The House

Movie Name: The House
Year of Release: 2017

Director: Andrew Jay Cohen

Stars: Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, Jason Mantzoukas, Ryan Simpkins, Nick Kroll, Allison Tolman, Rob Huebel, Rory Scovel, Cedric Yarbrough, Kyle Kinane, Michaela Watkins, Gillian Vigman, Lennon Parham, Jessie Ennis
Genre: Comedy

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 4
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Synopsis:

"The House" is Andrew Jay Cohen's film debut, following his work as a writer on "Neighbors". The film follows the story of suburban couple, Scott and Kate Johansen, whose daughter is about to go to college. Due to the intrusive cost, of tuition and housing, the couple is relying on a habitual neighborhood scholarship, which will help offset the costs. However due to the initiative of building a monumental pool and entertainment center to the subdivision, the scholarship isn't granted. The couple, alongside a down-on-his-luck friend, Frank, decide to start an illegal gambling operation out of Frank's house in order to save enough money for Alex to go to college. What starts as a small endeavor, quickly spirals out of control, with rival gangs, and a newfound criminal mentality emerging within Scott and Kate.
Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler have firmly established themselves at this point as comedic giants, on both the big and smaller screens. This film tries to harness their immense chemistry and talents under the umbrella of a suburban couple that slowly gets corrupted by the gambling and criminal dark side that is sometimes associated with it. The film however never really commits to this dark premise, and refrains itself from going truly to the uglier side of this premise. All is still wrapped under the safe and normative blanket of suburbia, which takes away some of the potential funnier elements this story could hold. Though very restrained and neutered, it's still a film with enough moments that allows for Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler to find comedy in quite a few scenes. The film also peppers enough supporting comedic performances, to keep it watchable, even if the film is ultimately instantly forgettable.