In a world of sequels, prequels and reboots, Disney’s Haunted Mansion is the next in line to get the treatment. Directed by Justin Simien (Dear White People), Disney’s latest take on one of their most successful theme park attractions brings their spooky adventure to life on the big screens. With an all-star cast and a plot that follows along closer to the source material than 2003’s effort, Haunted Mansion delivers on the perfect blend of campy horror tropes mixed with plenty of laughs.
The film follows astrophysicist Ben (LaKeith Stanfield) as he aids new homeowner Gabbie (Rosario Dawson) and her son Travis (Chase W Dillon) with ridding them from a series of hauntings that they have recently been plagued with. With the help of local priest Father Kent (Owen Wilson), psychic Harriet (Tiffany Haddish), and historian Bruce (Danny DeVito), the group must work together to get to the bottom of the secrets and ghosts that Gracey Manor is home to.
The back and forth between comedy legends Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito and Tiffany Haddish provide the majority of the film’s laughs, which are supported by up-and-comer Chase W Dillon’s brilliant timing. In contrast, Stanfield’s Ben and Dawson’s Gabbie bring humanity and emotion to a film filled with CGI characters. Without spoiling, the film sports a few choice cameos that were cheered on by the audience, and had us all cackling.
As eagle-eyed viewers (and fans of the ride) will see, Simien has done well to include set design elements from the attraction throughout the film. The backdrop of Gracey Manor borrows heavily from the attraction’s iterations across the world; with artwork and scenes taken directly from the ride – much to fans’ delight. Despite Haunted Mansion‘s spooky backdrop, the actual number of frights is minimal – save for a few jump scares scattered throughout. It appears Simien has instead leaned heavily into the comedic side of the film, which with people like Danny DeVito around, still manages to work.
As one of our favourite rides at Disneyland, it was fun to see the lore and details from the attraction included in the film. While Haunted Mansion has its moments where it falls flat, its cast works well in its favour, and makes the film a fun horror-comedy at the best of times.