Encyclopedia Entry: Houseguest (1995)

Houseguest was released in theaters on January 6, 1995. Produced by Hollywood Pictures in association with Caravan Pictures and distributed by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.

The story centers around Kevin Franklin (Sinbad), a con artist who finds himself in trouble with loan sharks. To escape, Kevin assumes the identity of Derek Bond (Ron Glass), a successful dentist whom he overhears is being expected at the airport. Gary Young (Phil Hartman), a lawyer who hasn't seen Derek in 25 years assumes it’s his old friend when Kevin says he is Derek. Gary and his family welcome Kevin, believing him to be Derek. The film follows Kevin's humorous attempts to keep up the charade while inadvertently helping the Young family with their personal issues. Through his interactions, Kevin finds himself growing closer to the family and reevaluating his own life choices.

Songs from the movie included “Green Onions” (Performed by Booker T. & the M.G.s as Booker T. & the MGs), “Brick House” (Performed by The Commodores), “Michelle” (Performed by John Lennon and Paul McCartney), “Goodnight Irene,” “You Deserve a Break Today,” “Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer, ““Danny Boy” (Performed by Rick Riso); “Lovin’ Life” (Performed by Siedah Garrett); “Heroic Sentiment,” “Dramatic Event,” “Escape,” “Feel the Pain” (Performed by Dinosaur Jr.); “Tap the Bottle” (Performed by Young Black Teenagers); “People in the Middle” (Performed by Spearhead); “Work That Body” (Performed by David Morales); “Gangsta Glide” (Performed by Kinfolk); “Ha Ha in the House,” “Whoa Whoa Hey,” “Christmas/Burger Medley,” “Pennsylvania Lottery Song,” “Kill Your Parents,” “Funky Dog Rap,” “Camp Mapleridge Song,” “Jingle Bell Day” (Performed by Carman Twillie), “Christmas Nights” (Performed by Louis Price), “Speed Golf” (Performed by Louis Price), “Coconut,” “Back Off Santa” (Performed by Louie Price). 

The movie had an estimated budget of $10.5 million with a worldwide gross of $26.3 million. First released on home media on LaserDisc on July 26, 1995. Released on VHS on September 12, 1995 (Full Screen) and March 6, 1996. Released on DVD (Widescreen) on October 8, 2002. 

Cast and Crew

Director: Randall Miller. Writer(s): Michael J. Di Gaetano and Lawrence Gay. Producer(s): Joe Roth and Roger Birnbaun. Executive Producer: Dennis Bishop. Cast: Sinbad (Kevin Franklin), Phil Hartman (Gary Young), Jeffrey Jones (Ron Timmerman), Kim Greist (Emily Young), Stan Shaw (Larry), Tony Longo (Joey Gasperini), Paul Ben-Victor (Pauly Gasperini), Mason Adams (Mr. Pike), Chauncey Leopardi (Jason Young), Tallia Seider (Sarah Young), Kim Murphy (Brooke Young), Ron Glass (Dr. Derek Bond), Kevin West (Vincent Montgomery), Kevin Jordan (Steve ‘ST-3’). Director of Photography: Jerzy Zielinski. Production Designer: Paul Peters. Editor: Eric Sears, A.C.E. Co-Producer: Riley Kathryn Ellis and Jody Savin. Costume Designer: Jyl Moder. Music: John Debney. Casting: Rick Montgomery and Dan Parada.

Technical Specifications

MPAA Rating: PG. Running Time: 109 minutes. Sound Mix: Dolby Digital / Dolby SR. Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1. 

Ratings

Disney Movie and Film Encyclopedia: 57.1 (out of 100)

IMDb: 5.9/10

Metacritic (Metascore): N/A

Metacritic (Userscore): N/A

Rotten Tomatoes (Tomatometer): 18%

Rotten Tomatoes (Popcornmeter): 55%

Have you seen Houseguest? Share your thoughts in the comments.