarkable. The haunted house itself is suitably creepy, but the film doesn't take full advantage of its potential for scares. The special effects used to create Ernest are impressive, but the film relies too heavily on CGI and doesn't create a sense of real-world menace.

Overall, "We Have a Ghost" is a missed opportunity. With a talented director and a strong cast, the movie had the potential to be a fun and innovative addition to the horror-comedy genre. However, its tonal inconsistencies and lack of scares make it a forgettable entry in Landon's filmography. Fans of the director's previous work may still find something to enjoy, but for everyone else, "We Have a Ghost" is a skippable experience.

It's disappointing to see Landon's talent for blending horror and comedy fall short in "We Have a Ghost." The film struggles to find a balance between the two genres, resulting in a disjointed viewing experience. At times, it seems like the movie is aiming for a heartfelt family drama, while at others, it's trying to be a spooky haunted-house thriller. The tonal shifts are jarring and prevent the audience from fully investing in the story.

Despite its flaws, "We Have a Ghost" does have some standout performances. David Harbour brings a sense of pathos to Ernest, the titular ghost, despite the character's inability to speak. Jahi Winston also delivers a strong performance as Kevin, the teenage boy who befriends Ernest. The scenes between the two are the most effective in the movie, and it's clear that they have a genuine connection.

Tig Notaro and Jennifer Coolidge provide some much-needed levity to the film, but their characters feel underdeveloped and don't have much to do. Erica Ash and Anthony Mackie, as Kevin's parents, are given little to work with and their characters feel one-dimensional.

In terms of visuals, "We Have a Ghost" is serviceable but unremarkable. The haunted house itself is suitably creepy, but the film doesn't take full advantage of its potential for scares. The special effects used to create Ernest are impressive, but the film relies too heavily on CGI and doesn't create a sense of real-world menace.

Overall, "We Have a Ghost" is a missed opportunity. With a talented director and a strong cast, the movie had the potential to be a fun and innovative addition to the horror-comedy genre. However, its tonal inconsistencies and lack of scares make it a forgettable entry in Landon's filmography. Fans of the director's previous work may still find something to enjoy, but for everyone else, "We Have a Ghost" is a skippable experience.