We Have a Ghost

2 out of 5 stars

Short Take: The phrase comes from the film industry, originally, and it means a short bit of recording or “something that only takes a short time,” especially if a longer version may be done later.

Short Take review: A short review of a film with potential discussion points

Summary: Frank Presley (Anthony Mackie) decides that for his family to get a fresh start on life after most of his business dealings went wrong, and moves them to Chicago. They do not have much to buy a new home, but their real estate agent helps them to find a great deal on a ‘solid, fixer-upper,’ and the family of four moves into the dingy old home. The youngest son, Kevin (Jahi Winston), finds it hard to adjust to life in the Windy City until one night, he is introduced to the ghost in the attic named Ernest (David Harbour). Instead of being scared off, the teenager befriends the spiritually lost soul and tries to quietly find the answers behind the entity’s death. Until his father gets a video of Ernest and puts it up on Youtube, the ghost becomes an internet sensation and eventually a top priority interest of the government.

Short Take Review: Freaky writer/director Christopher Landon is no stranger to the paranormal's comedic, horrific, and dramatic side. Yet, this latest Netflix film is more comedy than horror, and despite an exceptionally talented cast, it suffers from a three-part identity crisis. Act one is the’ fish out of water’ buddy film that makes the latest statement on the ridiculous nature of social media. As the audience heads into the second act, suddenly, the film becomes a road trip romance. One that takes inexplicable turns as Kevin does all he can to unravel the mystery behind his friend’s death while dealing with his crush on his next-door neighbour, Joy (Isabella Russo). Finally, the conclusion becomes a bizarre mix of Ghostbusters, unfair alien imprisonment, and a coming-of-age drama all wrapped up in one act. Some acts are better than others, and the cast does all it can to make this believable. Everyone will cheer for Ernest to be set free, but very little within the script makes anyone believe he will find his way ‘home.’ Ultimately, it becomes a primordial goo that does not have a ghost of a chance of keeping the viewers' attention until the end or believing any of this is real.

Reel Dialogue: Do you believe in ghosts?

This Netflix film addresses some of the hysteria and skepticism that society has regarding ghosts. The story addresses the question people have been trying to answer throughout the ages. Do ghosts, the paranormal, and the spiritual realm really exist? Most people would tell you that the consideration of the spiritual realm is something everyone must address at some point in their lives.

From the beginning to the end of the Bible, God answers the notion of the celestial beings on the side of good and evil. Angels, demons, and the Holy Spirit (or by another name, The Holy Ghost) provide an alternative view too much of Hollywood’s expression of spirits. Still, this film should challenge us all to search for the answer.

Where can you go in the Bible to study up on the spiritual realm?

John 16:13, Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 15:24, Ephesians 6:12, Colossians 1:16, Colossians 2:10-15, 1 Peter 3:22, Revelation 20:1-15