The Haunted House on Kirby Road is a horror-comedy directed by Stuart Stone, following six weed-smoking friends who seek out a legendary haunted house for fun before graduation, only to find that night becomes an unforgettable nightmare. Released in 2016, its TMDB score of 3.6/10 reflects its failure to balance comedy and horror.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story begins when six teenage friends—Jordan, Becca, Truggers, Drew, Lucky, and Zoe—are enjoying weed and watching viral videos about teens who disappeared from a haunted house in their neighborhood. Curious and seeking one last adventure before graduation, they decide to find the house and uncover the truth. But what awaits is no longer fun, as they discover the urban legend may be real, and this night could be their last.
Acting and Characters
All lead actors are newcomers trying to make their characters believable, but the script doesn't give them a chance to shine. Nina Kiri as Jordan tries to lead with seriousness but is overshadowed by silly dialogue and failed jokes. Sammi Barber as Becca, Jordan's best friend, lacks any significant arc. Austin Duffy as Truggers is the group's clown but can't save the film from boredom. Other characters like Drew, Lucky, and Zoe have no memorable depth, merely serving as victims. Overall, the acting is unimpressive and fails to engage the audience.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Director Stuart Stone attempts to create a horror atmosphere with dim lighting and uncomfortable camera angles, but fails to maintain tension throughout. The jumpy editing disrupts continuity. Most ghost scenes rely on cheap, predictable jump scares without building gradual fear. The score is unremarkable, using loud noises to jolt viewers. Overall, the technical aspects are subpar, failing to elevate the film above average low-budget horror.
Editorial Analysis
The Haunted House on Kirby Road is an example of a film that tries to blend genres but fails in every aspect. The intention to be both a horror and teen comedy is clear, but most jokes feel dated and out of place. The film also fails to create dimensional characters, making it hard to care about their fates. The slow, directionless middle section diminishes interest, leading to a rushed and illogical climax. However, it may appeal to fans of low-budget B-movie horror who want a light watch without expectations. For general audiences, it's not worth the 83 minutes.
Verdict
The Haunted House on Kirby Road is a horror-comedy that misses the chance to be fun, with a weak script, forgettable acting, and subpar techniques. It's suitable for hardcore B-movie fans or those seeking a light watch with no expectations, but for general audiences, it's not an appealing choice.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Short runtime of 83 minutes, no dragging
- +Some jokes may appeal to teen audiences
- +The legendary haunted house atmosphere has some charm
👎 Cons
- −Weak, predictable script
- −Stiff acting, no emotional connection
- −Most jokes are unfunny and dated
- −Repetitive horror scenes with too many jump scares
- −Lack of balance between horror and comedy
Top Cast
FAQ
No, it's fictional but inspired by famous haunted house urban legends in North America.
No, it's not suitable for under 15 due to violence, drug use, and strong language.
No, the film ends without a post-credits scene.
It's available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Google Play.
