Haunted Mansion movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Haunted Mansion

This comedy horror movie releases in theaters on July 28, 2023.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 2 hours 3 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: B

IN A NUTSHELL:

Featuring the iconic attraction at Disneyland, this story is about a single mother and son who move into a house, only to discover it is haunted. They recruit the help of a tour guide, psychic, priest, and historian only to learn there is much more to the ghosts than anyone was prepared for.

THINGS I LIKED:

If you love the Haunted Mansion ride at Disneyland, you’ll love all of the scenes that honor the spirit of that fan favorite. So many Easter eggs to enjoy!
The cast includes reliable fan favorites too: Jared Leto, Jamie Lee Curtis, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Tiffany Haddish, LaKeith Stanfield, and Rosario Dawson. We’re also treated to the young Chase W. Dillon, who might be new to some viewers. They all do a great job.
The special effects that make the ghosts look truly ghostly worked really well to resemble what we see in the famous ride at the theme park. The name of the mansion, Gracey Manor, is to honor Yale Gracey, a Disney Imagineer who originated the illusion of the ghosts flying around the dining room table in the theme park.
Lots of humor with snarky dialogue and physical gags.
The film does a great job showcasing the unique vibe of New Orleans.
It’s very different from the 2003 film of the same name.
The sound effects are terrific. You really hear all of the creaks you would expect in a haunted house.
There is a lot of action, but it’s blended well with touching moments and heart.
Each of the characters gets the spotlight at least once and experiences some growth. That’s impressive for an ensemble cast.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

It’s a bit too long.
Some viewers are complaining the movie isn’t scary enough, but I disagree. Disneyland was originally created for families, so I don’t think the film should be too scary. Guillermo del Toro was originally involved and, if he had remained, I have no doubt this movie would have been scarier!
Not all of the jokes land.
A lot of the talented actors are underutilized.
A lot of the action sequences are chaotic.
Why wasn’t this movie released closer to Halloween?

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Lots of scary images for young children
Violence
Destruction
You might have to explain what a séance is.

THEMES:

Ghosts
Life and death
Grief
Losing loved ones
Being a hero

FUNNY LINES:

“Why do I think you’re having a bad day? Because you smell like yesterday.” – Bartender (Jo Koy)
“I’m gonna light a vanilla candle and it’s going to be a game changer.” – Gabbie (Rosario Dawson)
“One man’s monster is another man’s Halloween costume.” – Father Kent (Owen Wilson)
“Attics are historically terrifying.” – Harriet Tiffany Haddish)