A Haunted House
A derivative, mean-spirited, misogynist Paranormal Activity spoof from Marlon Wayans
The Paranormal Activity model, whereby cheap, lo-fi horror films gain surprisingly high grosses, seems to work for horror spoofs as well; after contributing to the first two entries in the lamentable Scary Movie franchise, Marlon Wayans goes solo with A Haunted House, a comic re-hash of supernatural movies. Specifically based on the Paranormal Activity series, A Haunted House offers a scene-by-scene copy, with the addition of his trademark sex, farting and weed jokes.
A Haunted House starts with a reasonable premise; Malcolm (Wayans) is about to invite his girlfriend Kisha (Essence Atkins) to share his suburban home, and records events with his home-video camera. The battle of the sexes manages to strike some sparks, as Malcolm discovers the truth behind Kisha’s glamour; she sleeps with acne cream on her face and a net on her hair. While fighting off the advances of his predatory white neighbours, who desire a 'Mandingo’ sex-party with him and Kisha, Malcolm also has to contend with intrusive security man Dan (David Koechner) and outrageously gay psychic Chip (Nick Swardson). Once it’s established that Kisha has brought some kind of demon to Malcolm’s house, Malcolm plans an exorcism, with the help of pot-smoking priest Father Williams (Cedric The Entertainer).
Never has a performer been so inappropriately named as Cedric the Entertainer, but his slothful performance is ideally suited to the derivative, mean-spirited, misogynist quality of Wayans’ script, direction and performance, all of which are as shambolically executed as any major studio release in this or any other year. That this scribble of a film made enough money for a sequel to be in the works is the only notable thing about it; this Haunted House needs a KEEP OUT sign nailed to the door.
General release from Wed 19 Jun.