Review - A Haunted House

A Haunted House (2013), R, 86 minutes - I have to admit right off the bat, that A Haunted House is not an amazing movie.  It did however, serve its purpose as a means for escape for my fiance and I after a really long week.  We wanted something that wasn't too deep and that could provide a laugh and that's exactly what this film did.

A Haunted House is the first of two horror spoofs to hit theaters this year (Scary Movie 5 arrives in April).  The funny thing is, this was co-written by Marlon Wayans who also co-wrote the original Scary Movie thirteen years ago.  Unlike the Scary Movie franchise that parodies any and all horror films, A Haunted House specifically spoofs the Paranormal Activity franchise, making a mockery of many of its trademark scenes.  A few are legitimately funny, but most are low-brow, physical bits of comedy.  The cast is full of familiar faces - Marlon Wayans, David Koechner, Nick Swardson, Cedric the Entertainer, and J.B. Smoove.  I've enjoyed all of them in other roles at some time in the past, and even taking into account the type of humor the movie was going for, it was a little disappointing that the overall quality of the film wasn't better considering those involved.

I'm not sure that there's much else to say.  I wouldn't suggest that anyone run out to see A Haunted House in the theater unless you're a huge Wayans fan or really enjoy these spoof flicks.  It does provide some laughs, and like I said, it was just what we needed at the time.  So while it won't win any awards or become the next quotable comedy, it did provide for an entertaining night.  When it comes right down to it, can you really ask for anything more?  Waiting for a rental if you are at all curious is probably the way to go.  But if you do choose to hit it up in a theater, please, please don't take your kids with you like one set of parents did at the screening we were at.  It's a freakin' R rated comedy.  Use some common sense.