Plot

Welcome To Haunted Mansion 2023 movie review. Gabbie, a single mother and doctor, moves into an old mansion in New Orleans with her young son, Travis. They are excited about their new home, but it soon becomes clear that they are not alone. The house is haunted by a variety of ghosts, including a headless butler, a singing bust, and a hitchhiking bride.

Gabbie and Travis try to ignore the ghosts at first, but they quickly realize that they need to get rid of them. They call in a team of experts, including Ben Matthias, a grieving astrophysicist who is obsessed with finding proof of the afterlife; Harriet, a psychic medium; Father Kent, a priest; and Professor Bruce Davis, a haunted house expert.

The team investigates the mansion and discovers that it is haunted by the ghosts of the Gracey family, who were murdered by their butler, Ramsley, over 100 years ago. Ramsley was possessed by an evil spirit named Constance, who is still trapped in the house.

The team tries to exorcise Constance, but she is too powerful. She takes control of Ben and forces him to help her revive the Gracey family ghosts. The ghosts then attack the team and take over the mansion.

Gabbie and Travis are trapped in the mansion with the ghosts, but they are determined to save themselves and their home. They team up with Ben, who has broken free of Constance’s control, to find a way to defeat her.

The team discovers that Constance is trapped in the mansion because of a curse that was placed on her by the Graceys. To break the curse, they need to find the Graceys’ wedding ring.

Gabbie and Travis find the ring in the attic, but they are attacked by Constance and the Gracey ghosts. Ben intervenes and sacrifices himself to save them.

Gabbie and Travis use the ring to break the curse, freeing Constance and the Gracey ghosts. Constance is banished to the afterlife, and the Gracey ghosts are finally able to rest in peace.

In addition to the main plot, the 2023 Haunted Mansion film also explores a number of subplots and themes. One of the most important subplots is Ben’s journey of grief and healing. After the death of his wife, Alyssa, Ben becomes obsessed with finding proof of the afterlife. He believes that if he can find proof of ghosts, then he will be able to reunite with Alyssa.

However, Ben’s obsession with the afterlife is ultimately unhealthy. It leads him to give up his career and alienate his friends and family. He also becomes vulnerable to Constance’s manipulation.

In the end, Ben realizes that he does not need to find proof of the afterlife in order to move on with his life. He learns to accept Alyssa’s death and to cherish the memories they shared.

Another important subplot in the film is Gabbie’s relationship with her son, Travis. Gabbie is a loving mother, but she is also very busy with her work. She often neglects Travis, and they have a strained relationship.

However, when they are trapped in the mansion with the ghosts, Gabbie and Travis are forced to work together to survive. They learn to trust and rely on each other, and their relationship grows stronger.

The film also explores a number of themes, including the importance of family, the power of love, and the importance of facing your fears.

The 2023 Haunted Mansion film is a fun and spooky adventure that is sure to please audiences of all ages. 

The 2023 Haunted Mansion film received positive reviews from critics. They praised the film’s humor, special effects, and performances.

One critic wrote, “The 2023 Haunted Mansion is a fun and spooky adventure that is sure to please audiences of all ages. 

Action Sequences

The 2023 Haunted Mansion movie features a number of action sequences, many of which are inspired by the classic Disney ride.

The Séance:

In one of the film’s early scenes, Gabbie and her team attempt to hold a séance in order to communicate with the ghosts of the mansion. However, the séance goes wrong, and the ghosts begin to attack the group. Gabbie and her team are forced to flee through the mansion, pursued by the ghosts.

The Attic:

Gabbie and her team eventually make their way to the attic of the mansion, where they discover a number of dangerous traps and obstacles. They are also attacked by a number of ghosts, including a giant spider and a swarm of bats.

The Ballroom:

In another action sequence, Gabbie and her team are chased by the ghosts through the mansion’s ballroom. The ballroom is filled with dangerous chandeliers and other hazards, and the ghosts use these to their advantage.

The Graveyard:

The film’s climax takes place in the mansion’s graveyard, where Gabbie and her team must confront the mansion’s evil master, the Hatbox Ghost. The graveyard is filled with zombies and other undead creatures, and Gabbie and her team must use all of their skills and resources to defeat them.

