Synopsis and Review: Haunted Mansion (2023), Is It A Better Remake?
Synopsis and Review-The Haunted Mansion is a 2023 American supernatural horror comedy directed by Justin Simien, written by Katie Dippold. The cast includes LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, Dan Levy, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Jared Leto. Produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Rideback, it’s the second film adaptation of Disney’s Haunted Mansion theme park attraction, following the 2003 movie with the same title. The storyline follows Gabbie (played by Dawson) and Travis (played by Chase W. Dillon), who seek help from a team (consisting of Stanfield, Haddish, Wilson, and DeVito) to get rid of the ghosts in their surroundings.
Synopsis:
During a New Year’s party, Ben Matthias, an astrophysicist, meets Alyssa, a guide on ghost tours, and is intrigued by her belief in supernatural phenomena. They get married, but Alyssa dies tragically in a car crash. This leads Ben to give up his career and take over Alyssa’s ghost tour. Despite searching various haunted places for signs of Alyssa, he becomes disheartened. In the following years, Dr. Gabbie and her son Travis move to Gracey Manor, discovering that it’s haunted.
Ben, approached by priest Father Kent, is hired to photograph ghosts at the mansion. They assemble a team with psychic Harriet and haunted house historian Bruce. Harriet contacts the spirit of Gracey, leading them to Madame Leota. They discover that Gracey released many ghosts in an attempt to communicate with his deceased wife.
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An evil entity, Hatbox Ghost, manipulates events. Harriet’s astral projection unveils Crump’s vengeful past. Crump, in need of a thousandth spirit, targets Travis. Guided by the Mariner, the group finds Crump Manor, uncovers Alistair Crump’s history, and learns they need his hat for a ritual. Returning to Gracey’s mansion, they confront Crump, who destroys the hat.
Gabbie reveals Travis’ father’s death, and Crump tries to exploit Travis’ grief. Ben convinces Travis to let go, and with the help of the ghosts, they banish Crump. The group finds peace, Ben resumes teaching, and they celebrate Halloween at the mansion with the friendly spirits. Harriet gains confidence, Kent becomes a real pastor, Travis excels, and Bruce forms lasting friendships.
Review:
I didn’t anticipate Disney’s “Haunted Mansion” film to be a masterpiece, but I hoped it would offer enjoyable entertainment. The trailers suggested it might be more fun and authentic than some of Disney’s other ride adaptations. The cast, including LaKeith Stanfield, Owen Wilson, and Danny DeVito, is talented. While they may not be as funny as expected, they manage to get some laughs from the material. Tiffany Haddish stands out with the best joke. However, Jared Leto’s casting as the Hatbox Ghost is puzzling, as the role is forgettable and feels like stunt casting.
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Despite the impressive cast, the film fell short of my expectations. It’s generic and derivative, lacking anything new for the viewer. The problem isn’t that “Haunted Mansion” may be too scary for younger kids or too juvenile for older ones; it’s just not very good or interesting. From the trailer and the cast list, I looked forward to watching it, and my expectations for writer Katie Dippold and director Justin Simien were set at a certain level.
The storyline is okay, with potential in its various elements, but writer Katie Dippold doesn’t explore them thoroughly. The plot feels shallow and incomplete, as if the movie is on autopilot. Director Justin Simien fails to inject excitement or thrills, leaving the movie feeling flat and stale. The attempts at humor and scares fall flat, with formulaic jokes and unimpressive CGI. Despite its $160 million budget, the visual effects look cheesy. The film’s length is excessive, lacking satisfying resolution or payoff.
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While the supporting cast tries their best, including charismatic performances from Wilson and DeVito, the film overall disappoints. I expected some laughs and innocent scares, and while the visual effects were enjoyable, the humor and overall experience were lacking. Only scenes or lines from Danny DeVito and Tiffany Haddish stood out as genuinely funny.
