We Have a Ghost

"We Have a Ghost" is a supernatural comedy directed by Christopher Landon and starring a talented ensemble cast, including Anthony Mackie, David Harbour, Tig Notaro, Jahi Di'Allo Winston, and Jennifer Coolidge. The film follows a group of friends who move into a haunted house, only to discover that the ghost of the former owner, Ernestine, is still present and very much alive (or, perhaps, undead).

The film's central premise is a unique twist on the traditional ghost story, as Ernestine is not a vengeful or malevolent spirit, but rather a friendly and outgoing ghost who enjoys spending time with the living. This concept is both refreshing and entertaining, as it allows for a more lighthearted and humorous approach to the supernatural.

One of the strengths of "We Have a Ghost" is its talented cast, who bring their A-game to their respective roles. Anthony Mackie delivers a strong performance as Kevin, the tech entrepreneur who is skeptical of the supernatural, while David Harbour is equally impressive as Marcus, the scientist who is determined to uncover the truth behind the haunting. However, it is Tig Notaro who steals the show as the lovable and mischievous ghost Ernestine. Notaro infuses the character with a warmth and humor that makes her an instantly likable presence on screen, and her interactions with the living characters are some of the film's most entertaining moments.

The film's humor is a key part of its appeal, with many of the jokes landing successfully thanks to the talented cast and well-crafted script. The film balances the humor with the supernatural elements, which are often quite effective at creating suspense and delivering scares. The haunted house itself is a suitably creepy location, with dark hallways, creaky doors, and ghostly apparitions that keep the characters and viewers on edge.

One of the film's standout sequences involves Ernestine teaching the living characters how to twerk, a hilarious and unexpected scene that showcases the film's ability to find humor in unexpected places. Another memorable moment involves Ernestine using her ghostly powers to play pranks on the living, including moving objects and creating spooky sounds in the house.

However, the film does suffer from a few pacing issues, particularly in the middle act, which at times feels like it is dragging on a bit too long. Some of the subplots also feel underdeveloped and could have benefited from a bit more attention, particularly those involving Jennifer Coolidge's character and her relationship with the ghost of her deceased husband.

The film's climax is suitably tense and exciting, with the living characters working together to uncover the truth behind the haunting and ultimately finding a way to put Ernestine to rest. The final moments of the film provide a satisfying conclusion to the story, with the characters coming to a better understanding of themselves and each other.

One potential issue with the film is that its humor may not be to everyone's taste. While some viewers may appreciate the film's lighthearted approach to the supernatural, others may prefer a more serious and scary ghost story. Additionally, the film's unique concept of a friendly ghost may not be enough to sustain interest throughout the entire runtime for some viewers.

Overall, "We Have a Ghost" is an enjoyable and entertaining film that will appeal to fans of both horror and comedy. The film's unique concept, talented cast, and effective blend of humor and scares make it a standout entry in the supernatural genre. While it may not be a groundbreaking or particularly memorable film, it is a fun and engaging movie that is well worth a watch. The film offers a fresh take on the traditional ghost story, and the talented cast brings a sense of humor and humanity to the supernatural elements.