Houseguest

Houseguest, 1995

Is there a movie out there you've seen multiple times for no apparent reason? For me it's outrageous comedy Houseguest.

The irrepressible Sinbad plays a con man on the run from the mob. To avoid being caught he poses as the childhood friend of Gary Young (the late Phil Hartman) and winds up staying with his family.

This is silly stuff but there are reasons to not dismiss it completely.

Firstly, Phil Hartman, has a voice (see Troy McClure) good enough to make the phone book entertaining and in light of his death all of his work is worth cherishing.

Secondly, actors from two of TV's most decorated shows bob up in completely over the top roles. Jeffrey Jones (Deadwood) plays a dentist - not convinced that Sinbad is who he claims to be, while Paul Ben-Victor (Season 2 of The Wire) is the mobster chasing the star's tail.

Houseguest is ridiculous - complete with a terrifically stupid wine tasting scene and a bizarre trip to the golf course.

This is by no means a recommendation but if you're in the mood for something dumb and miss Phil Hartman's voice, well.....the offer's there.

4/10

Nutbuckle