Haunted Mansion

 

  Turning once again to one of its theme park attractions, Disney hopes to cash in on a film based on a popular ride. Unfortunately, this time, they have missed the mark. Billed as a supernatural comedy, the film is too dark for a family film and too juvenile for an adult audience.

   A strange mix of talent make up the cast. LaKeith Standfield stars as Ben Matthias, in his biggest commercial movie to date and as expected rises well above the material (Which isn't hard to do). Rosario Dawson also stars as Gabbie, a widowed mom who buys the mansion sight unseen for her and her precocious nine-year old, played by Chase W. Dixon (films like this must always have a precocious kid in danger). Rounding out the cast are Owen Wilson as Father Kent, a questionable priest, Tiffany Haddish as Harriet the psychic, Danny DeVito as Bruce, a college professor, Jamie Lee Curtis as Madame Leota, and Jared Leto (or rather his voice) as Alistair Crump, the "Hatbox" ghost.  The writers have put most of their effort in creating Mr. LaKeith's character Ben. Aside from him, the rest of the characters are just poorly written and come off dull and more lifeless than the ghosts. 

   The special effects aren't that special, but they do include characters from the theme park attraction for fan recognition. As with the ride, these ghosts are just not that scary (except possibly for the Hatbox ghost) but rather viewer friendly so there is little suspense until the film's climax. There is also little comedy with any visual humor or jokes falling flat.

   If you can wait and have the streaming service, it shouldn't be very long before it's out of the theaters and on Disney Plus.