Review of “House”: A Hilariously Horrific Journey Down Memory Lane
Ah, “House” (1986) — a film that blends horror, comedy, and a whole lot of existential dread, all while showcasing the charmingly chaotic life of Roger Cobb, portrayed by the delightful William Katt. Picture this: a Vietnam War veteran, once a celebrated horror writer, spirals down the dark, twisted path of despair when his son, Jimmy, mysteriously vanishes during a visit to his aunt’s house. Yes, that’s right! The only thing scarier than the house itself is Roger’s rapidly declining career and his not-so-great marriage.
Our dear Roger, who has already faced the horrors of war, now finds himself battling the demons of his past—quite literally! After the unfortunate demise of his aunt, he returns to the creepy abode that has become synonymous with nightmares and unfulfilled dreams. Spoiler alert: this house is not just any house; it’s a haunted playground for the troubled and the tormented! Imagine a place where every corner has a story, and every room is packed with memories so dark that even the ghosts are like, “Whoa, dude, lighten up!”
As Roger steps inside, it’s as if the walls are whispering, “Welcome back to your personal hell!” From the get-go, he encounters bizarre occurrences that make you question whether he’s losing his mind or if the house is just playing an elaborate game of hide-and-seek. Spoiler: it’s definitely the latter. Ghostly apparitions, creepy crawlies, and an endless supply of horror tropes that would make any B-movie proud await him at every turn.
But wait! The real kicker is the deep-seated trauma Roger faces as he confronts his past. The house throws everything at him, from his haunting memories of war to the heartbreaking loss of his son. It’s like a therapy session gone wrong, where the therapist is a malevolent spirit and the couch is made of pure dread. And just when you think it can’t get any worse, the house serves up more surprises than a magician at a kid’s birthday party!
Throughout this wild ride, Roger’s character evolves from a distraught father to a brave warrior fighting not just for his son, but for his own sanity. He battles with grotesque monsters that symbolize his fears and regrets, which is a tad more poetic than you’d expect from a movie with demonic entities and a talking door. Yes, you read that right—a door that talks! Who knew home improvement could be so existential?
In the end, Roger’s journey is not just about saving his son from the clutches of darkness; it’s about reclaiming his own identity, confronting his fears, and finally putting the ghosts of his past to rest. And if that doesn’t make you ponder your choices while chuckling at the absurdity of it all, I don’t know what will! “House” is a delightful blend of horror and humor, and it leaves you wondering: will Roger ever finish that horror novel?
So, grab your popcorn and prepare to be entertained, horrified, and utterly amused. “House” is a nostalgic trip that reminds us all that sometimes, the scariest monsters live within us—and that’s a lesson worth revisiting, preferably with a side of humor and a dash of horror!