There have been some good horror
comedies over the past few years. However, there has been a shortage of quality
spoofs of horror movies. The last one I saw was “Vampires Suck,” and um yea… it
sucked. This year audiences will get two big ones, “Scary Movie 5,” and “A
Haunted House.” “Scary Movie 5” will hit theaters later this year, so first up
is “A Haunted House.”
A young couple, Malcolm (Marlon
Wayans), and Kisha (Essence Atkins) are taking their relationship to the next
level by moving in together. Not long after settling in, strange things start
happening, and they realize their house might be haunted. Eventually Kisha
becomes possessed, and Malcolm fights the urge to leave her and instead tries
to save her.
Does that sound somewhat familiar? Well,
this movie primarily follows the “Paranormal Activity” (PA) storyline. It even
takes a few shots at the PA sequels. While Malcolm does film everything, the
movie never truly feels like a typical found footage film. There also are
security cameras set up around the house, and they go back and watch the
footage on a computer. The only camera footage they didn’t take advantage of is
Skype used in PA 4, which is a good thing.
So what PA things do they make fun of
besides the cameras? Well there are plenty of moments in the notorious bedroom.
Actually, the bedroom is where two of funniest moments take place. One is when
Malcolm has some free time to himself while Kisha is in the bathroom getting
ready for bed. Lets just say it involves Malcolm, some teddy bears, and the bed
to himself. The other moment is when Malcolm and Kisha are sitting in bed
together, and pull out some weed to smoke. Just as they are getting high as a
kite, the ghost decides to join in and take some hits. What follows is simply
hilarious. There is also Chip the Psychic (Nick Swardson) who has a crush on
Malcolm, and a great scene involving an ouija board.
It isn’t until Kisha becomes possessed
late in the film that they really start mocking other horror movies, or shows.
The guys that install the security cameras also film a ghost reality show
similar to shows like “Ghost Hunters.” Cedric the Entertainer plays Father
Williams, obviously making fun of many exorcism movies. Father Williams sits
down to have a conversation with a possessed Kisha similar to when they sit
down for a conversation with the girl’s mother in “The Devil Inside.” They also
take some really quick shots at “The Last Exorcism,” and even “Sinister.” I’m
really surprised they fit in a reference to that movie although I knew it was
coming because of the “Sinister” poster they make light of.
The acting overall is pretty solid.
Everyone has their funny moments. It’s good to see Marlon able to pull off the
movie without one of his famous family members by his side. Not that I would
have minded seeing any of them in the movie along side him. The only thing that
could have been better is the ending. They end the movie like PA ends, which
makes sense, but the way they make fun of the ending isn’t as funny an ending
as I hoped.
So is “A Haunted House” a quality spoof
of horror movies? I definitely believe so. They do a great job of following the
“Paranormal Activity” storyline, and making fun of several key moments from PA,
and it’s sequels. They are also able to get the audience to laugh at
reenactments of scenes from other horror movies like “The Devil Inside,” and
“Sinister.” Besides the horror humor, there are plenty of jokes referencing
sex, and stereotypes. Each actor does their part in providing hilarious
moments. “A Haunted House” made me laugh enough to give it 3 pools of blood.
HorrO
***There
is a bonus scene in the middle of the ending credits***
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