Houseguest (1995)
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15% of critics liked it
(20 reviews) -
50% of users liked it
(10,976 ratings)
Sinbad offers some unusual advice on how to make friends in this wacky comedy. Kevin Franklin (Sinbad) is a guy who dreams of starting his own business. However, getting it off the ground is another matter altogether, and soon Kevin discovers that the two loan sharks who fronted him money want to be… More Sinbad offers some unusual advice on how to make friends in this wacky comedy. Kevin Franklin (Sinbad) is a guy who dreams of starting his own business. However, getting it off the ground is another matter altogether, and soon Kevin discovers that the two loan sharks who fronted him money want to be paid, and paid promptly, otherwise Kevin will be spending some time in the hospital. On the run through an airport, Kevin is trying to find a way out when he overhears Gary Young (Phil Hartman) wondering where his friend is. It seems that Gary has arranged a reunion with an old friend from childhood, but since he hasn't seen him in 25 years, he has no idea what he looks like today, beyond the fact that he's black. Kevin fits the bill that far and claims to be Gary's long lost buddy, which Gary buys hook, line, and sinker. Gary seems to enjoy bonding with his old friend, and Kevin likes staying at Gary's fine home (and raiding his large icebox), but Kevin discovers that impersonating a stranger is a lot more complicated than he expected after he's forced to perform oral surgery and give a speech at a grade school "Career Day" presentation. However, this is all small potatoes on the "oh, no" scale when the loan sharks track Kevin back to Gary's home in the suburbs. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- Randall Miller
- Genres
- Comedy
- In Theaters
- Jan 6, 1995 Wide
Critic Reviews
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Caryn James, New York Times
Turns out to be an inane fish-out-of-water comedy. Along the way it turns into a virtual McDonald's commercial, too. The fact that you can hardly tell the difference is a good clue to the movie's bad-television flavor.
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Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
As good-natured as its big, beefy star, comedian Sinbad.
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Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
In its worst moments, Houseguest becomes a struggle in which a very human comedian fights to project his personality over the director's technological muddle. But the good news is that Sinbad wins.
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James Berardinelli, ReelViews
Plot-wise, there's little here beyond a few insubstantial strands.
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, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Comedy at its most formulaic.
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Cast
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Sinbad
as Kevin Franklin
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Phil Hartman
as Gary Young
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Jeffrey Jones
as Ron Timmerman
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Kim Greist
as Emily Young
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Stan Shaw
as Larry the Tattoo Artist
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Tony Longo
as Joey Gasperini
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Chuck Aber
as Big Spin Host
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Mason Adams
as Pike
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Kirk Baily
as Stuart the Manager
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Paul Ben-Victor
as Pauly Gasperini
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Tina Benko
as Waitress
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Don Brockett
as Happy Marcelli
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William Cameron
as Jerry Jordon
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Susan Chapek
as Nurse
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Alex Coleman
as Tom Miller
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Greg Collins
as Cop
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David Earle
as Security Guard
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Marilyn Eastman
as Society Woman
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Jan Eddy
as Biker
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Ron Glass
as Dr. Derek Bond
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Chauncey Leopardi
as Jason Young
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Larry John Meyers
as Mr. Ichabod
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Bingo O'Malley
as Ticket Vendor
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Vickie Ross-Norris
as Woman in Red Dress
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Wynonna Smith
as Lynn
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Kevin West
as Vincent Montgomery
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Randall Miller
as Drunk at Party
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Susan Richards
as Happy's Wife
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Valerie Long
as Sister Mary Winters
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Harold Surratt
as Guy in Crowd
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Jody Savin
as Rosie the Caterer
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Kevin Jordan
as Steve
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Kim Murphy
as Brooke Young
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Talia Seider
as Sarah Young
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Kate Young
as Michelle Castel
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John Hall
as Preppy Man
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Lisa Davis
as Secretary
