Roses Have Thoughts

House, released in 1986 and directed by Steve Miner, is a film that attempts to blend horror and humour but ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying experience. While the movie has moments of creativity and quirky charm, it struggles to find a cohesive tone, leaving viewers unsure whether to laugh or scream.

One of the film’s redeeming qualities is its unique premise. The story follows Roger Cobb (Katt), a horror novelist who moves into his deceased aunt’s creepy mansion to work on his latest book. As Roger explores the eerie hallways and mysterious rooms, the house reveals itself to be a supernatural entity with a penchant for warping reality. This premise promises an intriguing blend of horror and fantasy, but the execution falls short.

The film’s biggest flaw lies in its inconsistent tone. House can’t seem to decide whether it wants to be a serious horror film or a lighthearted comedy. This lack of commitment results in awkward shifts between genuinely creepy scenes and moments of forced humour. The juxtaposition of horror and comedy can work, as seen in other successful films, Evil Dead (1981) probably being the best example and clear inspiration for this film, but House struggles to strike the same balance, leaving the audience disconnected from the narrative.

The film relies heavily on practical effects and stop-motion animation, while innovative for their time, the special effects now appear dated and sometimes unintentionally comical (Though some might find this a plus). Some scenes intended to evoke fear generate unintentional laughter due to the limitations of the special effects.

The character development in House is another aspect that leaves much to be desired. Roger Cobb is a somewhat one-dimensional protagonist, and his emotional journey lacks depth. The supporting characters, including a neighbour played by George Wendt, are forgettable and fail to contribute much to the overall narrative. Without a strong emotional anchor, it’s challenging for viewers to become invested in the characters’ fates.

Despite its shortcomings, House does have a handful of memorable scenes that showcase the film’s potential. The imaginative set design and sporadic moments of suspense demonstrate the creative ambition behind the project. Unfortunately, these glimpses of promise are overshadowed by the film’s overall lack of coherence and failure to engage its audience consistently.

In conclusion, House may appeal to viewers nostalgic for ’80s horror or those seeking a quirky, offbeat experience. However, its inability to maintain a consistent tone, coupled with outdated special effects and underdeveloped characters, makes it a forgettable entry in the horror-comedy genre. While there are moments of charm, they are not enough to elevate House beyond its status as a mediocre and disjointed film.

IMDB