Review: The Haunted Mansion

Rated PG | 99 mins

There have been great movies, such as the recent Master and Commander, that I have disliked. The Haunted Mansion proves the converse of that statement—it’s certainly possible for me to enjoy a bad flick. And I don’t just mean like, I mean literally cherish. This movie has terrible acting, many clichéd elements, and some odd direction, to say the least. Some would call it a disaster. I’d call it an awful masterpiece that’s chocked full of success. The Haunted Mansion may be flawed, but it’s a fun experience that’s tremendously faithful to the ride in which is based upon. This, alone, is good enough for me.

If the filmmakers had cut a few things, The Haunted Mansion could’ve been a truly masterful kids’ movie. Firstly, it would’ve been a wise decision to choose another lead actress; Marsha Thomason is absolutely dreadful. Despite the fantastic efforts of funny-man Eddie Murphy and the rest of the cast, she almost ruins the entire picture. Secondly, director Rob Minkoff should’ve cut many of the unnecessary conventional skits. When watching Murphy fall out of the second story of “the haunted mansion” onto his car, and gets backup without injury, I wanted to slap myself in the face. Lastly, the script needed a polishing. Even though I did admire the fact that screenwriter David Berenbaum attempted to create a real plot, some of the events that take place in it are far too absurd for their own good. However, flaws aside, The Haunted Mansion manages to be an entertaining film.

The visuals are absolutely masterful. When viewing the movie, we are transported into the ride, which, ironically, is amazingly refreshing. Gazing at The Haunted Mansion is hypnotizing—the sets, special effects, and costumes are detailed and colorful—aesthetically pleasing in every aspect. These are worth the price of admission alone; you must see this film on the big-screen, it won’t seem to be half the movie that it is on video, because of the reduced size.
I’ve been on the Haunted Mansion ride at Disneyland three times before, and it remains one of my favorites in the whole park. It’s always had a wondrous feel and air to it that’s indescribable. We can be thankful that this movie does the experience justice.