A Haunted House 2

A Haunted House 2 is an outlandish comedy horror film that's filled to the brim with comical spoofs, farcical horror, and a great deal of physical humor. Released in 2014, this is a sequel to the popular 2013 film, A Haunted House, bringing back Marlon Wayans, the well-loved comedian and the creative backbone of both films. Wayans should be a familiar face to many as part of the Wayans family, who are known for their contribution to film and television comedy in the United States.

In this film, Wayans takes on the role of Malcolm, an everyman character who has a knack for getting himself into the most debased and outrageous situations. The film also feature the brilliant Jaime Pressly who plays Malcolm’s new girlfriend, Megan, and Cedric the Entertainer who reprises his role as the exorcist, father Williams. A Haunted House 2 showcases all of these stars at their comedic best.

The storyline follows Malcolm, who, after exorcising the demons of his ex in the first film, is starting fresh with his new girlfriend and her two children. They move into their dream home, but soon Malcolm is once again plagued by bizarre paranormal events. The film takes a comedic approach to the typical haunted house narrative, turning circumstances that would normally evoke fear and panic into causes for laughter and amusement—a trait that carries over from its prequel.

Notably, A Haunted House 2 does not limit its scope to just original material, instead, it further cements its place in the comedy-horror genre by creating parodies of other popular movies within the genre—ranging from found footage horror films to doll-centric horror thrillers—and flawlessly integrating these parodies into the plot.

As Malcolm, Wayans delivers another memorably hysterical performance. His face is highly expressive, communicating every comedic beat with a sense of conciseness and exaggeration at the same time. He throws himself wholeheartedly into the role, with his characteristic wit and comical timing shining through at every turn.

Meanwhile, Pressly is commendable as she holds her own amidst an array of comedic talents. She navigates the progression of her character from a sweet, understanding girlfriend to a woman caught up in the surreal circumstances with commendable conviction and humor. It's also worth noting that the chemistry between Wayans and Pressly is palpable, bringing authenticity to their love story, even amid the absurdities of their situation.

Lastly, Cedric the Entertainer returns as father Williams, his performance is funny, yet nuanced reinforcing that traditional horror roles can still thrive in a comedic environment.

Being a parody, A Haunted House 2 serves up an over-the-top brand of humor that may appeal more to those who enjoy slapstick comedy and outrageous scenarios. The film keeps you laughing from start to finish with a steady stream of jokes tailor-made to mock the more serious and clichéd moments of the horror genre. It's unrestrained in its ridiculousness and does not seek to be anything more than an enjoyable distraction.

While part of the comedy-horror genre, it's evident that the movie focuses on humor over scares. For those familiar with the genre, A Haunted House 2 delivers on expectations of zany parodies and gags, while those new to the genre or the series might find it to be an excellent introduction.

Director Michael Tiddes does a commendable job in ensuring that the mood of the film remains light-hearted and entertaining throughout. He strikes a great balance between delivering genuinely funny scenes and maintaining the narrative structure of the film.

In summary, A Haunted House 2 is deep in wacky humor, slapstick comedy, and outrageous spoofs, providing a good dose of laughter for those who enjoy such style of funny. It leverages its humorous approach to horror, stands out for its parodies of iconic moments from other films in the genre, and keeps the audience's attention by keeping the jokes coming. While it isn't for everyone, for viewers with a taste for the extreme and absurd in humor, it's bound to strike a chord and bring about non-stop laughs. If you're seeking to have a good time, without taking things too seriously, A Haunted House 2 could be the high-spirited horror-comedy ride you’re looking for.