Running Time: 122 minutes
This feature from Disney Studios will be released exclusively at theaters on July 28th.
For the last decade, Disney has been on a tear creating live-action adaptations of animated properties. These films have gotten so much attention that many may have forgotten the studios’ sideline of making movies out of their theme park rides. And some of these projects are even more daunting, considering that there typically is very little detailed backstory involved in a 10-minute attraction.
Still, the 2003 effort Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl was something of an anomaly in that it successfully translated to the big screen. However, the series follow-ups and other titles like The Country Bears, Tomorrowland and Jungle Cruise haven’t quite matched the first pirate-themed adventure. Disney’s latest attempt is Haunted Mansion, based on the extremely popular ride. It’s actually the second film based on the concept (a 2003 effort starring Eddie Murphy was a box office and critical flop). This version isn’t perfect either, but it is an improvement that ekes out a couple of chuckles.
Former scientist Ben Matthias (LaKeith Stanfield) is a grieving widower who now spends his time going through the motions as a New Orleans tour guide. One night, he’s visited by Father Kent (Owen Wilson), a holy man familiar with Ben’s innovative design for a camera that can capture images of ghosts. The priest promises a major payday if he takes photographs at a mansion thought to be haunted. Despite reservations, Ben accepts the offer and meets terrified homeowner Gabbie (Rosario Dawson) and her son, Travis (Chase Dillon). Sure enough, the protagonist does encounter supernatural figures, including the threatening Hatbox Ghost (Jared Leto) and Madame Leota (Jamie Lee Curtis), a deceased medium residing in a crystal ball. Ben and Father Kent convince psychic Harriet (Tiffany Haddish) and professor Bruce Davis (Danny DeVito) to help them square off against the paranormal.
The screenplay attempts to wedge in portions of the ride with a more detailed history of the mansion and its many spirits. While the emphasis is on humor and not on tension or scares, the film does try to address and deal with the lead’s personal tragedy, the reason for young Travis’ shyness, and the personal issues troubling numerous supporting characters. Ben’s arc is certainly relatable and compelling to watch. Young Travis also makes a great impression, mixing some wonderfully funny reactions to supernatural phenomena alongside heavier material relating to his introverted nature. And Father Kent’s backstory ends up being quite amusing, adding some effective humor to the scenario.
But truth be told, it’s all a bit overstuffed and even the editing comes across as choppy as it tries to juggle all the characters, both living and deceased. Still, at least attempts are being made to develop each of the visitors to the mansion and the cast are so talented that they make the most of the scenario. In fact, many of the film’s finest moments involve humorous comments between characters as they acknowledging the bizarreness of their situation.
It is also fun to see recreations of bits from the theme park attraction, including some familiar faces haunting the hallways. These moments are entertaining early on, but there is a great deal of computer-generated imagery that continues to increase as the story develops. Some bits involving spirits causing trouble outside the mansion are striking. But not all of it looks convincing and the elaborate finale in particular goes overboard with CGI effects.
In the end, the film is somewhat predictable, but offers a couple of minor twists involving its characters and their motivations. And the performers are so strong that a lot more of the humor lands than one would expect. It does have some trouble juggling so many story elements with the references to ride, but in the end enough of the material works to earn it a minor recommendation. Haunted Mansion doesn’t outdo the real Disney experience and doesn’t make a lasting impression, but it delivers enough effective moments to entertain families looking for ghostly fun.