A Haunted House and Those Paranormal Peeps

Okay, folks. So you’re probably thinking, “Oh great, another haunted house flick.” But wait a second—A Haunted House is a bit of a head-scratcher. Directed by Michael Tiddes and starring the ever-charismatic Marlon Wayans, you gotta admit, it’s aiming for the funny bone, not the chills.

The first thing that hit me like a Volvo against the ice was the film’s vibe. It’s like a parody buffet, stacking up clichés and serving them with a ton of silliness. And while Marlon Wayans is doing his slapstick thing, with Essence Atkins by his side trying to keep up, I couldn’t help but think of those summer nights at Gröna Lund. You know, that thrill when you’re about to ride the Vilda Musen but with a tad more eye-rolling.

So here’s a funny memory for you. I once went to a “haunted” castle tour in Småland, expecting to feel like a brave Viking, but ended up slipping on the wet stone and scaring myself more than the ghost stories did. Watching A Haunted House brought back that feeling—more laughs than fear, that’s for sure.

The thing I’m not so sold on is how the jokes drag on sometimes. There’s this balance thing, you know? Like, how many fart jokes does it take to feel like you’re trapped in a 90s sitcom? But hey, when you hear Cedric the Entertainer’s booming voice, it’s like finding a hidden köttbulle in your Janssons frestelse—unexpectedly delightful.

I’m not entirely sure if it’s pushing cinematic boundaries or just sticking to the same old scary movie jest. But if you’re in the mood for something to watch with friends while munching on some kanelbullar, this could be it. Is it a classic? Nah. But it’s got enough spirit (pardon the pun) to keep you entertained for an hour and a half.

So what about the deeper stuff? I guess you could say it lightly taps into those everyday fears—like, is my partner going to turn into a poltergeist? Pretty relatable, huh?

Overall, it is what it is—a cheeky romp through spooky stuff and laughs. Nothing more, nothing less. Just don’t forget to keep the lights on… or maybe not. Skål!

Check the trailer below