PLOT: A famous writer moves into a haunted house after he inherits it from his deceased aunt. 

House is a movie that I’ve circled around a number of times during past years for 31 Days of Horror; for one reason or another, I never really pulled the trigger. This year, I finally got around to it, and I’m glad I did. This is a fun one; it doesn’t take itself too seriously and goes down pretty easily.

William Katt plays Roger Cobb, a horror writer that has endured the trauma of losing his child, which ultimately led to his divorce to a famous television starlet. After inheriting his aunt’s house, he moves in with the intention of sitting down to write his next book: a first-hand account of his experiences in Vietnam. The house, and the spirits that inhabit it, have other plans however. 

I once started watching this when I had intended to watch Hausu, the batshit crazy Japanese film from the 1970s. I wish I had continued watching it, because this one was a treat. This feels like The ‘Burbs meets The Changeling with George Wendt and Bull from Night Court. What’s not to like? 

Ultimately, this does feel a bit sitcom-y, so anyone that is looking for a serious haunted house movie can come away feeling disappointed, but I was in the right headspace for it. William Katt is wonderful in the lead role, as the writer who can’t keep his hold on reality. George Wendt is the classic nosy neighbor that sees Katt in some odd situations and it’s a pretty great addition to the film. The creature effects are well-done, if not a bit cartoony, but it all kind of works. 

OVERALL

House is a great time. It moves quick and is pretty fun. It’s like a really great Halloween episode of your favorite sitcom, complete with a cast that includes The Greatest American Hero and Norm from Cheers. It doesn’t get much better than that. 

Overall Rating: 7 out of 10