movie review
Relationships-focused film reviews of tearjerkers, rom-coms, love lost and love found.
WE HAVE A GHOST
makes wonderfully quirky horror films that defy the typical cynicism of the genre nowadays. He avoids the pretension of "elevated horror" by expressing contagious joy through his filmmaking in movies like "Happy Death Day," "Happy Death Day 2U," and "Freaky." Say what you will about their execution or quality overall, but I don’t think anyone can argue against Landon having a damn blast while making them. His latest, "We Have a Ghost," is at its best when Landon is allowed to be goofy in a way that just makes the viewer smile. Sadly, his writing isn’t as sharp as his directing, as the movie goes on way too long and through multiple endings, even as it seems content to repeat themes and images instead of building on the film’s interesting ideas. In the end, it’s a solid distraction, which is all most people are looking for on Netflix, but I’m hoping he makes "Happy Death Day 3" before revisiting this world.Based on a short story called Ernest by Geoff Manaugh, "We Have a Ghost" opens with the Presley family moving to a fixer-upper in Chicago. Father Frank (Anthony Mackie) is struggling to make ends meet and to maintain a healthy relationship with his increasingly distant son Kevin (Jahi Di’Allo Winston, so good in "Charm City Kings" and on "Everything Sucks! "). Almost immediately after their arrival, Kevin is exploring the attic when he encounters a trapped soul named Ernest (David Harbour, giving a silent performance). Ernest can’t talk but has been scaring away inhabitants since the 1970s, when he died. Kevin doesn’t get scared. He films Ernest with his phone, and there’s suddenly a viral ghost. Imagine if there was an actual ghost all over TikTok and YouTube. What would happen? Landon doesn’t do nearly enough with this rich concept and just has people screaming outside the Presley home, including a guy dressed like Jesus. It’s interesting to watch Frank try to use Ernest’s existence as a cash infusion, becoming a cultural agent of sorts. He even brings in a local medium for an encounter with Ernest, a scene that allows for one of the film’s more impressive effects and potential memes from a Jennifer Coolidge cameo. But there’s not enough done with the idea of what proof of the afterlife would mean. It doesn’t have to be deeply philosophical, but even a little shallow exploration might have fleshed out this concept a bit.Instead, "We Have a Ghost" shifts too much focus to a paranormal scientist named Dr. Leslie Monroe (Tig Notaro) and her CIA boss Arnold Schipley (Steve Coulter). Landon’s film becomes something of a chase/road movie in its midsection as Ernest, Kevin, and their scene-stealing neighbour Joy (Isabella Russo) try to escape the armed guards and get to the bottom of why this poor guy hasn’t fully moved to the next plane of existence. Of course, "We Have a Ghost" becomes a bit of a whodunit too as Ernest learns about what really happened to him, including the identity of his killer.Harbour is effective in a performance that could have been all exaggerated mugging to compensate for zero dialogue, and Winston still feels like a future star; he's so confident and natural at a young age. There’s enough to like between the two of them to keep teens and their parents from checking social media too often while it plays, but it lacks that thrust that would make them put the phones down for good. There’s just a lack of urgency, especially in the final act, which repeats ideas and then ends more than once. This movie needs to hum like "Freaky" and "Happy Death Day," which were notably shorter (and felt tighter). Even as "We Have a Ghost" sags in places, it never completely fades into the dull background of Netflix originals of late. We may not have an outright winner, but we do have a decent diversion. on Netflix now.
By Gopinath M3 years ago in Humans
"We Have a Ghost" Review: A Lighthearted Take on the Supernatural
"We Have a Ghost" is an American supernatural comedy film directed by Christopher Landon and written by Landon and John Krasinski. The movie is based on the short film "Larry" by the same director and tells the story of a family who discovers that their home is haunted by a friendly ghost. The movie is a refreshing take on the supernatural genre, offering a fun and lighthearted approach that will leave audiences laughing and thoroughly entertained.
