Movie Review: Baby’s first horror? Disney’s ‘Haunted Mansion’ conjures up a story about grief

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Movie Review: Disney’s ‘Haunted Mansion’ Explores Themes of Grief, But Falls Short of Thrills

LaKeith Stanfield delivers a compelling performance as a grief-stricken astrophysicist trying to make ends meet in New Orleans. He’s grown disillusioned with the influx of spirit-obsessed tourists and the city’s mythologies.

However, despite Stanfield’s talent, “Haunted Mansion,” Disney’s second attempt in two decades to turn a beloved theme park ride into a fun movie, disappoints. Directed by Justin Simien (“Dear White People”) and written by Katie Dippold (“The Heat” and the iconic Babadook tweet), the film is an improvement over the disastrous Eddie Murphy version but lacks the charm and engagement to leave a lasting impact.

The movie boasts excellent writing, intriguing ideas, and impressive production design. The ensemble cast, including Rosario Dawson, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Tiffany Haddish, and Jamie Lee Curtis, give spirited performances, but the movie fails to fully capitalize on their talents, particularly Haddish’s comedic potential. The costumes, led by designer Jeffrey Kurland, are stylish and noteworthy.

“Haunted Mansion” attempts to blend spooky elements from the ride, such as paintings, a seance table, and Madame Leota, with a sincere exploration of grief and catharsis. However, the combination results in a movie that leans more towards the sadistic side, reminiscent of “Bird Box Barcelona,” rather than a lighthearted Disney flick. Jared Leto’s effortlessly menacing presence as the bad ghost adds some intrigue.

The film’s plot becomes convoluted, introducing multiple timelines and characters without sufficient context, making it confusing for the audience to follow. Moreover, the incorporation of modern horror elements, typically seen in R-rated Blumhouse films, feels out of place for a children’s movie. It’s an odd trend to try and replicate adult scares in kid-friendly settings, which detracts from the traditional ghost stories and childlike wonder that have long captivated younger audiences.

Despite its flaws, “Haunted Mansion” manages to deliver eerie and funny moments, especially during the initial sequence when Gabbie and her son Travis move into the haunted house. However, the movie struggles to maintain a cohesive mythology, leaving some unanswered questions and plot holes.

While “Haunted Mansion” is not a terrible watch, it lacks the magic and allure that makes a trip to the theaters or Disney World a truly captivating experience. It falls short of the gold standard set by the first “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie, which remains unmatched in the realm of ride-based adaptations.

In conclusion, “Haunted Mansion,” with its PG-13 rating for scary action and thematic elements, misses the mark in delivering a truly thrilling and magical cinematic experience. It remains enjoyable to a certain extent but fails to capture the imagination of its audience.

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More about Grief-stricken

• Movie Review: Disney’s ‘Haunted Mansion’
• LaKeith Stanfield
• Rosario Dawson
• Owen Wilson
• Danny DeVito
• Tiffany Haddish
• Jamie Lee Curtis
• Justin Simien
• Katie Dippold
• PG-13 Rating
• Pirates of the Caribbean