House IV

"**_William Katt returns for the final “House” film_** After the grim previous flick in the franchise, “The Horror Show,” this one returns to the creative horror-comedy of the first two movies, minus the spirit of high adventure of the second. Since, “House III” wasn’t successful at the box office, this was the first installment to be released direct-to-video. Yet several of the same people were involved behind the camera, including main-man Sean S. Cunningham. Katt is also back as Roger Cobb from the first film, although his role isn’t as prominent. Despite the happy ending of “House,” Roger and ex-wife Sandy didn’t get back together, and she evidently got custody of Jimmy. So, Roger married Kelly (Terri Treas) and they have a daughter, Laurel (Melissa Clayton), which might be Roger’s stepdaughter (if we are to go by the mere seven years between films). Details of such things are never explained; they’re just assumed. In any case, Roger inherits the family manor out in the middle of nowhere in SoCal and that’s the focus of the movie. His stepbrother (Scott Burkholder) wants him to break his oath to not sell the house for reasons revealed. Meanwhile noble neighbor Ezra (Ned Romero) offers interesting revelations. The story is mundane compared to the first two films and therefore less ambitious. In this sense it’s similar to “House III,” along with its focus on the family, which creates welcome human interest. However, like I said, it’s not as grim. The quirky amusement returns as the story progresses. As with the prior movie, there’s some influence from the “A Nightmare on Elm Street” flicks. Kelly is the focus, and I appreciate Terri Treas’ unique winsomeness. The camera doesn’t fail to capture her beauty. As for Melissa Clayton as the 12-13 years-old daughter, she was actually 19 years-old during shooting. This is the final film in the franchise, but a movie was announced in 2023 to relaunch the series, which has yet to manifest (and maybe never will). If you’re interested in a similar film (to this one) that’s not part of the official series, try Frank Peretti’s “House” from 2008. It runs 1h 35m and was filmed in 1991. The house exterior scenes were shot in Veluzat Motion Picture Ranch in Saugus, California, which is located 36 miles north of Hollywood (just north of Santa Clarita), as well as Thomas W. Phillips Residence in Los Angeles for the house interior scenes, which is located 7-8 miles south of the Hollywood Sign. GRADE: B-"