Ghosts: The Possession of Button House Movie Review

Ghosts: The Possession of Button House movie review: A Supernatural Treat

Adapting a popular TV sitcom can be a risky business. You need to ensure that expanding on the source material doesn’t affect the charm and character comedy that made it a hit in the first place.

Fortunately, Ghosts: The Possession of Button House knows what made the BBC series such a hit. Directed by Simon Hynd and written by the original comedy duo behind Them There, this is an entertaining cinematic follow-up filled with supernatural nonsense, crazy characters and heartfelt moments.

Set a few months after the final episode of the TV series, Button House is now in an uncertain future. Alison and Mike have moved out to look after their baby, and have sold the house which will be turned into a luxury hotel and golf resort.

Unfortunately work on the resort has come to a halt meaning that the ghosts have very little to do apart from argue and get more creative.

However, a group of teens break into the manor and try to hold a seance. This leads to a supernatural mix-up where Julian, the smarmy ex-Conservative MP swaps bodies with Jack, a lad stuck in a haunted house.

This also means that Julian can finally leave the grounds of Button House and get a taste of the outside world he has not seen since dying in 1993.

While it’s a ridiculous concept it allows the writers to really expand the characters. The story is fun, fast-paced and surprisingly emotional. Overall this is a proper movie and doesn’t feel like just a long sitcom episode.

The Ghosts Return for Another Delightfully Chaotic Adventure

One of the best things about Ghosts is the eclectic mix of characters, and this film doesn’t waste anytime getting you into the swing of things.

The Captain (Ben Willbond), Pat (Jim Howick), Thomas (Mathew Baynton), Kitty (Lolly Adefope), Lady Fanny (Martha Howe-Douglas), Robin and Sir Humphrey are all returning and provide some great character quirks.

The dynamic between them is fun to watch. Thomas is still hopeless at love, Lady Fanny still has strong views on Edwardian standards and Pat is still very excited to organise everyone.

The Captain brings a lot of comedy with his serious nature as a soldier whilst Robin brings in his ancient view point which can bring some great out of the blue comments.

The characters have a real sense of fondness between them. Although they are often arguing they have become like a messed up family.

Even though they are stuck together forever there is a real sense of community and the film knows how important this is.

They also have a new outlook on life by going outside of Button House. After being stuck in the same house for years it gives them a chance to do something new and provides both comedic moments and reflective moments.

Simon Farnaby and Scott Ellis Watson Steal the Show

The funniest parts come from the main plot of swapping bodies. Simon Farnaby is hilarious as Julian the former politician who can never leave his house and has no trousers.

He was always a very over the top character from the series so it’s great to see him get the chance to experience life outside.

Farnaby clearly enjoys exploring how Julian is coping with his new world. While he is still the selfish, selfish and brilliantly vile character we know and love there is a certain amount of sadness to seeing him get his first taste of freedom after decades.

Scott Ellis Watson is also brilliant as Jack. Although he has to imitate Julian’s character and mannerisms he does a great job.

This contrast between Jack’s real personality and Julian’s posh pocket-squirming mannerisms creates some great slapstick moments.

The idea of them swapping bodies is effective as both actors know how important imitation is. Their acting creates a believable link between the two characters and makes it easy to follow the supernatural confusion.

It is one of the best comedic elements in the film and a large reason why the main plot works so well.

A Bigger World Without Losing the Charm

Simon Hynd has done a great job of allowing the visual style to open up, whilst still maintaining the personal and character-based humour of the series.

The TV show has always been great at using the house and other interior settings, but the film gives an opportunity for the story to go further outside and include more of the surroundings.

The cinematography really helps with this. The camera captures some great wide shots outside of the manor, whilst still including the comforting scenes of the warm interiors.

This gives a greater sense of motion and scale in the film but still maintains the comforting vibes.

The visual effects are kept very simple. Instead of turning the supernatural into something very complex, they have kept it simple like it should be.

The head of Sir Humphrey (Mathew Baynton) is used in lots of clever ways to add some visual comedy. They have been used in some creative ways which have translated really well onto the big screen.

The body swap scenes have also been a clever choice. These are performed really well using camera angles and physical performances.

A great example of how a simple idea can turn into something much funnier with the right execution.

New Characters Bring Fresh Energy

Jack introduces a fresh perspective to the film. As he has no knowledge about the ghosts or what rules are in place in the afterlife it allows the film to explain the world of the supernatural.

It makes the film very easy to watch for people that have never seen the show before. It is an easy concept to understand and Jack’s confusion reflects how an audience would feel if they had no prior knowledge of Button House.

Those who are already fans will also enjoy watching the beloved characters interact with someone who doesn’t know their background or why they do the strange things they do.

More Than Just Supernatural Comedy

Despite the farce, there remains an underlying melancholy theme in The Possession of Button House that makes Ghosts more than just a comedy.

Throughout the TV episodes there were often moments where they explored the themes of death, loneliness and the experience of being left behind.

These are carried on throughout the movie and allow Julian to experience life outside of the manor.

While his adventures outside of the grounds are humorous, it is also quite sad. He has been watching the world change since he died in 1993.

While he now has the chance to feel like he is part of the world again, he is also reminded of how much time has passed.

The tale also looks at themes of friendship and community. While Jack’s situation is completely different to the ghosts, he begins to feel like part of the group who have created their own unique sense of community.

This supports the message that family doesn’t always have to be related or alive.

The body swap theme adds a dark element. As there is the possibility of permanent supernatural consequences there is a real sense of urgency. This adds a serious element to the adventure while still keeping the movie light hearted.

Plenty of Laughs, but an Occasionally Crowded Story

The comedy remains one of the film’s greatest strengths. The original writers clearly know their characters well and the comedy is still clever with some great political comedy, awkward misunderstandings and silly slapstick.

There are many moments that will make fans smile but there are also some lovely new twists with the expanded story.

Julian trying to fit into modern life and the ghosts becoming more of a mess trying to help Jack means there is rarely a lack of ideas.

However, the overall plot can feel a bit messy. The political conspiracy and environmental protest plot can feel like a bit of a distraction from the fun Julian and Jack relationship.

Although it brings some good satire and some enjoyable new characters, it doesn’t feel quite as cohesive as Button House.

Alison and Mike feel a bit on the sidelines. Whilst Charlotte Ritchie and Kiell Smith-Bynoe are still a pleasure to watch, it would have been good to have seen more of them considering how important they were to the tv show.

Although they do bring some nostalgia to the story, the film is understandably more focused on what happens in their absence.

For those who haven’t seen the tv show, there are a few nods to the rules and backstories of the characters that might go over your head.

The film is easy to enjoy on its own but if you have watched the whole show you will definitely appreciate some of the references more.

Final Verdict

Ghosts: The Possession of Button House is a great follow-up to the popular BBC sitcom. It manages to retain the heartwarming, quirky and spooky humor of the series.

The story features some brilliant physical comedy and character impressions. The switch between Simon Farnaby and Scott Ellis Watson is a great idea.

The original cast were all as lovely as always and the new addition brought a refreshing new feel. Simon Hynd was great at creating a wider visual aspect.

However, the film was not perfect. There are moments when the political and environmental storylines can take away from the main story. There was also less to do for Alison and Mike. However, these aren’t huge issues.

Overall, The Possession of Button House is a heart-warming episode to catch up with a set of characters you know very well.

It was hilarious and had some clever supernatural elements. It also had a lot of heart which reminded us why Ghosts was so good.

Most importantly, it knows the real magic wasn’t the ghosts. It was the crazy family they created. It is a hilarious, heartwarming and surprisingly emotional return to Button House.