Ernest, the ghost here, can see and hear and touch but can’t remember who he is and why he’s trapped in the house newly bought by the Presleys. When he materializes humans can see him, which scares son Kevin, who first discovers him. Kevin, played by Jahi Winston (Queen & Slim), befriends Ernest, portrayed by Dave Harbour (Hellboy), and tries to help him. But Kevin’s angry father (Anthony Mackie/ The Hurt Locker) wants Ernest out of the way – until he realizes money can be made by publicizing “the ghost in his house.” This causes a rift between father and son. Plus, Kevin’s mom (Erica Ash/Survivor’s Remorse) doesn’t seem happy about the entire situation. .       

“We Have a Ghost” tries many things

to scare us but no “scary” rings.

The same thing goes for comedy,

which makes it 2 for 2 for me.

Car chase all messed up in this flick.

Cutting it down might do the trick

Too bad this film runs way too long.

Editing needed -- and real strong. 

But background music I applaud.

Plus, some actors deserve a laud.

The father and son play for real.

And ghost guy tries this show to steal.   

So what went wrong here? We are okay with Kevin and his brave friend (Isabella Russo/Law & Order) trying to find out Ernest’s identity and the problems there. But turning the film into a tangent involving the government doesn’t work. And it adds more time to an already long story.

By the last part of this flick, my adult daughter and I were yelling and praying at the screen, “Please, please JUST END IT.”

However, to close in a more  positive mood,  special effects around Ernest’s materializing come across as intriguing, and Jennifer Coolidge (Shotgun Wedding) has a bit of fun as a modern medium in one over-the-top sequence. .   

FULL DISCLOSURE: I have not read Geoff Manaugh’s SHORT story “Ernest,” the material director Christopher Landon adapted for the screen.

All houses in which men have suffered and died are haunted houses. --- Mary Roberts Rinehart

Released by Netflix and rated “PG-13” by MPAA)