We Have a Ghost (2023)

We Have a Ghost (2023) Movie Full Review

"We Have a Ghost" is a 2023 horror-comedy film directed by Christopher Landon and written by Landon and Scott Lobdell. The film stars Anthony Mackie, Tig Notaro, Jennifer Coolidge, and David Harbour, among others. The movie revolves around a family who inherits a haunted house, and the ghost that inhabits it.

The film opens with a group of teenagers breaking into an old house, hoping to find evidence of a ghost that is rumored to haunt it. They soon discover that the ghost is real, and the encounter goes horribly wrong. The story then shifts to a family, Kevin (Mackie), his wife Emily (Notaro), and their teenage daughter Lizzy (Isabella Gomez), who have just inherited the same haunted house from Kevin's estranged grandfather.

The family is hesitant to move into the creepy old house, but financial troubles force their hand. They soon discover that the ghost, named Ernesto (Jorge Lendeborg Jr.), is friendly and just wants to be their friend. Ernesto is a lovable, mischievous ghost who loves to play pranks on the family, such as moving objects around and making creepy noises. The family soon comes to accept Ernesto as a member of the family, and they begin to bond with him.

However, not everyone is happy with the new addition to the family. Kevin's brother Simon (Harbour), who is also a ghost hunter, is convinced that Ernesto is a malevolent spirit that needs to be destroyed. Simon enlists the help of his girlfriend, played by Jennifer Coolidge, to help him get rid of the ghost. This leads to a series of mishaps and misunderstandings that put the family in danger and threaten to tear them apart.

One of the strengths of "We Have a Ghost" is its humor. The movie strikes a perfect balance between horror and comedy, with plenty of laughs to keep the audience engaged. The jokes are clever and well-timed, and the cast delivers them with perfect comedic timing. Anthony Mackie, in particular, shines in his role as the family patriarch, delivering his lines with a deadpan wit that is both charming and hilarious.

The movie also features some impressive special effects. The ghost, Ernesto, is a fully-realized CGI creation that looks both spooky and endearing. The haunted house itself is a creepy, labyrinthine structure that is full of surprises and hidden secrets. The filmmakers do an excellent job of creating a sense of tension and unease, even in scenes that are played for laughs.

One of the movie's weaknesses is its pacing. While the first act is brisk and engaging, the middle of the movie drags a bit as the story meanders and the characters go through the motions. The movie picks up again in the third act, with a tense and exciting climax that ties up all the loose ends. However, some viewers may find the slow middle section to be a bit of a slog.

Another potential issue with the movie is its lack of scares. While there are a few jump scares and spooky moments, the movie is more of a comedy than a horror film. If you're looking for a scary movie that will keep you up at night, "We Have a Ghost" may not be the best choice. However, if you're looking for a fun, lighthearted movie that will make you laugh, this movie is definitely worth checking out.

In conclusion, "We Have a Ghost" is a fun, entertaining movie that is sure to please fans of horror-comedies. While it may not be the scariest movie out there, it more than makes up for it with its humor, characters, and special effects. Christopher Landon has crafted a movie that is both spooky and charming.