Haunted Mansion – Film Review

A woman and her son enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters.

Haunted Mansion, directed by Justin Simien, marks the second theatrical film adaptation of Walt Disney’s iconic theme park attraction, following in the footsteps of the 2003 film of the same name. With the premise centered around a woman and her son seeking the aid of spiritual experts to exorcise the supernatural inhabitants of their home, the film promises an intriguing blend of horror, comedy, and adventure. Featuring a star-studded cast, including Lakeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, and Rosario Dawson, the film boasts the potential for a memorable cinematic experience.

From the outset, it becomes evident that Haunted Mansion is a visually striking film. The art direction, set design, and visual effects work together harmoniously to bring the eerie and ethereal world of the haunted mansion to life. Each frame is carefully crafted, creating an immersive and atmospheric experience that captivates the audience’s attention. The attention to detail in the haunted mansion’s interior is commendable, with a blend of gothic architecture and supernatural elements that pay homage to the beloved Disney attraction.

Despite its visual splendor, the film suffers from a disjointed narrative that fails to fully capitalize on its potential. The central storyline of a family grappling with a haunted house could have been the perfect canvas for a gripping and suspenseful tale, but the film struggles to find its footing. The pacing feels uneven, swinging between intense moments of horror and lighthearted comedic scenes without a smooth transition, leading to a jarring viewing experience. It’s evident that the filmmakers aimed to strike a balance between humor and horror, akin to the original Disney attraction’s tone, but the execution feels forced at times, diluting the overall impact of the story.

Lakeith Stanfield, in the role of the protagonist Ben, delivers a solid performance, carrying the weight of the film with a combination of charm and vulnerability. He manages to establish a relatable connection with the audience, making his character the emotional anchor amidst the supernatural chaos. However, the talented ensemble cast often finds themselves underutilized, with Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, and Rosario Dawson relegated to supporting roles that lack depth and development. Their characters feel more like caricatures than fully fleshed-out individuals, which is a missed opportunity considering the caliber of the actors involved.

The film’s humor, while occasionally amusing, often falls flat due to weak comedic timing and predictable jokes. It seems as if the screenplay relies too heavily on slapstick and visual gags rather than clever wit and humor. As a result, the humor feels forced and struggles to resonate with the audience, detracting from the overall impact of the story’s more serious and dramatic moments.

While the film’s plot attempts to explore the idea of confronting one’s fears and embracing the supernatural, it does so in a rather superficial manner. The film’s exploration of spirituality and supernatural elements lacks depth and fails to leave a lasting impression. Furthermore, the resolution of the haunted mansion’s mystery feels rushed and lacks the satisfying payoff that audiences might expect, leaving several loose ends and unanswered questions.

Despite its shortcomings, Haunted Mansion undeniably boasts technical prowess and visual spectacle. The cinematography is top-notch, with hauntingly beautiful shots that contribute to the film’s eerie and atmospheric ambiance. The special effects are seamless, adding to the immersive experience of the haunted mansion’s otherworldly residents and spine-chilling phenomena. Composer Kris Bowers‘ score also deserves praise for its haunting melodies and eerie undertones, perfectly complementing the film’s themes.

One of the film’s standout elements is undoubtedly the production design, which skillfully brings the haunted mansion to life. From the cobwebbed corners to the ghostly apparitions, the attention to detail in the haunted mansion’s design is commendable and effectively transports the audience into the heart of the supernatural realm.

Haunted Mansion delivers a visually stunning experience with a talented cast that, unfortunately, fails to reach its full potential. The film’s gorgeous visuals and meticulous production design are its strong points, successfully recreating the beloved Disney attraction on the big screen. However, the film’s narrative and character development suffer from a lack of cohesion, resulting in a disjointed and often underwhelming story. Despite the presence of talented actors, the characters feel one-dimensional and fail to leave a lasting impression. The film’s attempts at blending humor and horror miss the mark, resulting in a tonally inconsistent experience.