House
House Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 15, 2026
Movie Overview: House
| Movie | House |
| Release Year | 1985 |
| Director | Steve Miner |
| Genre | Comedy / Horror / Fantasy |
| Runtime | 92 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is House (1985) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in House are led by William Katt . The supporting cast, including George Wendt and Richard Moll , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While House does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Comedy films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, House has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: House
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1985, House is a Comedy, Horror, Fantasy film directed by Steve Miner. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving William Katt.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Roger Cobb, a divorced horror novelist coming to terms with the disappearance of his young son, inherits an old mansion home to malevolent supernatural residents. The production finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. William Katt's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together recurring jokes and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Ending Explained: House
House Ending Explained: Directed by Steve Miner, House wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core comedy themes developed throughout the film.
The final moments emphasize tension and lingering uncertainty, particularly in scenes involving William Katt. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the comedy themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of House reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch House?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of William Katt or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Box Office Collection: House
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $19.4M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
House Budget
The estimated production budget for House is $3.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: House
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Where to Watch House Online?
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Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
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Fandango At HomeHouse Parents Guide & Age Rating
1985 AdvisoryWondering about House age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of House is 92 minutes (1h 32m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, House is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1985 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is House worth watching?
House is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find House parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for House identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of House?
The total duration of House is 92 minutes, which is approximately 1h 32m long.
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How House Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for House
Roger Cobb is a author who has just separated from his wife. He moves into a new house and tries to work on a novel based on his experiences in the Vietnam War. Strange things start happening around him; little things at first, but as they become more frequent, Cobb becomes aware that the house resents his presence.
**_Amusing 80’s haunted house flick with William Katt and George Wendt_** When his aunt suddenly dies, a grieving horror writer and Vietnam vet (Katt) moves into her manor wherein he experience strange and frightening things. What’s going on? Wendt plays his neighbor, Kay Lenz his ex-wife and Richard Moll a soldier pal in Vietnam. "House" (1985) takes the done-to-death haunted house genre and adds creativity and humor along with the expected frights. It’s an entertaining horror/comedy where everything ‘clicks,’ mixing elements of “Poltergeist” (1982), “Basket Case” (1982) and “Ghostbusters” (1984). The Vietnam sequences are odd for the genre, but the pieces of the puzzle fit by the last act. Mary Stavin (Tanya) stands out on the feminine front with a couple quality scenes. The film runs 1 hour, 33 minutes, and was shot in Monrovia, California (house exteriors), which is just northeast of Los Angeles, as well as Doheny Mansion at Mount St. Mary's College in Los Angeles (interiors). GRADE: B
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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