In addition to these major action sequences, the film also features a number of smaller action beats, such as chases, fights, and escapes. These smaller action beats help to keep the film moving and exciting, and they also provide some of the film’s most humorous moments.

Overall, the action sequences in the 2023 Haunted Mansion movie are well-choreographed and exciting. They are also visually stunning, thanks to the film’s impressive special effects. The action sequences are a highlight of the film, and they help to make it a fun and enjoyable ride for audiences of all ages.

Character Development

The 2023 Haunted Mansion movie features a number of characters who undergo significant development throughout the course of the story.

Gabbie: Gabbie is a single mother who buys a haunted mansion at auction. She is initially skeptical of the paranormal, but she comes to believe in ghosts after experiencing strange occurrences in the house. Gabbie also learns to be more independent and resourceful, as she must rely on herself and her friends to exorcise the ghosts and save her son.

Ben: Ben is a scientist who has given up on his career after the death of his wife. He is recruited by Gabbie to help her with the haunted mansion, and he reluctantly agrees. Ben eventually rediscovers his passion for science and helps to develop a device that can exorcise the ghosts. He also finds love again with Gabbie.

Travis: Travis is Gabbie’s son. He is initially scared of the ghosts in the mansion, but he eventually comes to see them as his friends. Travis also learns to be more courageous and to stand up for himself.

Harriet: Harriet is a psychic who is hired by Gabbie to help exorcise the ghosts. She is initially hesitant to get involved, but she eventually agrees to help. Harriet regains her confidence in her psychic abilities and helps to save the day.

Kent: Kent is a priest who is also hired by Gabbie to help exorcise the ghosts. He is initially skeptical of the paranormal, but he eventually comes to believe in ghosts. Kent also learns to be more open-minded and accepting.

Bruce: Bruce is a ghost who has been trapped in the mansion for centuries. He is initially angry and hostile, but he eventually learns to forgive and let go. Bruce also finds friendship with Gabbie and her friends.

In addition to these main characters, a number of the supporting characters also undergo development. For example, the ghosts of the mansion learn to accept each other and to live in harmony with the living.

Overall, the character development in the 2023 Haunted Mansion movie is well-done and believable. The characters each face their own challenges and grow over the course of the story. The film’s message is that it is important to be open-minded and accepting of others, even if they are different from you.

The Themes

The 2023 film adaptation of Haunted Mansion explores a number of themes, including:

Grief and loss: The film’s protagonist, Gabbie (Rosario Dawson), is a single mother who is still grieving the death of her husband. When she and her son move into a haunted mansion, they must learn to face their grief together and find a way to move on.

Family and friendship: Gabbie and her son’s bond is strengthened throughout the film as they work together to overcome the ghosts in their new home. They also find support from a team of paranormal experts who become their friends.

Overcoming evil: Gabbie and her team must use all of their resources and courage to defeat the malevolent ghost who is haunting the mansion. This represents a victory over grief, fear, and darkness.

 The power of love: In the end, Gabbie is able to defeat the ghost by showing him love. This suggests that love is the most powerful force in the universe, even stronger than death.

In addition to these main themes, the film also explores other topics such as:

 The importance of community: Gabbie and her team rely on each other for support and strength as they face the ghosts in the mansion. This suggests that we are all stronger when we work together.

 The nature of reality: The film challenges viewers to think about the nature of reality and the possibility of the supernatural.

 The importance of humor: Even in the midst of darkness and danger, Gabbie and her team find ways to laugh. This suggests that humor is an important coping mechanism and can help us to overcome even the most difficult challenges.

Overall, the 2023 film adaptation of Haunted Mansion is a fun but thought-provoking film that explores a number of important themes. It is a film that can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages, but it is also a film that will stay with you long after you have seen it.

The Direction

The 2023 Haunted Mansion movie is directed by Justin Simien, who is known for his work on the Netflix series Dear White People and the horror film Bad Hair. Simien has said that he wanted to make a Haunted Mansion movie that was both scary and funny, and that would appeal to a wide audience.

