If you’re as big a Disney fan as we are, then you’re probably dying to see this movie. I mean, who doesn’t love a movie based on the most iconic rides in the Disney parks, and who knew they would release five Pirates of the Caribbean movies, a 15-minute long ride? With the resounding success of this saga on the big screen, it was only to be expected that the next films based on Disney attractions would follow. Such as “The Haunted Mansion” starring Eddie Murphy, and “The Jungle Cruise” starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. However, they had a different luck than the Pirates of the Caribbean.
If you have a good memory, you will remember that there is already a movie of the ride, “The Haunted Mansion” which was released in 2004. However, for true Disney fans, it was pretty disappointing as it lacked references and had a totally new plot with no relation to this classic attraction. Therefore, just by watching the trailer of the new “Haunted Mansion” movie you will realize all the references and the justice it does to this iconic ride.
First things first, let’s talk about the cast. We think they couldn’t have picked a better cast for this movie, bringing in Lakeith Stanfield and Rosario Dawson, none other than Ahsoka Tano (for those Star Wars fans). And with performances by Tiffany Hassish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Jamie Lee Curtis, Winona Ryder, and as the villain Jared Leto himself. How I wish I could hug the casting manager of this movie.
Now, a brief description of the plot: A single mother named Gabbie who hires a tour guide, a psychic, a priest, and a historian to help her exorcise her newly purchased mansion after discovering it is inhabited by ghosts.
And now for the question you’ve all been pondering: Is “Haunted Mansion” good? We’ll be honest with you. It could have been better. Unlike the 2004 movie, this movie is full of the ride’s references and excellent cinematography. All the details of the game are in the film. The wallpaper on the walls, the door handles, the spooky paintings in the game’s line, its distinctive background music, the ghosts, and the very house of the Disneyland attraction. However, even though the plot made more sense and is more related to the attraction than the old 2004 movie, this new plot was somewhat boring. It was like they were telling you a good story, and you wait for them to get to the good part, but it never comes.
Also, we understand that Disney movies are for the whole family, but when your film is about a “Haunted Mansion,” it’s got to be a little scary, doesn’t it? And the movie isn’t scary in the slightest.
In conclusion, this movie is visually impressive, and believe us when we tell you it will make you want to buy a ticket to Disneyland as soon as the movie starts, but the plot and lack of jokes make you want to watch the old 2004 movie.
