Dog’s Movie House: “We Have A Ghost” Average Spooky Comedy Elevated By David Harbour’s Expressive Performance!

Written and directed by Christopher Landon (“Happy Death Day”), “We Have A Ghost” is a movie filled with interesting ideas but uneven execution. I think the idea is to become a type of “Ghostbusters” for a new generation and one has to admire the ambition of Landon and his team for shooting so high, but “We Have A Ghost” reaches the level more akin to “Ghostbusters II” rather than it’s illustrious predecessor. The script has some decent stuff to it, like having the appearance of Ernest on the net go viral and the resulting silly memes and trends. It’s pretty funny stuff because you’ve seen it happen in real life. I also like the idea of the government organization being like a Bizarro-level Ghostsbuster group, hunters without a conscience and equipped with federal funding.

The family dynamics, however, are a little less compelling, despite a talented cast. Mackie, in particular, seems underused as the frustrated father, a man who seems to be a failed inventor, although it never really seems clear just what he does for a living, only that he and his family have to get a fresh start. Kevin’s brother is also in and out of the movie like a plot device rather than a character. The idea of this family banding together in the face of adversity would be better if the execution weren’t so uneven.

There are some good character beats, however. The relationship between Ernest and Kevin is well formed and executed, as is the budding romance between Kevin and his new friend Joy (a bubbly Isabella Russo). I actually found myself wanting more of those two together throughout the film. Harbour is in good form as always, bring nuance, humor and emotion to a role that is pretty much silent. Harbour’s terrific at conveying the most complex of emotions with a simple look or gesture and his very presence elevates the film into something more than just a mediocre streaming release.

The effects are decent for what they are, but I can’t help but think the filmmakers could have gone a little farther when some of the wacky visuals that are only hinted at here. (A funny sequence invovling Ernest and a cocky seer played by Jennifer Coolidge is one of the film’s visual highlights). The perfomances are all fine for what they are, with Winston and Tig Notaro as a sympathetic government agent being the standouts. Overall “We Have A Ghost” is a well made film that doesn’t necessarily break any new ground, but is entertaining due to some interesting set pieces and a very good David Harbour performance. 3 Out Of 5 On Kendog’s Barkometer! So Sayeth The Kendog!

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