Disney’s Haunted Mansion: A Spooky, Soulful Delight for All Ages
Disney’s second attempt at adapting its famous Haunted Mansion attraction into a cinematic experience surpasses expectations. Unlike its predecessor starring Eddie Murphy, the 2023 version of Haunted Mansion tells a hauntingly beautiful ghost story set in New Orleans. With a screenplay by Katie Dippold and direction by Justin Simien, the film touches on themes of death, grief, and the afterlife in a way that resonates with younger audiences. Balancing emotional depth and spine-tingling scares, Haunted Mansion manages to be a family-friendly scary movie without losing its horror appeal.
An Unforgettable Ensemble Cast
An eclectic ensemble cast leads the way in Haunted Mansion. LaKeith Stanfield shines as Louisiana tour guide Ben Matthias, while Rosario Dawson portrays Gabbie, a single mother who becomes entangled with 999 spirits in her new home. Chase Dillon plays Travis, Gabbie’s socially outcast son, who joins the rest of the characters in a battle against the paranormal forces. From Danny DeVito’s quirky college professor Bruce to Owen Wilson’s laid-back Father Kent to Tiffany Haddish’s cost-effective medium Harriet, the cast delivers standout performances, creating a dynamic on-screen chemistry.
A Meaningful Exploration of Life and Death
While Haunted Mansion delivers plenty of scares, it also tackles deeper topics surrounding life and death. Katie Dippold’s thoughtful screenplay uses Ben’s broken heart as a starting point to explore the blurred lines between life and the afterlife. The film navigates existential dread and profound grief with the same fearlessness found in movies like Coco. Without imposing beliefs on its audience, Haunted Mansion offers comforting themes that provide solace and warmth, much like a hearty serving of jambalaya.
Surprising Chills and Thrills
Haunted Mansion proves to be scarier than anticipated for a film based on an all-ages theme park ride. While it may not reach the intensity of horror classics like The Conjuring or Poltergeist, the film includes well-crafted scares throughout. A bedroom scene involving a hatchet-wielding ghost creates tension, while Justin Simien masterfully uses Ben’s ghost-capturing camera to capture the eerie atmosphere. Haunted Mansion takes its role as a gateway horror film seriously, providing a thrilling experience for viewers.
A Captivating Visual Experience
One of the joys of Haunted Mansion is seeing the attraction come to life on the big screen. The film brilliantly translates various elements of the ride, from the dancing figures in the dining room to the iconic elongated entryway walls. The visual effects by DNEG and Industrial Light & Magic shine, creating vibrant and atmospheric ghostly realms. Jared Leto’s portrayal of the villainous Hatbox Ghost adds an extra layer of malice and evil to the story.
A Few Minor Missteps
If there’s any critique to be made, it’s the film’s just-over-two-hour duration, which allows for some less successful jokes and moments that cater too much to a Disney audience. Additionally, certain interactions between Travis and Ben feel ordinary in terms of dramatic impact. Despite these minor flaws, Haunted Mansion thrills with its Easter eggs, stunning visuals, and an excellent grasp of haunted-house mechanics. Viewers will have no reason to leave the mansion for long, except for those occasional frustrating stretches.