Haunted Mansion (2023) – Movie Review and Summary (with Spoilers)
While a unnecessary reboot, there is no denying this adaptation aims to bring something different.
General Information
| Director(s) | Justin Simien |
| Screenplay By | Katie Dippold |
| Based On | The Haunted Mansion by Walt Disney |
| Date Released (In Theaters) | July 28, 2023 |
| Genre(s) | Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Horror |
| Film Length | 2 Hour 2 Minutes |
| Content Rating | Rated PG-13 |
| Noted Characters and Cast | |
| Ben | LaKeith Stanfield |
| Alyssa | Charity Jordan |
| Gabby | Rosario Dawson |
| Travis | Chase Dillon |
| Bruce Davis | Danny DeVito |
| Father Kent | Owen Wilson |
What Is “Haunted Mansion” Rated And Why?
“Haunted Mansion” is Rated PG-13 because:
- Dialog: Nothing noteworthy
- Violence: While it is made clear the villain has killed multiple people and even employs ghosts to do violence, there isn’t anything notable here
- Sexual Content: None
- Miscellaneous: Ghosts drinking
Film Summary
This content contains pertinent spoilers. Also, images and text in this post may contain affiliate links. If a purchase is made from those sites, we may earn money or products from the company.
At one time, Ben was married to Alyssa, and their beliefs in the supernatural were divergent. He didn’t believe in spirits, and she did so much that she did ghost tours in New Orleans. When she died, he dedicated himself, using his knowledge of astrophysics and engineering, to perhaps capture the image of a ghost while doing tours where he would repeatedly refute their existence.
Enter Father Kent, who calls upon Ben to help Gabby and Travis, who have tried everything to deal with the ghosts which haunt their home. Ben wasn’t willing until he heard the price, and he BS’d his way through the initial job. But, as he becomes haunted and forced to take on the situation seriously, he is ready to call upon the strange, like Bruce Davis and the supernatural, to rid himself and others, of the apparitions that haunt them.
Character Descriptions
Please Note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, and character descriptions may contain what can be considered spoilers.
Ben
An astrophysicist turn tour guide, Ben has been through a lot in the last few years in New Orleans and has pretty much been on autopilot for a while, especially when his spectral photography invention didn’t take off.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Atlanta,” their role in “The Harder They Fall,” and their role in “Sorry To Bother You.”
Alyssa
Alyssa is the love of Ben’s life who believed in ghosts and dedicated herself to showing off all the haunts of New Orleans when she met Ben. And while he may not have been a believer, he loves her enough to not let this become a craw in what could be.
- The actor is also known for their role in “The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey.”
Gabby
Originally, Gabby wanted to slow down and open a bed and breakfast in New Orleans after the hustle and bustle of her former life. However, as she finds her home filled with ghosts, some who like to party, others who like to scare her and her son, in some aspects, she misses her old life.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Hotel Noir,” their role in “The Mandalorian,” and their role in “Krystal.”
Travis
9-year-old Travis is different from his peers, which leads to him being bullied. What doesn’t help is that only recently he lost his dad, and he hasn’t fully recovered from that yet. Add in being haunted by ghosts, and Travis is not in a good place.
Bruce Davis
A professor and someone who studies the supernatural, Bruce is seen as one of the keys to dealing with the apparitions haunting anyone who steps into Gabby’s house.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Jumanji: The Next Level,” their role in “Smallfoot,” and their role in “All The Wilderness.”
Father Kent
Father Kent is an upbeat priest who is the reason Ben gets dragged into Gabby’s situation and is forced to find a resolution.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Wonder” and their role in “She’s Funny That Way.”
Review
Our Rating: Mixed (Divisive)
Who Is This For?
Those who want to see a simple horror-esque movie that is safe to take kids to or want a few good jumps scares without having to see blood and gore.
Highlights
A Handful Of Decent Jump Scares
One of the best things “Haunted Mansion” provides is the kind of jump scares that you can share with a child. None of them feature violent imagery or anything that can set off a red flag, just you and a kid, or just you, getting to safely be started.
On The Fence
It’s Pleasant & Tries To Bring A Sense Of Emotion
“Haunted Mansion” doesn’t really have that hook or selling point beyond a recognizable name and recognizable actors. Yes, Ben and Travis addressing their grief over the person they lost can be touching. However, it isn’t the kind of performances you’ll want to revisit or will further either actor’s career. Then, when it comes to Dawson, Wilson, DeVito and others, it’s nice to see them, but they don’t bring something extra to the table. Most of them stick to what we’re used to from them and further the feeling that no one was aiming for anything spectacular when it comes to this movie.
Ultimately making it so, with an unnecessary run time, that this was more so a cash grab than a story that needed to be retold, modernized, or provide a different take.
Recommendations
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FAQs
Answers to some questions you may have regarding this movie:
The Reason The Movie Is Named “Haunted Mansion”
Because the focus is on a haunted mansion.
Does “Haunted Mansion” Setup A Sequel or Prequel?
Yes. Between how Ben’s relationship with Gabby develops or the background of the many ghosts who are within the mansion, there are more stories to be told.
Does “Haunted Mansion” Have A Mid-Credit or End Credit Scene?
Nope.
