The House

Scott and Kate Johansen celebrate their daughter's admission to a dream college, only to discover the scholarship they expected never arrived. Facing looming tuition payments, they hatch a reckless plan with their neighbor Frank, who also needs a big payday. The trio turns a quiet family home into a makeshift casino, aiming for a Vegas style stretch of luck right in the suburbs. The scheme pulls in eccentric locals, a string of risky bets, and a cascade of consequences that threaten careers, friendships, and their sense of security. What starts as a desperate bid for money quickly spirals into a chaotic suburban carnival of bad decisions. Along the way they test boundaries, question loyalty, and discover what family really means.

Released in 2017, The House was directed by Andrew J Cohen from an original screenplay by Brendan O'Brien. The comedy pairs Amy Poehler and Will Ferrell with ensemble and leans into suburban farce and criminal comedy rather than prestige drama.

Box Office: The film grossed about 34.2 million worldwide against a 40 million budget, signaling underperformance relative to its cost. Despite the name recognition, the suburban caper failed to translate into a clear box office hit overseas and domestic markets.

Beyond the initial laughs, The House landed as a rowdy reminder of how far people will stretch for cash in a pinch. The on screen dynamic between Poehler Ferrell and their supporting cast produced a handful of memorable pratfalls and punchlines that fans still discuss long after the credits roll.

Critics offered mixed verdicts noting decent chemistry and sharp scenes but uneven plotting. The film digs into financial pressure in middle class suburbia, the allure and danger of risk, and how far people will bend rules when family stability feels at stake. The tone blends farce with consequences that linger.