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Look closer at A Haunted House
Wednesday 26th June 2013 | Kledion
Rotten Tomatoes rated A Haunted House a mere 12 per cent, averaging a score of 2.5/10. A cruel awakening to Marlon Wayans perhaps, although it is well known these spoofs are not viewed for their camera work, or their deep materializing storyline. They are just what we name them, ‘spoofs’. This generally means ‘a humorous imitation of something whilst exaggerating its characteristic features for comic effect’. ‘A Haunted House’ is no exception and people tend to forget this.
Following the recent fascination and success of the “found footage” genre, such as the Paranormal Activity franchise and The Devil Inside, this film attempts to “do the opposite of what typical white people do in the same situation” Wayans remarked during one of the films promotion interviews. It is in itself a parody of sorts, although Wayans seemed less keen to call it this. Nevertheless, whatever you call it, there is no doubt it delivers with plenty to laugh about. At times the story goes back to basics by being very stereotypically driven i.e. the Hispanic housekeeper for example, or perhaps the black priest who also exemplifies ‘gangster qualities’. It should be said however, if not for these stereotypes we would not find the film so familiar and comfortable to watch, Wayans is only making light of such depictions to show it is OK to laugh because if we have learnt something over the years, it’s that stereotypes are hardly true. They are just oversimplified beliefs. It is through this which A Haunted House plays to its strength.
Wayans’ comedic presence was clear in the film and if you have seen him in previous productions, you would notice from his beginnings in ‘In Living Colour’, his raw comedic talent has certainly been sharpened. There is no doubt he creates a ‘spoof’ and not a masterpiece film as some people would like to believe. Therefore it should not be judged in such respects.
Out in Cinemas now!
Written by Kledion Halili
