From 'Stranger Things' To 'We Have A Ghost' David Harbour Shines As Ernest

Netflix's latest paranormal film, 'We Have A Ghost', is a heartwarming family-comedy that delivers a fresh take on the classic haunted house genre. The movie tells the story of the Presley family, who move into a rundown fixer-upper in Chicago, only to discover that their new home comes with an unexpected guest, a ghost named Ernest.

Played by David Harbour of 'Stranger Things' fame, Ernest is a former resident of the house who died in the 1970s and has been trapped there ever since. Despite his attempts to scare the family, particularly Kevin, the teenage son, Ernest eventually befriends Kevin, a music-obsessed misfit who shares his taste in 70s rock.

However, things take an unexpected turn when Kevin's father, Frank (Anthony Mackie), sees the potential for fame and fortune in the viral video of Ernest that Kevin posted online. Determined to cash in on the ghost's newfound popularity, Frank soon finds himself at the centre of a media frenzy, with reporters and government agents swarming their home.

As the haunting intensifies, Kevin and his quick-witted neighbour Joy (Isabella Russo) team up to uncover the mystery of Ernest's past and find a way to help him move on. Along the way, they encounter Dr. Leslie Monroe (Tig Notaro), a washed-up paranormal scientist who is determined to capture Ernest and use him for her own purposes.

One of the standout aspects of 'We Have a Ghost' is the excellent cast, with each actor delivering a memorable performance. Harbour is particularly impressive in the role of Ernest. Even as a mostly non-speaking character, he brings a mix of humour, classic ghostlyness and emotion to the role. Jahi Winston also shines as Kevin, perfectly capturing the teenage angst and excitement of befriending a ghost.

Mackie, Erica Ash, and Niles Fitch also do an excellent job as the Presley family, with Mackie's portrayal of the opportunistic and somewhat clueless Frank providing many of the film's comedic highlights. Russo is also a standout as Joy, a comic and resourceful character who becomes an important ally to Kevin. Not to mention Jennifer Coolidge, who plays the psychic medium Judy Romano brilliantly.

'We Have A Ghost' is a fun movie that is sure to delight fans of the supernatural genre, as it touches on many trends within the paranormal world, including the doubt and skepticism experienced by witnesses, and satirises the desire for internet fame that often comes with alleged evidence of ghosts. This includes some hilarious attempts at Ernest challenges, which don't seem too far removed from real-world TikTok.

Director Christopher Landon, who previously helmed 'Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones' and 'Freaky', brings a playful and irreverent energy to the film, combining elements of classic ghost stories with a modern Hollywood twist, but one that doesn't rely on jump scares and over-the-top sinister hauntings.

While 'We Have A Ghost' is undoubtedly an entertaining film that's packed full of classic ghost tropes, it does have a few flaws. The film runs a little long at two hours, and some viewers may find that the pacing drags a bit towards in the second half.