The Haunted Mansion (2003)

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Wow! Such a good movie.

Good movie but grossly overrated

Absolutely the worst movie.

It was a good mix of funny and "horror." All those people who give Eddie Murphy and the other actors crap are just being mean. Yes, there were a few things that didn't make sense, and there were changes that could have been made. But that's the case with nearly every movie.

Based off of the Haunted Mansion attraction at Disneyland, this movie is about Realtor Jim Evers whom was asked to to sell the famed mansion by the owner. So, he and his family are summoned to the mysterious place and soon ends up being caught in its paranormal world.It's a better film that I've expected - solid plot, funny (but not over-the-top) acting, incredible visual effects, and catchy music. I liked all the references to the Disneyland attraction like Madame Leota, the singing busts, the lost traveler and his dog, the moving portraits and the floating candlesticks. The story about the groom looking for his lost bride fits the attraction-based movie well and it mixes in with the Evers realty subplot perfectly.Eddie Murphy was his classic funny self and gave off some really hilarious moments in the movie, especially him getting creep-ed out by all the hauntings in the old house. His kids in the movie, though, were a tad annoying at times, but I could tolerate them. The ghost characters were entertaining to watch; especially liked the famous Madame Leota character - floating around in her crystal ball with intrigue and suspense.The film, though, could have used more creepy and gotcha moments, but overall, it's an entertaining family film.Grade B+

This is a good example of a film where the premise is promising, but the outcome doesn't really deliver. It's actually a great kids film, but the only problem is that some scenes may be too scary for kids. Adults, on the other hand, will find the movie pretty unfunny. With Eddie Murphy in the lead role it should be way more laughable, but there's maybe one good chuckle in the whole movie.Nonetheless, it's intriguing in the sense that it takes place in a mysterious mansion and much of the plot being uncovered when real estate agent, Jim Evers (Murphy), and his family get trapped inside after Evers gets asked to represent the home on the market. Little do they know the mansion owner has his own agenda and secrets to hide.It's an obvious vehicle for Disney to promote their ride of the same name. Not that we always mind it (e.g. Pirates of the Caribbean) but when a premise is stretched thinly and the film still only comes in at under 90 minutes it's safe to say that they don't have much to work with. And with a ride that has so much potential for a brilliant story, we get stuck with a film that doesn't really live up to expectations.Although large portions of the film lack any substantial plot development, it's enjoyable to watch the family explore and discover the secrets that the mansion hides. But the information that we get is received in clumps at a time. I won't give anything away, but there is a curse involved in the movie and the details of said curse are highly convoluted and evoke so many questions to the viewer that the film loses a lot of credibility in the process.But the set pieces are great. The filmmakers do a good job replicating the feel of the ride itself. Children will be awed by the mystery of the whole story and even though they may not understand certain plot details, it will definitely spark their imagination.With a better script I would love to see Disney try this one again. Not that we can't like 2003's Haunted Mansion for what it is, but it's nowhere near having a "modern classic" status.Twizard Rating: 67

This is a very basic and plain movie, its just another stupid black comedy with Eddie Murphy. He's always in stupid kiddie movies, it's ruining his career. The Haunted Mansion isn't that great of a movie, the script and plot are very basic and predictable. The special effects were cool but they should have included a little more. One good thing about the movie is that there wasn't a lot of horror scenes.Don't bother watching this garbage, its a silly Disney movie with very little comedy and action. These "so-called" black comedies are so dirt, they suck. This is just a cheesy rip-off of kiddie craps mixed together with kiddie horror.