Haunted Mansion Review: Supernatural thriller may be frightening but entertaining

New Delhi: Eddie Murphy starred in a 2003 film adaptation of The Haunted Mansion; however, the film fell short of the thrills of the original attraction. Now, award-winning director Justin Simien brings his own brand of cinematic storytelling to the Haunted Mansion. This ghostly horror comedy, starring LaKeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson, and Owen Wilson, has been playing in theatres since July 28, 2023.

Immerse yourself in the incredible supernatural comedy??! Join Gabbie as she tries to understand the mystery behind the mansion. #Haunted Mansion is NOW Playing at #NovoCinemas. Get tickets ?️ now on our website or Novo app.#Movies #Cinema #AgreatTimeOut pic.twitter.com/NULeprhwnP

— Novo Cinemas Bahrain (@NovoCinemasBh) July 27, 2023

Plot

Gabbie, a single mother, and her son Travis move from their New Orleans neighbourhood to a strangely inexpensive house in the suburbs. As they begin to unpack and settle into their new home, they rapidly realise that they are not alone. Since the house is infested with restless spirits, they seek help from a priest – Kent, a tour guide – Ben, and Harriet. This motley crew of spirit specialists set out on a thrilling and dangerous mission to uncover the source of the eerie occurrences at the house.

With Disney’s most eagerly awaited film this summer, #Haunted Mansion, expect humor, drama, and action! Experience it on the big screens at #NovoCinemas on July 27th. Get your tickets on our website or Novo app.#Movies #Cinema #AgreatTimeOut pic.twitter.com/ixVQU9VPw3

— Novo Cinemas Bahrain (@NovoCinemasBh) July 24, 2023

Review

Disney’s second attempt at turning its iconic Haunted Mansion ride into a film experience is a vast improvement over the first attempt, which starred Eddie Murphy. Haunted Mansion, written by Katie Dippold and directed by Justin Simien in 2023, is a New Orleans ghost tale with a heart that skillfully addresses death, sorrow, and the afterlife.

#HauntedMansion is everything you can expect it to be. It’s a funny yet scary ride packed with a great and charismatic cast. The movie heavily deals with loss and grief in such an emotional and amusing way. A great time for kids and adults.

Full review dropping on July 25th. pic.twitter.com/cAc6QKNsox

— The Hollywood Handle (@hollywoodhandle) July 20, 2023

Disney’s take on the horror genre conventions allows Haunted Mansion to be both an emotionally satisfying and frightfully entertaining film. Haunted Mansion does a great job cushioning the impact of crushing mortality, and the ideas of the film are soothing because it tackles uncomfortable questions about a pleasant, even thrilled, hereafter.

The movie overall was alright. The emotional hits were really well done. But I feel like some parts of the movie dragged too long, and the run time could’ve been cut by like 30 minutes.

— Snooziac (@Snooziac) July 28, 2023

Any criticism of today’s overuse of lifeless CGI in movies is easily sidestepped by visual effects studios like Industrial Light & Magic by using brightly coloured pinkish-greenish ghost worlds populated by Aquafresh-blue ghosts.

Due to its requirement to appeal to a wide range of audiences, including those with low fear thresholds, gateway horror has been labelled inconsistent. The success of Haunted Mansion is directly attributable to the superb acting of its main cast members. The bold narrative and the creepiness of haunting New Orleans architecture are added benefits, and the film stands on its own as a delightful adventure that provides maximum moviegoing fun.

Definitely a tour like no other long and boring I would rather been on the ride of haunted Mansion than sitting through this movie.

The only thing it had going for it was Danny DeVito, Jared Leto, Owen Wilson and Winona Ryder. Out of those for you barely saw two of them so.

— MAGA2024 (@MAGA20265492194) July 28, 2023

Trailer: