Introduction
Haunted Mansion, the latest film inspired by a Disney theme-park ride, attempts to recapture the success of the iconic Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise. Directed by Justin Simien, known for his indie satire Dear White People, and featuring a talented cast including Rosario Dawson, LaKeith Stanfield, and Jamie Lee Curtis, the movie promises a spooky and entertaining experience. However, it falls short of creating a memorable supernatural mystery and struggles to stand out among other similar offerings.
Revisiting a Classic Concept
The Haunted Mansion follows the story of single mother Gabbie (Rosario Dawson), who purchases a haunted Louisiana mansion and seeks help from paranormal tour guide Ben Matthias (LaKeith Stanfield) to rid the place of malevolent spirits. While the film shares similarities with the 2003 version starring Eddie Murphy, it does not serve as a direct sequel or remake. Instead, it blends the same elements, including CGI phantasms, comedy, and nods to the Disneyland attraction, with an added layer of urgency.
A Mediocre Streaming Option
Haunted Mansion is the type of film that fits well within streaming services’ libraries. While it is watchable, it lacks the fresh and captivating appeal of recent offerings like We Have A Ghost. The movie shares shelf space with older Disney+ titles like Blackbeard’s Ghost and The Gnome-Mobile. Director Justin Simien, known for his sharp satires, brings his talents to a mainstream movie with a majority Black cast. However, the film’s script by Katie Dippold feels inundated with plot beats and trick effects from the Disneyland ride, leaving little room for deeper exploration.
Talented Cast, Underdeveloped Characters
The film’s talented cast delivers commendable performances, but the characters suffer from lackluster development. Rosario Dawson, playing the lead role similar to Eddie Murphy’s character, finds herself underused in a standard “Mom” part. The script attempts to address themes of grief and moving on, but these discussions feel rote and fail to resonate emotionally. Scenes with Danny DeVito’s character and Tiffany Haddish’s haunted chair add some comedy, but the film lacks the perfect balance of humor and spookiness.
A Familiar Yet Uninspired Haunted Mansion
Despite its use of CGI to create funhouse illusions and supernatural elements, Haunted Mansion feels derivative and lacking in genuine scares. The movie’s CGI-driven exploration of impossible geometries in the corridors does little to differentiate it from previous haunted house films. The cast’s efforts are commendable, with LaKeith Stanfield bringing a low-key intensity to his character, but overall, the film fails to achieve its desired impact.
Conclusion
Haunted Mansion, inspired by the famous Disney attraction, offers a familiar yet unremarkable experience. Despite boasting a talented cast and an interesting premise, the film falls short in delivering a truly captivating supernatural adventure. While it can be enjoyed as a casual streaming option, Haunted Mansion lacks the comedic brilliance and eerie atmosphere required to stand out in the crowded genre of haunted house films.
