In Mom, There’s a Ghost (2025), the haunted-house comedy gets a fresh, heartfelt twist as Melissa McCarthy delivers one of her warmest—and funniest—performances in years. As Liz, a hardworking single mom juggling school pickups, endless laundry, and the emotional weight of raising two kids on her own, the last thing she needs is a ghost problem. But fate has other plans, and when the bumps in the night turn into full-fledged paranormal pandemonium, Liz finds herself battling a threat that’s more silly than sinister.
From the moment odd things begin happening—doors opening on their own, appliances switching on, random clattering from the attic—Mom, There’s a Ghost packs its story with comedic tension wrapped in family-friendly fright. Kristen Bell shines as Karen, Liz’s loyal but skeptical best friend, who refuses to believe anything supernatural is happening… until she accidentally gets pelted by a floating cereal box. Her journey from disbelief to ghost-fighting sidekick contributes some of the film’s funniest beats.
But the real chaotic charm enters when Ben Schwartz’s Charlie—the most mischievous, overly dramatic ghost imaginable—reveals himself. Charlie isn’t your typical haunting; his style is more prankster than poltergeist. From photobombing family pics to giving unsolicited ghostly “parenting advice,” he becomes both a nuisance and an unexpected ally.
The haunting escalates into outright comedy when Liz hires Dan Aykroyd as a quirky paranormal investigator who seems slightly too excited to use his questionable gadgets. His wild theories and slapstick methods echo the classic charm that made him an icon of supernatural comedy.
As Liz works to figure out what keeps Charlie tied to her home, the narrative shifts from purely comedic chaos to something surprisingly tender. Charlie’s unfinished business ties into themes of regret, forgiveness, and the longing to be remembered—giving the story emotional depth beneath its goofy exterior.
While the film thrives on slapstick humor and supernatural silliness, it never loses its heart. Liz’s evolving relationship with Charlie helps her rediscover resilience and warmth, while her kids learn that sometimes even ghosts just need a little understanding.
The dynamic between Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Bell is a highlight—fast, funny, and full of charm—and Schwartz’s comedic timing blends perfectly with the film’s family-friendly tone. Each scene balances humor and sentiment, offering both belly laughs and unexpectedly touching moments.
As the story reaches its emotional climax, Liz realizes that helping Charlie move on might mean letting go—of fear, of guilt, and of the things holding her back. The resolution is poignant, allowing the film to close on a genuinely heartwarming note without losing the breezy fun that defines it.
Mom, There’s a Ghost succeeds as both a supernatural comedy and a story about family resilience. It’s spooky enough for Halloween, hilarious enough for year-round viewing, and sweet enough to touch audiences of all ages.
In the end, the film proves that not every haunting is a horror story—sometimes it’s the beginning of a new, unexpected friendship and a reminder that family can take many forms, even the spectral kind.
