Disney‘s latest film, “Haunted Mansion,” based on the iconic theme park attraction, brings the spooky charm of the ride to the big screen. Directed by Justin Simien, known for “Dear White People” and “Bad Hair,” the movie stars LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, and Owen Wilson, alongside a talented ensemble cast, including Rosario Dawson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jared Leto, and Danny DeVito.
For those familiar with the Disneyland ride, the film offers a delightful array of Easter eggs and references, making it an enjoyable experience for theme park enthusiasts. However, despite its artistic ambitions and impressive visuals, “Haunted Mansion” falls short in delivering the necessary laughs and scares to become a potential blockbuster franchise, similar to Disney’s successful “Pirates of the Caribbean” series.
The story follows Ben (LaKeith Stanfield), a former astrophysicist struggling with depression and grief after the death of his wife Alyssa (Charity Jordan). Trying to reconnect with her through a spectral photography camera he invented, Ben’s life takes a supernatural turn when he encounters Father Kent (Owen Wilson), a hipster priest seeking his help in dealing with a haunted mansion. Father Kent introduces Ben to Gabbie (Rosario Dawson) and her young son Travis (Chase W. Dillon), who recently moved into the eerie mansion in New Orleans. As the skeptical Ben begins to witness paranormal occurrences, he finds himself teaming up with Harriet (Owen Wilson), a flamboyant medium, and Bruce (Danny DeVito), a haunted house specialist from Tulane University.
The film impressively combines CGI and practical effects to recreate the thrills and chills of the haunted mansion, staying true to the theme park attraction. However, with a runtime of over two hours, the movie’s repetitive nature begins to wear on the audience, much like riding the same theme park ride repeatedly.
Although the cast boasts talented performers, including Stanfield and Dawson, their characters feel somewhat one-dimensional, lacking the comedic depth needed to elevate the film beyond a mere visual spectacle. On the other hand, Haddish, DeVito, and Wilson shine in their roles, adding humor and charm to the spooky narrative.
“Haunted Mansion” also features several cameos from notable actors like Hasan Minhaj, Marilu Henner, Jo Koy, Winona Ryder, and Daniel Levy. While these appearances add some star power to the film, their limited screen time leaves little room for impactful contributions. Among the recognizable faces, Jamie Lee Curtis stands out with her goofy and playful portrayal, continuing to showcase her versatility as an actress. Jared Leto, unrecognizable as the Hat-Box Ghost, delivers a mysterious and eerie performance that perfectly suits his enigmatic character.
Despite its flaws, “Haunted Mansion” manages to entertain younger audiences and offers a nostalgic treat for Disney park fans. The film’s visual appeal and creepy atmosphere successfully capture the essence of the beloved theme park ride. However, with an inconsistent balance between humor and scares, the movie falls short of its potential to become a standout addition to Disney’s roster of blockbuster franchises.
“Haunted Mansion” provides a fun and spooky adventure that will appeal to fans of the theme park attraction and Disney enthusiasts alike. While it may not achieve the same level of success as the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series, the film offers an enjoyable cinematic experience, filled with familiar references and an impressive cast.