Review of The House (2017) by Harrison V — 23 Jul 2017

Crazy to think that SNL alums Will Ferrel and Amy Poehler have yet to costar in a film together. Yes, the comedy duo barely overlapped on the NBC broadcast (Ferrel left in 2002, Poehler joined that same season) and Poehler does feature in Ferrel's 2007s Blades of Glory but ten years later the two comedians have paired together for 2017s The House-a comedy that gambles on a funny concept (a couple in suburbia open a secret casino in the neighborhood to raise money for their child's college tuition) but said concept never truly cashes out for the big bucks.

With a a very funny supporting cast of comedians to ensure the right tone (featuring the likes of Jason Mantzoukas, Rob Huebel and Nick Kroll), director Andrew Jay Cohen (who also co-wrote the script with Brendan O'Brien) has plenty of material to work with and does find some great moments here and there (with some nice satire) throughout the films (short) 88 minute running time but nothing ever elevates The House into a big money payout.