While the performances are solid throughout, the characters, except Ben, are very one-note. Stanfield brings all the vulnerability, skepticism, and social awkwardness needed for his role. But the rest of the cast lacks the same level of depth to work with. Dawson is as empathetic as Gabbie, with Dillion as her son driving some of the narrative’s more unexpected plot points. DeVito and Curtis are fun additions, bringing some life, though used sparingly. Haddish and Wilson get most of the few laughs, while Leto does play a sinister Hatbox Ghost well. Yet, there is not enough time spent establishing the characters for any of these pieces to line up with the engaging, haunting story promised by the essence of the Disney ride.
“…just enough laughs to surpass the 2003 installment…”
Callbacks, Easter eggs, and references to the attraction overflow throughout Haunted Mansion, even more than in all the POTC films and Jungle Cruise. While comparing a movie to a theme park ride may seem strange, it is a comparison that reveals the most significant drawbacks. Beetlejuice, Hocus Pocus, and The Haunted Mansion attraction have a unique balance of genre. Each finds a unique way to be charming, spooky, and friendly, yet thrilling, from start to finish. Quirkiness and gothic humor flow freely in each, endearing the characters to viewers for decades. Haunted Mansion boasts some strange figures but never utilizes its characters’ quirks or the monstrous setting to build the fun horror-comedy it could’ve been.
I’m a Haunted Mansion kind of Disney Park goer. It’s always at the top of my must-do list when I visit Disneyland or Walt Disney World. Haunted Mansion captures many of the motifs and visuals of the classic dark ride but fails to transcend those visuals into a spooktacular film that demands viewing every October. Even more emotional scenes feel unearned by the need for more characterization and development. The casting and premise are the movie’s greatest strengths, though many of the best ensemble moments or narrative choices are fleeting. There are some interesting story elements, a few intriguing twists, and just enough laughs to surpass the 2003 installment but not enough to satisfy those looking for their new favorite horror-comedy.
"…callbacks, Easter eggs, and references to the attraction overflow..."
