We Have a Ghost movie review & film summary (2023)

"We Have a Ghost" is a horror-comedy film directed by Christopher Landon, known for his work on the "Happy Death Day" franchise. The film stars Anthony Mackie, David Harbour, Jennifer Garner, Jahi Di'Allo Winston, and Emily Hampshire.

The movie follows a family that moves into a haunted house, but instead of fleeing in terror, they decide to embrace their ghostly roommate and help him solve the mystery of his death. The film is a refreshing take on the haunted house genre, with a mix of scares, laughs, and heart.

One of the highlights of the film is the performances of its talented cast. Anthony Mackie, who is best known for his role as Falcon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, delivers a standout performance as Marcus, the father of the family. Mackie brings a natural charm and likability to the role, making it easy for audiences to root for him.

David Harbour, who is best known for his role as Chief Hopper in "Stranger Things," plays the family's eccentric neighbor, and he brings a lot of humor and energy to the film. Jennifer Garner is also fantastic as the mother of the family, bringing a level of warmth and heart to the role.

Jahi Di'Allo Winston, who plays the son of the family, gives a strong performance as well. His character has a special connection to the ghost and plays an integral role in solving the mystery of his death. Emily Hampshire, who plays a paranormal investigator, also delivers a great performance, bringing a lot of humor to the film.

The film's screenplay, written by Christopher Landon and Michael Kennedy, is well-crafted and strikes a good balance between horror and comedy. The film's scares are effective without being too intense, and the humor is funny without detracting from the overall tone of the film.

One of the film's strengths is its use of special effects. The ghost is brought to life through impressive visual effects, and the film's haunting sequences are well-executed. The film also features a lot of practical effects, which add to the film's authenticity and help to ground the supernatural elements in reality.

"We Have a Ghost" also has a lot of heart. The film explores themes of family, love, and redemption, and the ghost's story is surprisingly moving. The film's ending is satisfying and ties up all of the film's loose ends.

However, the film does have some flaws. The pacing of the film is a bit uneven, with some scenes feeling rushed while others drag on a bit too long. The film also features some predictable plot points, which may be a turn-off for some viewers.

Additionally, one of the film's strengths is its ability to subvert expectations. While the haunted house genre often relies on tired tropes and cliches, "We Have a Ghost" manages to breathe new life into the genre. By turning the typical horror movie formula on its head and making the ghost a central character, the film offers a fresh perspective that is both fun and engaging.

The film's exploration of the theme of family is also a strong point. While many horror films use familial relationships as a plot device, "We Have a Ghost" truly delves into the dynamics of a family unit. The family's decision to embrace their ghostly roommate and work together to solve the mystery of his death is a heartwarming display of familial love and loyalty.

In terms of its scares, "We Have a Ghost" strikes a good balance between terror and humor. While the film features some genuinely spooky moments, it never takes itself too seriously. The humor is well-timed and helps to break up the tension, making the scares all the more effective.

Furthermore, the film's use of practical effects is impressive. While many modern horror films rely heavily on CGI, "We Have a Ghost" incorporates a lot of practical effects, which helps to ground the supernatural elements in reality. The ghost's design is also impressive, with a unique and unsettling appearance that is sure to stick with viewers long after the credits roll.

Overall, "We Have a Ghost" is a fun and entertaining film that is perfect for fans of horror-comedy. The film's talented cast, well-crafted screenplay, and impressive special effects make it a standout in the genre. While it may not be perfect, it is definitely worth a watch.

In conclusion, "We Have a Ghost" is a must-watch for fans of horror-comedy. The film's mix of scares, laughs, and heart make it a standout in the genre, and its talented cast and impressive special effects only add to its appeal. While it may not be perfect, it is definitely worth a watch, and is sure to leave audiences entertained and satisfied.