One of the most well-known rides at Disney, the Haunted Mansion first gained popularity as a ride at Disneyland in 1969. Unlike many rides at the parks, the Haunted Mansion wasn’t based on any film or book that came before it. Instead, the stories came after, beginning with “The Haunted Mansion” starring Eddie Murphy in 2003, and the new “Haunted Mansion” that released July 28.
“Haunted Mansion” takes place in New Orleans, and the film opens with the meeting of the main character Ben (LaKeith Stanfield), and his wife Alyssa (Charity Jordan). Then, as is the Disney way, tragedy strikes. The time jumps ahead, and Ben goes from a high-level scientist to a tour guide who seems angry at the world. His new life takes a turn when Father Kent (Owen Wilson) shows up at his door asking for help on behalf of a mother and son who moved into a haunted mansion. In a series of unfortunate events, a professor (Danny DeVito), a psychic (Tiffany Haddish), and Ben end up stuck in a plan to save the house from an unknown spirit.
“Haunted Mansion” is rated PG-13, however, the film could easily be for younger audiences. The movie utilized some jump scares, as expected, but none of them could have classified the film as a horror movie. People in the theater were laughing more than gasping in fear, but that’s fine by me. Bruce (DeVito) and Harriett (Haddish) were the funniest characters by far, but each person had lines that elicited laughter from the audience.
The exterior aspects of the movie were filmed largely in New Orleans at historic sites. The outside shots of the haunted mansion itself were filmed at The Buckner Mansion, also used in seasons of “American Horror Story” and believed by some to be haunted. The interior sets were built in Atlanta, and there are endless references and look-alikes to the Haunted Mansion rides. A chair in the seance room resembled the “Doom Buggies” from the ride, and the paintings, walls and door handles mimic decor seen throughout the Disneyland attraction.
I watched “Haunted Mansion” both in theaters and once it arrived on Disney+. Although I would by no means classify it as a horror movie, I know I’ll be watching it over and over this time of year. The characters were funny, the sets were detailed, and the story took on new aspects while still holding true to original elements of the 2003 Haunted Mansion film and the ride. Overall, I would give it an 8.5 out of 10.