In terms of the film’s direction, Simien has said that he was inspired by the classic horror films of the 1970s, such as The Shining and The Exorcist. He also wanted to create a film that was visually stunning, and that would make the most of the Haunted Mansion’s iconic setting.

The film’s plot follows a single mom named Gabbie (Rosario Dawson) and her son Travis (Chase W. Dillon) who move into a new house, only to discover that it is haunted. Gabbie enlists the help of a psychic (Tiffany Haddish), a priest (Owen Wilson), and a historian (Danny DeVito) to help exorcise the ghosts.

The film’s direction has been praised for its style and its ability to create a sense of suspense and dread. Simien has also been praised for his casting and his direction of the film’s stars.

Here are some specific examples of Simien’s directing choices:

 He uses slow-motion and close-ups to create a sense of suspense and dread.

 He uses wide-angle shots to capture the vastness and grandeur of the Haunted Mansion.

He uses tracking shots to follow the characters as they move through the house, creating a sense of unease and claustrophobia.

 He uses low-key lighting to create a dark and atmospheric mood.

 He uses sound effects and music to create a sense of tension and fear.

Overall, Simien’s direction of the Haunted Mansion movie is stylish, atmospheric, and suspenseful. He has created a film that is both scary and funny, and that is sure to appeal to fans of the Haunted Mansion ride and to horror fans alike.

The Cinematography

The cinematography of the 2023 Haunted Mansion movie is a mix of classic Gothic horror and modern visual effects. Cinematographer Jeffrey Waldron uses a variety of techniques to create a spooky and atmospheric world, including:

 Deep focus: Waldron often uses deep focus to keep both the foreground and background in sharp focus. This creates a sense of depth and realism, and it also allows the audience to see all of the details in the elaborate sets and costumes.

 Low-key lighting: Waldron uses low-key lighting to create a sense of mystery and suspense. The shadows are often deep and dark, and the highlights are bright and stark. This creates a sense of contrast that makes the film’s visuals even more striking.

Dutch angles: Waldron uses Dutch angles (camera angles that are tilted to one side) to create a sense of unease and disorientation. This is especially effective in the film’s more suspenseful scenes.

Tracking shots: Waldron uses tracking shots (shots where the camera follows the characters as they move through the scene) to create a sense of movement and dynamism. This is especially effective in the film’s many action sequences.

 Visual effects: Waldron also uses a variety of visual effects to bring the film’s ghosts and monsters to life. These effects are generally seamless and believable, and they help to create a truly immersive experience for the audience.

Here are some specific examples of how Waldron’s cinematography is used in the film:

 In the opening scene, the camera slowly tracks through the graveyard, passing by tombstones and crypts. The deep focus allows the audience to see all of the details in the scene, and the low-key lighting creates a sense of mystery and suspense.

 In the scene where the family first arrives at the Haunted Mansion, the camera is tilted to one side (a Dutch angle) as they walk through the front door. This creates a sense of unease and disorientation, hinting at the strange things that are about to happen.

 In the scene where the family is being chased by the ghosts, the camera follows them closely as they run through the mansion’s corridors. This creates a sense of movement and dynamism, and it helps to build suspense.

 In the scene where the family encounters the Hatbox Ghost, the camera is placed inside of his hatbox. This gives the audience a unique perspective on the scene, and it helps to create a sense of claustrophobia.

Overall, the cinematography of the 2023 Haunted Mansion movie is excellent. Waldron uses a variety of techniques to create a spooky and atmospheric world that is both visually stunning and believable.

The Music

The music for the 2023 film Haunted Mansion is composed by Kris Bowers, a jazz pianist and composer who has previously worked on films such as Green Book and When They See Us. Bowers’ score for Haunted Mansion is a mix of orchestral, electronic, and jazz elements, and it perfectly captures the film’s tone of spooky fun and adventure.

The score opens with the track “His Soul Left Gloss on the Rose,” a haunting and atmospheric piece that sets the mood for the film. This is followed by the more upbeat and whimsical “The Mansion,” which introduces the viewer to the film’s titular location.

