Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Vulgar horror movie spoof has sex, language, and drugs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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A Haunted House
What's the Story?
Malcolm (Marlon Wayans) decides to move in with his girlfriend, Kisha (Essence Atkins). Things start off a bit rocky as their annoying habits become apparent to each other, but that's nothing compared to the malevolent demon that seems to be visiting their house. Malcolm decides to hire a security man (David Koechner) to set up cameras throughout the house, but when the disturbances become more paranormal, a psychic (Nick Swardson) is called in, followed by an exorcist (Cedric the Entertainer). Soon it's clear that the demon is after Kisha; can Malcolm save the day before it's too late?
Is It Any Good?
A Haunted House is steeped in the crudest, most vulgar type of humor, milking laughs mainly out of uncomfortable sexual situations. Co-writer/star Wayans and his crew are clearly making an attempt to move beyond their usual "spoof" movies; there are fewer direct references to pop culture and more focus on characters and romantic relationships. Wayans even plays the movie's "straight man," giving the funniest lines to outsiders. But as a whole, it doesn't really work.
One character is gay and hot for Wayans' character, while the demon likes to have "sex" with Atkins' character, and the next-door neighbors are kinky "swingers." Other jokes are filled out with the usual farting, strong language, and drug references. On the plus side, the filmmakers have paid close attention to the Paranormal Activity movies and have mercilessly skewered their methods, and Cedric the Entertainer's arrival late in the movie is a breath of fresh air; his (clearly improvised) line deliveries provide the movie's few genuine laughs.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about A Haunted House's strong sex-related humor. What makes it funny? Does the movie ever discuss sex in a mature way?
Is the movie scary? How does the movie use images similar to those in horror movies but make them less scary?
What is a spoof, exactly? What does a spoof promise and deliver? What does it do to the original material?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 11, 2013
- On DVD or streaming : April 23, 2013
- Cast : Cedric the Entertainer , Essence Atkins , Marlon Wayans
- Director : Michael Tiddes
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Open Road Films
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 86 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : crude and sexual content, language and some drug use
- Last updated : July 3, 2022
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