The House
The House Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 14, 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.
What Is the Story of The House?
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.
How Is The House Structured?
- 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: When Scott and Kate Johansen’s daughter gets into the college of her dreams it’s cause for celebration. Directed by Andrew J. Cohen, this 2017 comedy film stars Amy Poehler (Kate Johansen), alongside Will Ferrell as Scott Johansen/The Butcher, Jason Mantzoukas as Frank, Ryan Simpkins as Alex Johansen. Rated 5.6/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The House?
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.
Andrew J. Cohen's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Amy Poehler (Kate Johansen)'s journey. 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.
How Does Amy Poehler (Kate Johansen)'s Story End?
- Amy Poehler: Amy Poehler's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Will Ferrell (Scott Johansen/The Butcher): Will Ferrell's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Jason Mantzoukas (Frank): Jason Mantzoukas's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The House Mean?
The ending of The House brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Amy Poehler's story may not satisfy all audiences. Based on 969 audience ratings, the consensus is that the ending is the film's weakest element.
The House Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The House Based on a True Story?
Yes, The House draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. Directed by Andrew J. Cohen and starring Amy Poehler, this comedy, crime film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version of The House
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.
