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Houseguest

Play trailer Poster for Houseguest PG Released Jan 6, 1995 1h 49m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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18% Tomatometer 22 Reviews 55% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
Fast-talking con man Kevin Franklin (Sinbad) is in over his head: He owes $50,000 to the mob, and they want to collect. On the run, Franklin happens upon lawyer Gary Young (Phil Hartman) and his family, who are waiting for an old friend Young hasn't seen in 25 years. Taking the opportunity for another con -- and to save his neck -- Franklin convinces Young he's the old friend and becomes the family's houseguest. He has a great hideout from the mob, but the Mafia henchmen are still on his trail.
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Critics Consensus

Perplexingly unfunny given the involvement of its two hilarious leads, Houseguest wears out its welcome almost immediately.

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Critics Reviews

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Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune Sinbad is a genial soul and his goodwill remains untouched by the mostly amateurish Houseguest. Rated: 2/4 May 24, 2019 Full Review Caryn James New York Times Turns out to be an inane fish-out-of-water comedy. Along the way it turns into a virtual McDonald's commercial, too. The fact that you can hardly tell the difference is a good clue to the movie's bad-television flavor. May 20, 2003 Full Review Kevin Thomas Los Angeles Times As good-natured as its big, beefy star, comedian Sinbad. Rated: 3/5 Feb 13, 2001 Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews ...an appealingly over-the-top premise that’s employed to watchable yet thoroughly erratic effect... Rated: 2.5/4 Oct 1, 2023 Full Review Mal Vincent The Virginian-Pilot It's an OK message, but do we have to have jokes this bad to go with it? Rated: 1.5/4 Mar 14, 2022 Full Review TV Guide Comedy at its most formulaic. Rated: 1/4 Aug 12, 2009 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Anton H Big laughs are lacking here, to the disappointment of the two leads’ fans, but there’s enough harmless fun that made this a worthwhile video rental since its release. And of course, Sinbad is just so darn likable, even though his comedic chops mostly fall short. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 11/19/24 Full Review prima D I thought the movie was funny. I just watched the whole movie twice it was funny it was nice to see the two lead actors. some of the jokes were funny and its a perfect family movie! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/19/24 Full Review Michael W This comedy was great. Sinbad, Phil Hartman, Stan Shaw, Kin Griest, Chauncey Leopardi, Kim Murphy, Tony Longo, Paul Ben-Victor, and the rest of the cast did a great job in this movie. The story of the movie was entertaining, dramatic, and humorous. It's about pretending to be someone you're not, but also realizing what's important in life. If you haven't seen this movie yet, check it out sometime. It's worth watching. Don't listen to the bad reviews this movie has gotten. Those people have terrible tastes in movies. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 09/17/24 Full Review John C If you are in the mood for a comedy that makes you laugh over dumb and silly stuff, then this is the one I suggest to you. I've watched this many times over the years since it came out and it never gets less funny. Sinbad paired with the late great Phil Hartman is a comedy gold mine. Phil's ability to play deadpan with Sinbad's over the top works great together. This story rings true to this day of poor people always wanting to make it rich someday and keep failing over and over. The constant references to Mc Donalds and Kevin Franklin's (played by Sinbad) "pretend dietary restrictions" makes me chuckle every time I drive past a Mc Donalds. Stick around through the credits, the song done by Sinbad and Phil Hartman is fantastic. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/17/23 Full Review Chicha Z I loved this movie. Sinbad has something....I'm not easy to make laugh. Wished BOUNCE CHANNEL OR SOMEONE WOULD PLAY JINGLE ALL THE WAY, FIRST KID AND HOUSEGUEST. EVEN SOME OF HIS STAND UP!!! WISHED HE WOULD HAVE DONE MORE. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 10/09/23 Full Review Brandon B I loved it very funny and heart felt at the same time! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/18/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Houseguest

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Movie Info

Synopsis Fast-talking con man Kevin Franklin (Sinbad) is in over his head: He owes $50,000 to the mob, and they want to collect. On the run, Franklin happens upon lawyer Gary Young (Phil Hartman) and his family, who are waiting for an old friend Young hasn't seen in 25 years. Taking the opportunity for another con -- and to save his neck -- Franklin convinces Young he's the old friend and becomes the family's houseguest. He has a great hideout from the mob, but the Mafia henchmen are still on his trail.
Director
Randall Miller
Producer
Joe Roth, Roger Birnbaum
Production Co
Hollywood Pictures, Caravan Pictures
Rating
PG
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 6, 1995, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 1, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA)
$26.3M
Runtime
1h 49m
Sound Mix
Surround
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