Haunted Mansion (a Mark Kermode film review).
It was a dark and stormy night when Mark Kermode ventured out to watch Disney’s 2023 rendition of “Haunted Mansion.” Battling the elements seemed fitting for a film about a haunted house. Now, before you get all nostalgic about Eddie Murphy’s 2003 “The Haunted Mansion,” let’s clear the air. This isn’t a sequel or a remake; it’s a fresh take, a sort of reverse “Suicide Squad” situation with the title. But let’s not get bogged down in semantics.
Our protagonist, Ben Matthias, played by the ever-charismatic LaKeith Stanfield, isn’t your typical hero. Once a high-flying astrophysicist, he’s now giving ghost tours in New Orleans. Talk about a career switch! And then there’s Rosario Dawson, who seems to defy the ageing process, playing Gabbie, a single mother trying to start anew in a mansion that’s more haunted than homey. The ensemble cast, including Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, and Tiffany Haddish, brings a mix of humor, horror, and heart to the screen.
The film kicks off with Ben, drowning his sorrows on New Year’s Eve, only to find more trouble than he bargained for. Fast forward, and he’s leading ghost tours, skeptical of the very tales he’s spinning. Enter Gabbie and her son Travis, who quickly realize their new home comes with some uninvited guests. The plot thickens as they, along with a motley crew, try to rid the mansion of its ghostly inhabitants.
Jared Leto, in a role that’s as chilling as it is captivating, plays the main antagonist. One can’t help but wonder how he prepared to embody a 19th-century murderous ghost. The film’s climax is a rollercoaster of emotions, with unexpected twists, heartfelt moments, and a dash of romance (because who can resist Danny DeVito?).
While “Haunted Mansion” might not be breaking box office records, it’s a gem in its own right. The writing is sharp, the CGI effects are spot on, and the ghosts strike the right balance between creepy and campy. Special mention to young Chase Dillon, who plays Travis, for delivering a performance that’s mature beyond his years.
