Experience the spine-chilling Haunted Mansion, a legendary dark ride attraction that can be found at Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, and Tokyo Disneyland. Step into the eerie world of a creaky mansion, rumored to be haunted by the spirits of its former inhabitants. Each room is adorned with creepy props and offers a unique encounter with ghostly apparitions. From the enchanting Ballroom, where spectral dancers twirl, to the haunting Conservatory, where a floating casket defies gravity, and the mesmerizing Séance Room of Madame Leota, where a disembodied head hovers in a crystal ball. It’s no wonder someone at Disney thought this would make a great feature film, although we’re not quite sure why.
Now, Disney’s Haunted Mansion film, directed by Justin Simien and written by Katie Dippold, takes you on a horror-comedy ride inspired by the iconic Disneyland attraction. However, this cinematic journey is less enchanting and more like a chaotic tour through a dilapidated amusement park. The star-studded cast includes Lakeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson, Owen Wilson, Tiffany Haddish, Danny Devito, and Chase Dillion.
The story begins with Ben Matthais (Stanfield), an astrophysicist, who meets his future wife Alyssa (Charity Jordan) at a party. Alyssa is known for her ghost tours in New Orleans. Fast forward a few years, and Ben is now running the ghost tours himself, having seemingly given up his scientific career. Meanwhile, Gabbie (Dawson) and her son Travis (Dillion) move into an old mansion, unaware of the supernatural presence lurking within. When a suit of armor starts following them, they quickly realize they’re not alone and flee in terror.
Father Kent (Wilson) seeks Ben’s help to prove the existence of paranormal activity in Gabbie’s haunted home. Ben, initially skeptical, agrees to assist and brings his special camera that can capture spectral energy. However, his skepticism quickly fades when he encounters a persistent ghostly Mariner who haunts him relentlessly. Now, Ben, Gabbie, Travis, Father Kent, local Medium Harriet (Haddish), and historian Bruce Davis (Devito) find themselves trapped in the mansion. Together, they must unravel the mystery behind the ghostly infestation before it’s too late.
Disney’s Haunted Mansion film starts off promisingly, offering laughs and witty banter that promise a lighthearted adventure through a spooky tale. It attempts to explore themes of grief and its lasting impact on individuals, but unfortunately, this exploration takes a backseat in the script, resulting in a missed opportunity for emotional depth. The initial charm gives way to a conventional and predictable storyline that feels rushed, leaving the narrative feeling disjointed.
Credit must be given to Darren Gilford’s production design, which faithfully recreates the iconic ride. Practical effects are generously used, creating a spectral atmosphere reminiscent of the Haunted Mansion tour. While not always seamless, the special effects pay homage to the original ride and provide a nostalgic experience for those familiar with the theme park version.
Lakeith Stanfield’s casting as the lead in this family-oriented film is an interesting choice, considering his background in dramatic roles. His performance feels more suited for a serious drama like The Shawshank Redemption rather than a Disney comedy. In contrast, Rosario Dawson and Chase Dillion deliver performances that perfectly capture the film’s tone. Their chemistry is genuine, bringing a playful energy to the narrative.
On a lighter note, the choice of wigs in the film is peculiar and off-putting. Despite Dawson and Stanfield having perfectly fine hair, they are burdened with synthetic wigs that elicit more laughter than the comedic one-liners. Instead of enhancing the experience, the distracting wigs become a source of amusement, and audiences are starting to notice these details. Good hair, or at least believable wigs, truly matter!
Disney’s Haunted Mansion is a decent choice for a family movie night, especially when enjoyed from the comfort of your couch on Disney+. The flaws are less glaring, and the price of admission is more affordable. The film has its moments, particularly for fans of the original Disneyland ride. However, the steep ticket price of $15.99 for a theater experience in New York City may not be justified, as the movie struggles to consistently deliver the expected laughter and chills.
Title: Haunted Mansion
Distributor: Disney
Release date: July 28, 2023
Director: Justin Simien
Screenwriter: Kate Dippold
Cast: Lakeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson, Owen Wilson, Tiffany Haddish, Danny Devito, and Chase Dillion
Rating: PG-13
Running time: 2 hr 5 min
