WE HAVE A GHOST (2023)

Christopher Landon’s latest film, We Have A Ghost, is basically Disney Channel meets Ghostbusters, the end product being a forgettable, rather boring family film that brings nothing new to the table.

When his family moves into a new home, Kevin (Jahi Di’Allo Winston) discovers a ghost named Ernest (David Harbour) living in the attic. They soon become friends and Kevin helps Ernest solve the mystery of his death. We Have A Ghost is neither interesting nor funny, every moment playing out like a watered down version of something that probably could have worked had the training wheels been taken off. While Landon wrote and directed the film, it feels nothing like his previous work. Winston is the sole bright spot, his performance charming and authentic opposite a mute Harbour. Anthony Mackie start as the patriarch of the family who is always trying to find success in new endeavors. The character’s appeal is minimal, as is Mackie’s excitement for being there.

At the end of the day, there just isn’t much of an intriguing story here. When the resolution comes around, it’s a yawn-inducing reveal that reminds you of the wasted time you spent with the film. Not even a goofy cameo from Jennifer Coolidge could save it, though she is pretty funny. There is a sentimental undercurrent to the whole plot, a focus on parenting and relationships with kids, that just falls flat. We Have A Ghost plays like an 80s film in delivery and style, which wouldn’t be terrible in 2023 if it gave us something new. Alas, the impact is it has is deader than Ernest.

We Have A Ghost is now streaming on Netflix.

Rating: 1/5