The House
The House Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Movie Overview: The House
| Movie | The House |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| Director | Andrew J. Cohen |
| Genre | Comedy / Crime |
| Runtime | 88 minutes (1h 28m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The House (2017) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.6/10. 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 The House are led by Amy Poehler . The supporting cast, including Will Ferrell and Jason Mantzoukas , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The 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, The 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: The House
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2017, The House is a Comedy, Crime film directed by Andrew J. Cohen, written by Brendan O'Brien. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Amy Poehler as Kate Johansen.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. When Scott and Kate Johansen’s daughter gets into the college of her dreams it’s cause for celebration. That is, until Scott and Kate learn that the scholarship they were counting on didn’t come through, and they’re now on the hook for tuition they can’t begin to afford. With the help of their friend and neighbor Frank also in need of a major payday they decide to open an illegal casino in his suburban house, risking everything together on a Vegas-style bacchanal where money flows, inhibitions are checked at the door, and all bets are off. 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 House's opening establishes the comedic tone through Amy Poehler as Kate Johansen's interactions, introducing the central conflict with humor and character quirks that Andrew J. Cohen layers throughout.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together the recurring threads, with Amy Poehler's storyline wrapping up predictably but entertainingly.
Ending Explained: The House
The House Ending Explained: Directed by Andrew J. Cohen, The House attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. The ending highlights the core comedy themes developed throughout the film.
The conclusion reflects the central themes explored throughout the narrative, particularly in scenes involving Amy Poehler. 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 The House reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
The House Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The House Based on a True Story?
The House draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. As a comedy, crime film directed by Andrew J. Cohen, the production explores how real events can be adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version
The film takes creative liberties to strengthen its narrative. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
While inspired by real events, the narrative focuses more on storytelling than strict historical accuracy.
Accuracy Assessment: The House uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.
Who Should Watch The House?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
At just 88 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Box Office Collection: The House
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $40.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $34.2M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The House Budget
The estimated production budget for The House is $40.0M. 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.
Where to Watch The House Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
JioHotstarThe House Parents Guide & Age Rating
2017 AdvisoryWondering about The House age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The House (2017) is 88 minutes (1h 28m). Directed by Andrew J. Cohen, the film runs for 88 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.6/10, and global performance metrics, The House is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2017 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The House worth watching?
The House is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 5.6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The House parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The House identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The House (2017)?
The runtime of The House (2017) is 88 minutes (approximately 1h 28m).
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.
