As a cautionary tale, Haunted Mansion is a cut above all others. Any budding filmmaker or super fan must see this as it is monumentally misguided. From the clunky script and miscast actors to a storyline that fails to raise the heart rate one iota, it’s almost impressive in its misadventure.
The story as it exists involves a single mother Gabbie (Rosario Dawson) and her son Travis (Chase Dillon) who move into an old mansion in backwater Louisiana. When it turns out to be haunted they enlist the help of scientist Ben Matthias (LaKeith Stanfield) to help rid the house of its unwanted visitors.
If anyone has ever actually ridden on the Disneyland ride, it is quite impressive how many of that ride’s visual elements are incorporated into the movie. This includes a ghost under glass, Madame Leota (Jamie Lee Curtis) who is trapped inside a crystal ball. When the film hits its stride the screen is busting with flying apparitions.
If you fancy yourself a film buff, you owe it to yourself to see Haunted Mansion as it will give you an almost lifetime supply of Razzie fodder and fill you with thoughts of nominations for one of those golden raspberries. It will also fuel many a discussion about the best of the worst.
Rob Hudson
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