The new Disney film based on the Haunted Mansion ride at Disneyland features key elements from the ride, including Easter eggs paying tribute to its inspiration. This is Disney's third attempt at bringing the ride's spooky charms to the screen, following 2003's Eddie Murphy starrer and 2021's enjoyable Muppets Haunted Mansion streaming special. However, the film falls short of the laughs and scares needed for a potential blockbuster franchise like the Pirates of the Caribbean series. The film's potential improvement could have been made if Guillermo del Toro had remained creatively involved. The film directed by Justin Simien is a routine summer entertainment suitable for less discerning youngsters. Screenwriter Katie Dippold infuses emotions into the proceedings, with a central character haunted by memories of his deceased wife. The poignant subplot blends with trademark apparitions like The Hat-Box Ghost and Madame Leota's disembodied head. Ben, a skeptical mansion visitor, becomes a believer when ghosts follow him home to his rundown French Quarter house. He temporarily lives with Harriet, a psychic medium, and Bruce, a professor specializing in haunted houses. The production designers and special effects team recreate the thrills and chills of a theme park attraction using a visually dazzling combination of CGI and practical effects. However, the running time of over two hours makes the experience feel like riding the same ride repeatedly. The film lacks memorable cameos, with actors like Curtis and Leto barely affecting the story. Stanfield and Dawson lack the comic chops to make their characters more than plot devices. DeVito, Haddish, and Wilson perform better, with DeVito's mellow line readings contrasting with the visual mayhem. However, these comedic pros cannot salvage lame jokes like DeVito's "I'm too old to die!" joke while being manhandled by aggressive spirits. "Haunted Mansion" is a visually striking film inspired by the popular Disneyland ride, with elements like stretching rooms, hitchhiking specters, and subtle references like Harriet's chair. The filmmaker uses physical and special effects to create a world that feels lived in for the ensemble of people and frights, while also capturing a New Orleans atmosphere with funeral processions and brass bands. Rosario Dawson plays Eddie Murphy's haunted mansion owner, but underutilizes the role in a regulation Mom role. Jamie Lee Curtis portrays Madame Leota, but struggles with her disembodied head and lacks Jennifer Tilly's memorable performance. Jared Leto's Morbius cheekbones are CGI-worked, but the funhouse illusion of impossible geometries doesn't dispel the feeling of déjà vu.
Review of Haunted Mansion
