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 | psychic | priest | female nudity | woman in a bikini | 

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Taglines:

This $*%! ain't paranormal!

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Genres:

Comedy | Fantasy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

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

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:

$60,141,683

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

Did You Know?

Trivia

Marlon Wayans and Essence Atkins also appeared in Dance Flick (2009).

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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 Ghostbusters (1984)

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Soundtracks

Lost in Cannes
Written by Paul Ratajczak
Performed by Paul Ratajczak
Courtesy of Spezzy Song Music (BMI)

User Reviews

Should have been better

There were some funny moments (most can be seen in the trailer), but they went for the maximum gross-out/shock value too often, and then tried to milk these jokes for too long. There are a lot of funny ways you can spoof Paranormal Activity, and they only really nailed a couple of them. They also couldn't seem to decide whether the plot was supposed to be "believable" or a vehicle for spoofing the genre like Scary Movie, which I thought was a lot funnier. Cedric the Entertainer was the only supporting character that really stood out. Nick Swardson's character was annoying and not used effectively. It was good for a few laughs, but I wouldn't recommend paying to see it in the theater. Several parts were about as vulgar and disgusting as you will see in a wide release movie.