"We Have a Ghost" Review: A Lighthearted Take on the Supernatural

"We Have a Ghost" is an American supernatural comedy film directed by Christopher Landon and written by Landon and John Krasinski. The movie is based on the short film "Larry" by the same director and tells the story of a family who discovers that their home is haunted by a friendly ghost. The movie is a refreshing take on the supernatural genre, offering a fun and lighthearted approach that will leave audiences laughing and thoroughly entertained.

One of the most notable aspects of "We Have a Ghost" is its impressive cast, which includes Anthony Mackie, David Harbour, Jahi Di'Allo Winston, Tig Notaro, Jennifer Coolidge, and more. The performances are excellent across the board, with each actor bringing a unique energy and humor to their respective roles. Mackie, in particular, shines as the family patriarch who is initially skeptical of the ghost's presence but eventually becomes its unlikely ally.

The movie's plot centers around the discovery of the ghost, who is initially mistaken for an intruder by Mackie's character. The family quickly realizes that the ghost means no harm and is, in fact, quite friendly. As they come to terms with the ghost's presence, they begin to learn more about its backstory and the circumstances that led it to haunt their home. This subplot is one of the film's strongest aspects, as it adds depth and emotional resonance to what is otherwise a lighthearted comedy.

Another highlight of "We Have a Ghost" is its humor, which is consistently funny throughout. The movie strikes a perfect balance between witty one-liners and physical comedy, resulting in a blend of humor that will appeal to a wide range of audiences. There are several standout comedic moments, such as when Mackie's character attempts to communicate with the ghost using a children's toy, or when the family enlists the help of a psychic medium (played by Notaro) to try and rid their home of the ghost.

Despite its lighthearted tone, "We Have a Ghost" does tackle some more serious themes, such as grief and loss. These themes are explored through the ghost's backstory, which is revealed in a series of flashbacks throughout the film. While the movie never becomes too heavy-handed with its exploration of these themes, they add depth to the story and give the audience a reason to care about the characters beyond their comedic hijinks.

Visually, "We Have a Ghost" is also quite impressive. The special effects used to create the ghost are seamless and convincing, and the movie makes excellent use of its locations to create a spooky atmosphere. Additionally, the film's cinematography is well-done, with several impressive tracking shots and dynamic camera movements.

If there is one minor flaw in "We Have a Ghost," it's that the movie's pacing can be a bit uneven at times. While the film's humor and performances are consistently strong, there are a few moments where the story drags a bit. However, these moments are few and far between, and the movie's overall momentum never grinds to a halt.

In conclusion, "We Have a Ghost" is a fun and lighthearted take on the supernatural genre that will leave audiences laughing and entertained. The film's excellent cast, humor, and visual effects all come together to create a movie that is sure to delight viewers of all ages. While the pacing can be a bit uneven at times, this is a minor flaw in an otherwise excellent film. Overall, "We Have a Ghost" is a must-see for anyone looking for a fun and entertaining movie. With its impressive cast, well-written humor, and engaging storyline, the movie is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Whether you're a fan of the supernatural genre or simply looking for a lighthearted comedy, "We Have a Ghost" is a movie that should not be missed. Keep an eye out for its release in September 2022.