“One of the greatest gifts you can give anybody is a smile” – Marlon Wayans
There’s no shortage of actors, producers, writers and directors who make films intended to gain awards, fame and fortune -- this is the movie business, after all. So while actor Maron Wayans is hoping for a big audience, his main goal, however, is to make people laugh. Last night, I attended a reception for the funny man’s latest flick “A Haunted House,” about a couple who encounters strange events after moving into their dream home.
The scenes in this film are infused with characteristics from modern-day horror films, which makes some fans quick to file it in the “Scary Movie” department but he insists that you think twice when categorizing it as a spoof picture. “It’s not a parody, it’s a Horror-Romantic Comedy with parody moments,” says Wayans.
Having watched “A Haunted House” at an advance screening in December 2012, I think that Wayans’ genre clarification holds some weight. This movie exceeded my expectations with a hilarious depiction of ghost whisperers, paranormal events, alternative lifestyles and the fears of what happens when a guy’s girlfriend moves in with him. Although “A Haunted House” channels themes from horror films such as “A Devil Inside” and “Paranormal Activity,” the overall plot of this Wayans production stands on its own.
I personally haven’t watched any of the horror movies that he bases some of the action on in his film, so my familiarity with a few does not extend beyond than their movie trailers. Yet, I still managed to not only follow the story in Marlon Wayans’ movie with ease but was also able to enjoy this film without much of any previous knowledge of the horror elements that underlie it -- which is something that I can appreciate. As the Oscar season kicks into gear to celebrate movies released in 2012 -- a year that, ironically, brought us sorrow via an elementary school shooting, Hurricane Sandy, “The Dark Knight Rises” massacre and related tragedies, we now get to start the New Year off with a happy face in 2013 -- thanks to a funny little movie called “A Haunted House.”
“A Haunted House” is now in Theaters!
Check your local listings for showtimes.
So tell me,
When was the last time YOU found yourself laughing hysterically at the movies?