Haunted Mansion Review: Disney’s Ghostly Ride Never Springs To Life

Buckle up for a bumpy ride through Disney’s latest grave-digging venture, the 2023 reboot of “The Haunted Mansion.” More reminiscent of a stalled theme park ride than a cinematic masterpiece, this film seems to have lost its way en route to the silver screen. It’s like a Coney Island funhouse with a $155 million price tag.

Our hapless protagonist, Ben Matthias, played by LaKeith Stanfield, is a mourning young widower who dabbles in theoretical physics when he isn’t leading historical walking tours through the captivating streets of New Orleans. Stanfield, though a talent to be reckoned with, seems to be sleepwalking through this film, his usually vibrant performances reduced to a dull shadow.

Stanfield’s Ben, armed with his ghost-detecting camera, is roped into a spectral shenanigan by a quirky priest (Owen Wilson in his trademark lopsided grin), a gritty mother (Rosario Dawson), and her son (Chase W. Dillon). The young Dillon might just be the silver lining of this spooky cloud, pulling off a surprisingly heartfelt performance amidst the chaos.

Joining our troupe midway are the eccentric medium (Tiffany Haddish) and a curmudgeonly professor (Danny DeVito). But alas! Their comedic prowess is washed out by weak writing and stilted dialogue. Oh, and let’s not forget about Jared Leto, tucked behind a CG mask as the notorious Hatbox Ghost. It’s more trick than treat, with Leto’s usual intensity suffocated by a surplus of computer-generated spectacles.

Director Justin Simien’s “Dear White People” was a poignant sociopolitical statement that held its ground. But here, his directorial flair seems to have taken a detour, swallowed up by the vortex of Disney’s brand preservation. His Haunted Mansion has all the quirks of a knock-off, with plasticky CGI and muddled, murky settings.

This Haunted Mansion is no haunted delight. It is overlong and suffers from an identity crisis, flitting between being a thrill ride for kids and a cerebral horror movie for adults. I appreciate the daring, but it just doesn’t gel. To top it all off, the entire thing just felt emotionally hollow. For a film centered around spirits and dealing with loss, I felt surprisingly untouched by the emotions portrayed on screen.

In the end, Disney’s latest spin on “The Haunted Mansion” feels like a haunted house assembled in the dark. For a studio known for weaving magic, this one lacks the enchantment and thrill you’d expect. Instead of an exhilarating roller coaster, we get a dreary carousel that’s lost its charm.

RATING: 2.0 out of 5

Haunted Mansion is in theaters now.

Amazon Essentials x Sofia Grainge Toddlers and Baby Girls' Eyelet Short & Top Set

(34)

$17.90 (as of April 29, 2025 21:29 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

All-new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) – Our fastest Kindle ever, with new 7" glare-free display and weeks of battery life – Black

(5669)

$159.99 (as of April 29, 2025 21:29 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Clean Skin Club Clean Towels XL™, 100% USDA Biobased Face Towel, Disposable Face Towelette, Eczema Association Accepted, Makeup Remover Dry Wipes, Ultra Soft, 50 Ct, 1 Pack

(33449)

$17.95 (as of April 29, 2025 21:29 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Amazon Essentials x Sofia Grainge Toddlers and Baby Girls' Lightweight Cardigan Sweater

(18)

$19.90 (as of April 29, 2025 21:29 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Rain-X 810165 Latitude 2-In-1 Water Repellent Wiper Blades, 22 Inch Windshield Wipers (Pack Of 2), Automotive Replacement Windshield Wiper Blades With Patented Rain-X Water Repellency Formula

(112723)

$36.99 (as of April 29, 2025 21:29 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)