⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4

As I am unfamiliar with the comedy show that this film is based on, my wife joined me to give her opinion. She enjoyed the series and has viewed several of the international versions as well. I wondered what she might think as a “Ghosts” fan, and whether I could enjoy it without much show knowledge.

Many films based on TV shows have to attempt to balance the previous backstory in a manner that new viewers can also appreciate. The film achieved this, and as a newcomer, I was able to easily get into the story and become familiar with the various characters. The initial premise is easy to follow and sets up quite a decent story for a comedy: Alison and her husband have moved out of Button House (Alison inherited this estate) and the house is due to be developed into a hotel. When some activists start camping out to stop the development, not all is as it seems, and it is down to the ghosts to contact Alison to help save Button House.

The film was entertaining, light-hearted, and funny. The story benefits from a larger budget than the TV series, which opens up new avenues of storytelling with the ghosts no longer confined to the house and immediate grounds. My wife particularly enjoyed this element as it brings fresh opportunities for the characters. She also liked the new young cast, who helped keep the adaptation fresh and were entirely believable in their roles. The cast, it has to be said, were all excellent.

While definitely aimed at fans of the show, don’t be put off if you haven’t seen it, the film stands up well on its own. Julian (Simon Farnaby) features heavily and is very funny, and I also particularly liked Kitty (Lolly Adefope), Lady Button (Martha Howe-Douglas), and Pat (Jim Howick). All very funny and highlights for me.

While many spin-offs from TV shows tend to flop, this was a solid attempt, and at 90 minutes, the runtime was just right. I’m now a fan and will definitely be catching up on the series. The audience clearly enjoyed it too, with plenty of laughter throughout. The occasional joke flew over my head, but these were likely in-jokes meant to reward long-time fans of the show.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4

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Trailer, synopsis and full score below.

Following the events of the TV series finale, Ghosts: The Possession of Button House sees the spectral crew facing a new threat when their beloved home is targeted for redevelopment into a luxury golf resort by a corrupt MP and aggressive developers. Unable to communicate directly with the living world to stop the demolition, the phantoms discover a dramatic new power—the ability to temporarily possess living humans. This sets off a chaotic series of body-swapping misadventures as the ghosts hijack a group of local eco-protesters and kids, embarking on a high-stakes, hilarious mission to track down their former housemates Alison and Mike, expose the corrupt property deal, and save Button House once and for all.

Online synopsis 

Film Rating

Music/Sound

2 out of 5

Story/plot

4 out of 5

Acting/Performances

4.5 out of 5

Overall

4 out of 5

Certification: PG
Running time: 97 minutes
Screening type: 2D