By Wael Alwazir3 years ago in Humans
Anime for Eternity: Must-Watch Shows Before You Die
Anime is a genre that has captivated the world for decades, and it continues to do so with its unique style, storytelling, and characters. From action-packed adventures to heartwarming romances, anime has something for everyone. With so many shows available, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to watch. To make it easier for you, we have compiled a list of the best animes to watch before you die.
By Fatih Karayel3 years ago in Humans
10 Must-Watch TV Shows Before You Die
Television has come a long way since the days of black-and-white sets and limited programming options. With hundreds of channels and streaming platforms, there are countless TV shows to choose from, each offering unique storytelling, memorable characters, and compelling performances. But with so many options, it can be challenging to know where to start. In this article, we've compiled a list of 10 must-watch TV shows that you simply have to see before you die.
By Fatih Karayel3 years ago in Humans
The Ultimate Movie Bucket List: 10 Films to Watch Before You Die
Movies have the power to transport us to new worlds, challenge our perceptions of the world around us, and leave a lasting impression on our lives. Some movies are so essential that they are simply must-see films. Whether you're a movie lover or a casual viewer, here are 10 movies you simply have to see before you die.
By Fatih Karayel3 years ago in Humans
What are some ways to become happier and more content with your life while still having ambition or motivation to achieve greater things?
Happiness and contentment are essential components of a fulfilling life. However, the pursuit of success and ambition can often make it challenging to find happiness and contentment. Balancing the desire for achievement with the need for happiness and contentment can be a difficult task. In this essay, we will explore some ways to become happier and more content with your life while still having ambition and motivation to achieve greater things.
By Word Weaver 3 years ago in Humans
What do you say about the past love?
Love is a complex emotion that can bring joy and happiness, but also pain and heartache. When we think about past love, we often reflect on the relationships we have had in the past and the memories and emotions associated with them. Past love can be a source of nostalgia, regret, or even gratitude. In this essay, we will explore the different aspects of past love and how they shape our present and future relationships.
By Word Weaver 3 years ago in Humans
How can you be happy if it's really hard for you to choose happiness over sadness or anger?
Introduction: Happiness is often considered to be one of the most desirable emotions that one can experience. However, for some individuals, choosing happiness over sadness or anger can be a difficult task. This can be due to various reasons such as past experiences, personality traits, or mental health issues. It is important to understand that it is possible to overcome these challenges and choose happiness, even in the face of adversity. In this essay, we will explore some strategies that can help individuals choose happiness over negative emotions.
By Word Weaver 3 years ago in Humans
Is it possible to be happy all the time and still spread kindness?
Introduction: Happiness and kindness are two highly valued qualities that many people aspire to possess. Happiness is a state of mind characterized by positive emotions such as joy, contentment, and satisfaction. On the other hand, kindness is an act of benevolence towards others, which involves showing compassion, empathy, and generosity. While it may seem that these two qualities are unrelated, research has shown that happiness and kindness are closely intertwined, and that being kind to others can actually increase one's own happiness. However, the question remains: is it possible to be happy all the time and still spread kindness? In this essay, we will explore this question, discussing the relationship between happiness and kindness and providing examples of how it is possible to be both happy and kind.
By Word Weaver 3 years ago in Humans
The Woman King-2022
Taking place in the 1820s in the Western African kingdom of Dahomey, "The Woman King" is an action-packed drama that centers around the legendary Agojie. This fierce group of female warriors, who were tasked with defending their territories at all costs, is based on true events. The film portrays the Agojie as a force to be reckoned with, so much so that ordinary people are forbidden from even laying eyes on them.
By Apple_Girl3 years ago in Humans
As an introvert, how can one be happy despite what others say or think about it?
As an introvert, it can be challenging to navigate a world that values extroversion and socializing. Many introverts face criticism or pressure from others to be more outgoing, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt. However, it is possible for introverts to find happiness and fulfillment while staying true to their authentic selves. In this essay, we will explore strategies and insights for introverts to embrace their introversion and live a happy, meaningful life.
By Word Weaver 3 years ago in Humans