Throughout the score, Bowers uses a variety of musical devices to create a sense of suspense and excitement. For example, he often uses dissonant chords and unusual melodies to create a sense of unease. He also uses electronic elements to create a more modern and atmospheric sound.

In addition to the original score, the film also features a number of classic Disney songs, including “Grim Grinning Ghosts” and “It’s a Small World (After All).” These songs are used to create a sense of nostalgia and familiarity, and they also help to lighten the mood of the film’s more suspenseful moments.

Overall, the music of Haunted Mansion is a perfect complement to the film’s visuals and story. Bowers’ score is both spooky and fun, and it helps to create a truly unique and memorable cinematic experience.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of some of the key tracks on the soundtrack:

 His Soul Left Gloss on the Rose: This haunting and atmospheric track opens the film and sets the mood for the spooky fun and adventure that is to come.

 The Mansion: This more upbeat and whimsical track introduces the viewer to the film’s titular location.

 Photo Tour: This track features a mix of orchestral and electronic elements, and it perfectly captures the sense of wonder and excitement that the characters experience as they explore the mansion.

Ben’s First Ghost Photo: This suspenseful track plays as Ben takes his first ghost photo.

Don’t Leave After Midnight: This ominous track warns the characters of the dangers that await them if they stay at the mansion past midnight.

The Séance Room: This atmospheric track plays as the characters attempt to conduct a séance.

Ghost Wink: This playful track accompanies a scene in which the characters are being chased by ghosts.

Finding Leota: This haunting track plays as the characters search for the head of Madame Leota.

William Gracey: This ominous track introduces the film’s villain, William Gracey.

Grim Grinning Ghosts (Breakfast): This updated version of the classic Disney song is used to create a sense of suspense and excitement during a breakfast scene.

I’ll Talk to Him: This emotional track plays as one of the characters confronts her father about his dark past.

Reverse Séance: This suspenseful track plays as the characters attempt to reverse the séance that went wrong.

The Ghost Realm: This atmospheric track plays as the characters enter the ghost realm.

She Was the Best: This emotional track plays as the characters remember their lost loved ones.

Alistair Crump: This ominous track introduces the film’s secondary villain, Alistair Crump.

No Windows and No Doors: This suspenseful track plays as the characters are trapped in a room with no windows or doors.

Crump’s Hat: This playful track accompanies a scene in which the characters are trying to steal Crump’s hat.

It’s Happy Hour Somewhere: This updated version of the classic Disney song is used to create a sense of relief and celebration after the characters defeat the villains.

Ghost Chase: This suspenseful track plays as the characters are chased by ghosts through the mansion.

Bruce to the Rescue: This heroic track plays as Bruce, the butler, comes to the rescue of the characters.

Grim Grinning Ghosts (Dance Party): This upbeat and celebratory version of the classic Disney song plays as the characters celebrate their victory over the villains.

Personal opinion

My personal opinion on the 2023 movie “Haunted Mansion” is that it is a fun and visually stunning film that falls short in some areas.

The film has a lot going for it. It features a star-studded cast, including LaKeith Stanfield, Owen Wilson, Tiffany Haddish, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, and Jamie Lee Curtis. It also has a fun and spooky New Orleans setting, and the production design is top-notch. The film is also full of dazzling special effects, which bring the ghosts and ghouls of the Haunted Mansion to life in a way that has never been seen before.

However, the film also has some weaknesses. The script is a bit uneven, and the humor sometimes falls flat. The pacing of the film can also be slow at times, and the climax is a bit rushed.

Overall, I think “Haunted Mansion” is a fun and enjoyable film, but it’s not a must-see. If you’re a fan of the Disney theme park attraction, or if you’re just looking for a fun and spooky movie to watch, then I would recommend checking it out. However, if you’re looking for a critically acclaimed masterpiece, then you may want to look elsewhere.

Here are some of my specific thoughts on the film:

 Pros:

•      Star-studded cast
•      Fun and spooky New Orleans setting
•      Dazzling special effects
•      Top-notch production design

 Cons:

•      Uneven script
•      Humor sometimes falls flat
•      Pacing can be slow at times
•      The climax is a bit rushed

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