A Haunted House (2013)

Malcolm and Kisha move into their dream home, but soon learn a demon also resides there. When Kisha becomes possessed, Malcolm - determined to keep his sex life on track - turns to a priest, a psychic, and a team of ghost-busters for help.

Director:

Michael Tiddes

Writers:

Marlon Wayans, Rick Alvarez

Stars:

Marlon Wayans, Essence Atkins, Marlene Forte

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Marlon Wayans	...	Malcolm
Marlene Forte	...	Rosa
Essence Atkins	...	Kisha
David Koechner	...	Dan the Security Man
Dave Sheridan	...	Bob
Nick Swardson	...	Chip the Psychic
Alanna Ubach	...	Jenny
Andrew Daly	...	Steve
J.B. Smoove	...	Kisha's Stepdad (as JB Smoove)
Robin Thede	...	Kisha's Mom
Jordenn Thompson	...	Little Kisha
Affion Crockett	...	Ray-Ray
Cedric the Entertainer	...	Father Williams

Storyline

In October 2012 a video footage is found at the home of Malcolm Johnson and the recordings are still unexplained. Past this prologue a story in flashback form unfolds. During the summer of 2012, Malcolm and Kisha move in together and start a happy life. One night Kisha notices a few unexplained phenomena that convince her their house is haunted by ghosts. To allay her fears Malcom hires a camera crew to film inside the house day and night. A few nights later Malcom and Keisha have sex on camera, despite Keisha's protests at being filmed. Upon reviewing the sex tape the next day, Malcom and Keisha notice a few paranormal phenomena caught on tape. Malcom wants to sell the house but the housing market is slow. Therefore, Malcom decides to hire a psychic to come to the house and investigate. After Kisha confesses to making a deal with the devil for a pair of shoes things start to make sense but it doesn't solve the problems caused by the paranormal phenomena.

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Plot Keywords:

parody | priest | spoof | psychic | female nudity | 

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Taglines:

This $*%! ain't paranormal!

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Genres:

Comedy | Fantasy | Horror

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for crude and sexual content, language and some drug use

Did You Know?

Trivia

The character of Dan the Security Man (played by David Koechner) talks about the movie Snakes on a Plane (2006). Koechner actually had a supporting role in that movie.

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Goofs

(at around 24 mins) While they are making the video, the camera is moved from the tripod to the bedside cabinet. When they look at the tape the next day and see the door move, the camera is back on the tripod.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Malcolm: Why isn't this stupid thing working? See, that's that bullshit. I'm taking this shit right back to Best Buy.
[takes off lens cap]
Malcolm: Or not. Stupid lens cap.

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Crazy Credits

Alternative takes are shown during the end credits.

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Alternate Versions

In Singapore, the crucifix masturbation scene was removed completely for an M18 rating; the edit stipulated was in accordance with the BFC's Classification Guidelines which state that "films that denigrate any racial or religious group, or create misunderstanding or disharmony among-st the races are not allowed for all ratings."

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Connections

References All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989)

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Soundtracks

Freak Me
Written by Keith Sweat, Anthony Johnson and Roy Murray
Performed by Another Level
Courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment (UK) Limited
By arrangement with Sony Music Licensing

User Reviews

Not as bad as you're led to believe, but still pretty flimsy

*1/2 out of **** (ROTTEN)

Channel the New Year. Already in the second week, the Tomato Meter is at its lowest- a dashing seven percent, and with a spoof movie. This cannot end well. I will admit, the trailer had me chuckling. I'm big on stereotypical humor, and from time to time I like to succumb myself to just stupid, dumb fun. Being a fan of the first Scary Movie certainly doesn't hurt matters.

With that being said, "A Haunted House" is exactly what you'd expect... and not much else. In terms of humor, the ratio's about 2:5. That might seem like a bad mark, which it is, but for a film that aims at the lowest common denominator and scores a higher denominator, it's not too shabby. Acting/story, well, you don't go to these kinds of movies for that. Same goes for editing/choreography.

There's not much you can say about this film. This is one of those cases where you either are the audience FOR this film or you're not. If you're a fan of the first two Scary Movies, have an admiration for the Wayans brothers, and dig the advertisements for this film, you'll walk out of there with some good laughs here and there. If you completely despise these movies, or this type of humor in general, you'll walk out feeling cheated.

However, be warned, this is NOT a kids film (ala a Jason Friedberg/Aaron Seltzer production or even the last Scary Movies that were PG-13). Tons of sex scenes (played for laughs though), nudity, drugs, and such abound.

All in all, it's not as bad as you're led to believe, but it's still pretty flimsy.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

11 January 2013 (USA)

Also Known As:

Smartass

Filming Locations:

Stevenson Ranch, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$2,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$18,101,682, 13 January 2013

Gross USA:

$40,041,683

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$60,159,584

Company Credits

Production Co:

Open Road Films, IM Global, Endgame Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1