We Have a Ghost Review

Summary: We Have a Ghost is a horror-comedy movie with a solid cast and intriguing plot, but it fails to live up to its potential due to its lackluster execution. Directed by Christopher Landon, the film centers around a strained father and son relationship and the ghostly presence of Ernest, brought to life by David Harbour's emotive acting skills.

While the film touches on weighty themes such as harmful stereotypes and absent fathers, it ultimately falls short of saying anything meaningful about them. The humor also falls flat, leaving the movie forgettable and formulaic. Despite some redeeming qualities, We Have a Ghost ultimately fails to leave a lasting impression.

We Have a Ghost, Netflix's family-friendly horror movie, fails to live up to its potential despite possessing a talented cast, an intriguing plot, and decent special effects. Directed by Christopher Landon, who has a successful track record in horror-based comedy, the film's treatment of its plot is lackluster, given the potential of its foundation, which is based on interpersonal failings and ill-advised aspirations showcased by a strained father and son relationship.

Anthony Mackie and Jahi Di'Allo Winston deliver solid performances as father and son, respectively. Frank, played by Mackie, is a prideful father figure who is constantly searching for new opportunities to provide a better life for his family. Kevin, played by Winston, is his son who has misgivings about Frank's latest get-rich-quick scheme. However, Kevin's issues run much deeper, and Frank's inability to listen when confronted forces him to retreat inward. Winston excels at conveying Kevin's avoidance by turning what could be perceived as a perpetually dreary demeanor into a relatable means of avoidance.

David Harbour's take on Ernest, the titular ghost, is unable to speak, and most of his emotions are conveyed via facial expressions and body language. His presence escalates the familial drama in an expected way, and several heartfelt moments only succeed off of the strength of his emotive skills. The special effects governing his ghostly body don't do much to differentiate this role from that found in similar films, but Harbour’s acting is good enough to warrant some praise. The rest of the cast should also be well received; Isabella Russo, who portrays Joy, Kevin's friend, is charming, while Tig Notaro's role of a government agent turned ghostbuster is decent.

We Have a Ghost is centered on the generational conflicts that can arise between parents and their children. This initial dispute, along with its supernatural conundrum, gives way to some weighty themes: the impact of harmful stereotypes, what it means to feel othered by loved ones, and the detrimental aspects of absent fathers regardless of the circumstance leading to their departure (both mentally and physically) are all hinted at. The stakes are seemingly raised beyond the difficulties associated with living in a haunted house.

However, the film struggles to say anything meaningful about the topics it brings up. Most are presented during key scenes before taking a back seat to the overarching plot. Kevin’s concerns about his station within his own family are overshadowed by his desire to help his new friend Ernest recover his memories. Their plights are relatable, but only one of them ever really addresses their problems. That’s not to say that Kevin doesn’t come out the other end of this adventure in a better state, just that the issues he faces are tidied up rather than resolved, which flattens the story’s potential impact.

The film is played so safe, which wouldn’t be a problem if it was funny. Netflix has deemed this a horror comedy, but while a bout of laughter would have gone a long way to salvage the shallower portions, most of the jokes fall flat, or worse, are just plain awkward. If it wasn’t for the ghostly performance by Harbour, the comedy would have been a wasted opportunity. Outside of a few choice lines and forced social media references, the comedy boils down to folks screaming and running about whenever Ernest shows up.

Most of the onscreen happenings are rendered forgettable due to a formulaic approach that sidesteps the more interesting aspects of any given event. And since there isn't much in the way of humor, there's also nothing to balance out the mundane.

In conclusion, We Have a Ghost features a few solid performances, decent special effects, and an interesting premise about a troubled boy and his ghost friend Ernest, brought to