Although it deals with more adults themes than the first, Haunted Mansion still has a lot of laughs for everyone. Available now on streaming, and 10/17 on physical.
“Inspired by the classic theme park attraction, “Haunted Mansion” features an all-star cast, and tells the story of a woman (Rosario Dawson) and her son who enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters.”
The Haunted Mansion attraction at Disney comes to life in its latest incarnation now available on Disney+ and streaming platforms. Now 20 years after the first film with Eddie Murphy, instead of focusing on a family dealing with the horrors of the ghosts who inhabit the mansion, the new film incorporates an ensemble of characters from different walks of life that have all been inextricably intertwined with the house and the fate of its former inhabitants.
What stands out the most about the film is the departure from a more child-friendly film like the first was. While the 2003 version was more lighthearted comedy with a PG rating, this film paints a much darker portrait of the ghosts inside the mansion, and a mysterious dark figure looming and controlling everyone trapped there. Although still accessible for children, it deals with a lot more adult themes including the loss of a spouse and parent, and other more mature situations, hence the PG-13 rating. For those of us growing older that have experience the attraction and Disney and have seen the original film, it seems to be targeted more at us than at children, which is perfectly understandable and for me, a pleasant surprise.
These adults themes, most notable the loss of a loved one, is what really causes the story to resonate. We’re introduced to one of the main characters, Ben Matthias (LaKeith Stanfield), a scientist who falls head over heels for a woman named Alyssa (Charity Jordan), who introduces him to a world he never believed existed. Years after their whirlwind romance that ended tragically, Ben is literally lost without her. It isn’t until he’s invited to investigate the Haunted Mansion with one of his inventions, a camera lens that is theoretically able to capture images of ghosts, that he finds a purpose and new direction in his life. Ben’s story is similar to that of the family he meets: Gabbie (Rosario Dawson) and Travis (Chase Dillon), and through that shared grief they are able to move forward in a very heartwarming and exciting story.
Joining the ensemble is a great cast that includes Owen Wilson, Tiffany Haddish and Danny DeVito, with some surprise cameos that really demand your attention. While ‘funny’ may not be the immediate definition that comes to mind of the overall film, this cast definitely makes it so. They all have great chemistry together, and genuinely look as they are having a blast making the film, and not just acting.
My enjoyment of the film didn’t rely on any expectations, which is why I believe it had a poor box office performance. The departure from a pure children’s film to something a little more adult may have been entertaining for me, but it wasn’t for a lot of people assuming it would be just like the original film, something family-friendly and lighthearted. While this film does have those moments, it’s the heavier moments that bring the would-be magic of this film a little closer to Earth.
Haunted Mansion is out now on Disney+ and on digital platforms for purchase, and will be available on Blu-ray and 4k on 10/17.
