The Haunted Mansion (2003)

“How wonderful. You’re going to kill a ghost.” 25 June 2021

Realtor Jim Evers (Eddie Murphy) and family visit a large, creepy mansion that Evers may have the opportunity to sell.  But the mansion’s owner has a secret reason for summoning the Evers family.  The owner is actually a ghost.  He’s haunted the old house looking for his long lost love.  It seems that Evers’ wife is the spitting image for the dead woman.  Can Evers put a stop to the unholy union and save his family?

Over the years, the family and I have been to Disneyworld about a dozen times.  There is no attraction at Disney that I look forward to as much as The Haunted Mansion.  I love it!  Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for this film.  While there are a lot of things that I dislike about The Haunted Mansion (the movie), my biggest complaint is just how dull it all is.  Re-watching last night, it put me to sleep.  I had to slog my way through the rest today.  The story is predictable, the comedy doesn’t work, and I wasn’t invested in the characters.  As a result, I find it to be one incredibly boring experience.  None of the charm and joy I feel on the ride are in the film.  My reaction to the movie is the exact opposite.  

Eddie Murphy may be known for his comedic abilities, but I don’t remember his performance bringing so much as a smile to my face.  Whether it’s his fault or the writers (more likely), nothing he says or does works on me.  Also, I’m kind of surprised that Disney cast Murphy in the lead here.  This was right in the middle of his run in the wildly successful, non-Disney Shrek series.  

There are some homages the film pays to the ride that I appreciate.  From the singing cemetery busts to the wedding dress in the attic to the hitchhiking ghosts to Madame Leota (Meg Tilley is easily my favorite thing about the movie), fans of the ride will enjoy these touches.  

3/10