Review
THE HAUNTED MANSION
Starring Eddie Murphy, Terrence Stamp and Nathaniel Parker
Directed by Rob Minkoff
Opens Wednesday, November 26
Check Listings
Have you ever talked about an amusement ride you were on and said "I loved the part where …" or "I totally screamed when…"? If you have, then you know exactly what the kids are going to be saying when they finish watching The Haunted Mansion.
Based on the popular Disney theme park ride, director Rob Minkoff has created a movie ride that will have youngsters squealing about their favourite scary parts all the way home.
The story follows workaholic real estate agent Jim Evers (Eddie Murphy), and his family as they make a quick business call on their way to a family weekend at the lake. A wicked rainstorm and some determined homeowners leave the Evers family stuck in Gracey Manor for the night and strapped into their very own supernatural roller coaster – that takes them from spooky rooms and dusty attics to creepy graveyards and crystal balls.
The opening credits may lead you to wonder how appropriate this movie is for the usual Disney audience. Given the laughter that followed each scream, the fear-tolerance of today’s kids is considerably higher than it used to be. That said, the kids in question are hopefully going to be at least 10-years-old and up, because this film does have some surprisingly frightening scenes and a bit of strong language, resulting in a PG rating. Considering the dark edge that the story has, Minkoff has done well in successfully putting together a good mix of scares and laughs. As well as making sure that the usual Disney messages sneak in there too (true love, redemption, family bonding, etc).
The cast do what they can with the simple characters they are given, but the mansion residents stand out as by far the most entertaining performances. Terence Stamp as the creepy butler Ramsley and Wallace Shawn as the goofy Ezra both seem to take great delight in playing their roles and in turn are the most enjoyable to watch.
The storyline is straightforward and predictable, but it works because it ensures that Murphy can have a reason to mug a few times, Rick Baker impresses with his makeup effects and we see a graveyard full of ghosts reminsent of The Frighteners. With a running time of just over 90 minutes, even wiggle worms should be able to make it through the entire show.
While it may not be the strongest movie to hit theatres this holiday season, The Haunted Mansion will give the kids a bit of fun being scared and keep parents awake with a few jumps of their own.
There is just one more thing. Where was this movie a month ago? You know – at Halloween? |
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