Due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, Disney held its world premiere of Haunted Mansion without an actor and reactions to the Justin Simien-directed film are beginning to flow.
Inspired by the classic Disneyland Resort theme park ride. The film’s story follows a woman and her son who hire a ragtag crew of so-called spiritual experts to rid their home of supernatural squatters.
Collider’s Steven Weintraub praised Simien and screenwriter Katie Dippold, saying they “did a great job” on the adaptation.
“I’m excited to report that Haunted Mansion is one of those family movies that scares kids, makes adults laugh (a lot), and fans of the ride will keep pointing at the screen because it’s covered in Easter eggs,” says Weintraub tweeted.
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Happy to report #HauntedMansion is one of those family movies that scares kids, makes adults laugh (a lot), and fans of the ride will keep pointing at the screen because it’s full of Easter eggs. Director Justin Simien and screenwriter Katie Dippold did a great job. pic.twitter.com/07MfbUUCFC
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) July 16, 2023
POC Culture Editor noted on Twitter that they saw Haunted Mansion before the strike and described the film as “a love letter to the iconic Disney ride and a family-friendly thriller.”
“The cast, led by LaKeith Stanfield, is outstanding and hilarious. “Full of fun cameo appearances, ride references and a healthy dose of jump scare,” they added.
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I have to see this #HauntedMansion (before the strike).
It’s a love letter to the legendary Disney ride and a family-friendly thriller. The cast, led by LaKeith Stanfield, is superb and hilarious. Full of hilarious cameo appearances, ride references and a healthy dose of jump scares. pic.twitter.com/rj92ujOMU7
— POC Culture 🔜 #SDCC (@POCculture) July 16, 2023
Although the Nightmarish Conjuring founder was still thinking about the film, she said, “Without the writing of Katie Dippold, this one with so much heart and soul would not have been possible.” She weaves together a story that explores death and grief in a tangible way and walking a fine line between humor and horror.”
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I’m still collecting my thoughts #HauntedMansion But I have to say one thing: Without the lyrics by Katie Dippold, the whole thing would not have been possible with so much heart and soul. She weaves a story that addresses death/mourning in a tangible way, walking a fine line between humor and horror. pic.twitter.com/hgaLAIS5hK
— Shannon McGrew 🎃 (@shannon_mcgrew) July 16, 2023
Screenwriter Joseph Deckelmeier tweeted that Haunted Mansion was “a fun movie that the whole family can enjoy. There are some fun scary moments for the kids and plenty of Easter Eggs for the observant #Disney Parks fans.”
Journalist Laura Sirikul said Haunted Mansion “should have been a Halloween release rather than a summer release. It does [no] Sense. It goes up against Barbie & Oppenheimer.”
From the movie itself, Sirikul tweeted“Haunted Mansion was entertaining, full of one-liners and quirky jokes. The first act was a bit slow but picks up to a good pace in the second and third. Good scares for children. Disney fans will love the Easter eggs. It’s a little too deep to be deep, but it’s still fun to watch.”
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Honestly, #HauntedMansion should have been a Halloween release instead of a Summer release. It makes so much sense. It’s against BARBIE & Oppenheimer.
Does Disney rely on parents to take their kids to the Haunted Mansion (since Barbie and Oppenheimer aren’t meant for kids)?
— Laura ลอร’า 劳拉 🍥 (@lsirikul) July 16, 2023
The film’s cast includes LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, Chase W. Dillon, Jamie Lee Curtis as Madame Leota, Jared Leto as the Hatbox Ghost and Winona Ryder. Hasan Minhaj and Dan Levy also appear in the film.
Haunted Mansion hits theaters on July 28th.