Haunted Mansion will be in theaters on July 28th, 2023.
Disney is hoping to hit the big screen with its latest attempt to adapt the iconic Haunted Mansion ride. Found in various Disney parks globally, the attraction is famous for its eerie and spooky atmosphere, taking visitors on a chilling journey through a grand mansion filled with cobwebs, ghostly apparitions, and supernatural surprises. The mix of humor and fright has made it a beloved classic for audiences of all ages. The attraction has inspired film adaptations, including the 2003 comedy-adventure film “The Haunted Mansion” starring Eddie Murphy, which received mixed reviews. In 2021, “Muppets Haunted Mansion” delivered a delightful and hilarious Halloween special, bringing beloved Muppet characters into the eerie world of this iconic Disney theme park attraction. The latest attempt to adapt the famous ride hits theaters this weekend and should please loyal park fans.
Synopsis
A woman and her son enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters.
I have mixed feelings about the movie Haunted Mansion after watching it.
The trailers didn’t accurately depict who the movie was really about. The main character is LaKeith Stanfield, who deals with grief, while the rest of the cast are just supporting characters. Even Rosario Dawson, who plays a character that owns the haunted house, takes a back seat to Stanfield. The movie includes big names such as Owen Wilson, Tiffany Haddish, and Danny De Vito, who form the “ghostbusting” team to deal with the haunts. However, their inclusion in the movie feels random, and their comedic relief is hit or miss, with some jokes landing well and others not so much. Jamie Lee Curtis as Madame Leotta is a valuable addition to the cast but could have benefitted from more screen time. Jared Leto’s role as The Hat-Box Ghost seems to rely more on his voice-over skills than physical performance.
One notable actor in the movie has yet to be mentioned: Chase W. Dillon. He portrays the son of Dawson’s character and has already shown great potential. Dillon’s youthful charm and talent make every scene he appears in a pleasure to watch. Undoubtedly, he is an actor to watch out for as his future looks very promising.
I expected Disney to ramp up the scares since the movie had a PG-13 rating, but they played it safe. When Disney movies are rated PG-13, they often feel more like PG movies, which is disappointing. I hoped for more excitement and creepiness, but the movie didn’t quite deliver. It felt underdeveloped and simplistic. Although “Haunted Mansion” had some enjoyable scenes, it didn’t leave a lasting impression or give me the haunting experience I hoped for.
Verdict
I give Haunted Mansion 3 out of 5 stars. It’s a family-friendly movie that can be enjoyed by all ages and boasts an impressive cast that brings the iconic Disney ride to life. However, if you’re seeking genuine frights, this film may not deliver. Read more Reviews on Nerdtropolis and Subscribe to our YouTube.
Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.