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 The House

review by Bobby Blakey

Over the years Will Ferrell has delivered some great comedy classics, but as of late they have been pretty hit and miss. His latest has him teaming up with the always funny Amy Poehler along with Jason Mantzoukas, Rob Huebel, Ryan Simpkins, and Cedric Yarbourough with Neighbors and Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates writer in the director’s seat. Could this be a return to form for Ferrell or will the bet be too high to win?

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The House follows two parents are left without money to send their daughter to university after the town scholarship program no longer has funding. Left without any other options, they along with a friend, start an illegal casino in his home to make cash before the summer ends.. Left without any other options, they along with a friend, start an illegal casino in his home to make cash before the summer ends. The idea here is already pretty silly so you have to go in expecting some ridiculous fun and it delivers some of that, but still struggles. The first half of the film is where it struggles the most with most of the jokes feeling forced and falling flat. It’s almost as if they were trying to convince the audience that this was a plausible story instead of just embracing the silliness of it all.

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Thankfully that is short lived as once they get to the casino aspect it picks up a bit and offers some fun laughs and over the top moments. There are still some jokes that do not work, but I have to admit from the moment the casino opens till the end of the movie I had a fun time. Despite the R rating they still played it pretty safe for most of the film with the exception of a couple of bloody moments that are some of the funniest of the film. During this time of the film things obviously go into the realm of silliness, but if you are willing to buy into it you will have a bit of fun.

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In the end this is an average comedy that tries really hard and when it works it is really funny, but when it doesn’t it falls flat. Part of this film working comes with you being a fan of those involved. Ferrell is the same character he has played numerous times with some criminal flair, Poehler is fun when she gets to do her thing, but never really gets a great moment to shine. The show stealer is really Mantzoukas who is funny throughout, but not enough to make this film stand out beyond average.

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​In addition to the film this release will also include deleted scenes, gag reel, extended & alternate scenes, line-o-ramas, and featurettes behind making of the film. Own The House available now on Digital HD and then on Blu-ray combo pack and DVD on October 10 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

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