Can a second theatrical film based on a popular Walt Disney’s theme park attraction scare enough people to head to the theatres? Our JP reviews the latest adaptation of “Haunted Mansion,” starring an all-star cast, including LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Jamie Lee Curtis, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Jared Leto, and Rosario Dawson.
- Directed by Justin Simien
- Screenplay by Katie Dippold
- Based on The Haunted Mansion by Walt Disney
- Produced by Dan Lin, Jonathan Eirich
- Starring LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, Dan Levy, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jared Leto
Studio Synopsis:
Directed by Justin Simien, the film features an all-star cast ensemble cast including LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, Chase W. Dillon and Dan Levy, with Jamie Lee Curtis and Jared Leto as The Hatbox Ghost. Inspired by the classic theme park attraction, “Haunted Mansion” is about a woman and her son who enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters. The film’s producers are Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich, with Nick Reynolds and Tom Peitzman serving as executive producers.
J.P.’s Take:
There are eight movies based on Disney theme park rides with Pirates of the Caribbean being the most touted and successful. Out of that eight, “Haunted Mansion” bears the distinction of being made into a cinematic experience twice. The lackluster 2003 debut of the title, starring Eddie Murphy and Marsha Thomason, failed to scare up box office success for Disney. Although, I didn’t feel it was a total disaster since its target audience was kids eight and up. To say 2023’s “Haunted Mansion” is utter rubbish wouldn’t necessarily be a fair evaluation. It is what its theme park counterpart is all about … amusement.
To set the mood, New Orleans is again the backdrop for the matured spook fest, mainly for its supernatural attributes and ghostly history. Its atmosphere resembles R.L. Stine’s “Goosebumps” TV series, with set pieces that are not too bone-chilling for kids or adults alike. Yet, it retains an eerie Halloween vibe which the theme park ride is known for.
Setting this film apart from the Murphy-helmed version would be the involved story with an emotional tie-in. Although “Haunted Mansion” appears to be a goofball horror/comedy, you’ll find moments of heartfelt grief as each character copes with loss. I felt the story of Ben Matthias (LaKeith Stanfield), an out-of-work NASA scientist who lost the love of his life, to be poignant enough to draw viewers in.
I’m impressed with director Justin Simien’s handling of emotional scenes, as they struck a chord with viewers in a genuine fashion. Writer Kaite Dippold imbues the script with zany quips that are lively and off-the-cuff, spouted by an oddball cast of characters who feel at home in this realm. Despite some rather clunky plot points, the story unfolds naturally, while diving into the lives of each character cohesively.
The Hatbox Ghost (voice of Jared Leto) appears as the classic villain in a side plot, although it is unclear how or why he resides within the residence of Gabbie (Rosario Dawson) and her son Travis (Chase W. Dillon). Yet, this disconnect somewhat foils the original narrative as his origins are revealed in the latter half of the film.
It would have been a dry, less than silly and quirky affair if it weren’t for the unconventional cast. Stanfield, Dawson, Danny DeVito (as Professor Bruce Davis), Tiffany Haddish (psychic Harriet), Owen Wilson (Father Kent), and Jamie Lee Curtis (Madame Leota) bounced off each other with chuckle some results.
Could this version of “Haunted Mansion” be grimmer? Sure.
Could the story be more intricate? Or course.
With the afterthought of Guillermo Del Toro’s treatment in mind, I could only speculate on how imaginative and twisted and warped his version could have been. However, I was pleasantly surprised at the turnout of this version, as it was simply amusing enough to keep my interest.
Just for fun, I’ll add it to my horror movie marathon.
Official Site: Haunted Mansion
