Haunted Mansion

Haunted Mansion (2023)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


While this is still a stand alone story that has as much to do with those of the living world learning about the haunted mansion and it's inhabitants, in many ways it is more true to the original story for the Disney ride it is based off of and at least some of the characters that are iconic from the park. It is less of a comedy than the previous attempt to bring the ride to the big screen in The Haunted Mansion, and has a bit more of a spooky/horror twist to it without actually being a horror film given it is still intended for families as the target audience. Madame Leota and Crump (though unsure a name was ever known for the ghost with the "hat box" on the original rides) are central characters when it comes to the ghost side of the story. We even see the bride make an appearance, though she doesn't have nearly as large of a role in the film as she does in the rides. The ending is the most fun, bringing the dining room dance to life, which honestly was the only part of the ride I enjoyed for a long time until I was much older.

The Haunted Mansion

The Haunted Mansion (2003)

My Rating: 2 of 5 stars


Based off the Disney ride by the same title in the theme parks, this literally brings the Haunted Mansion to life. It's both twisted and tries to teach the importance of family all at the same time. As I really don't enjoy the ride, I didn't expect to like the movie either. It was enjoyable, but not a favorite by any means. A good fit for our current Halloween themed movie run with the holiday coming up.