The Haunted Mansion

Watch The Haunted Mansion

"Check your pulse at the door... if you have one."
  • PG
  • 2003
  • 1 hr 28 min
  • 5.2  (56,502)
  • 34

"The Haunted Mansion" is a 2003 American supernatural comedy film directed by Rob Minkoff and starring Eddie Murphy, Marsha Thomason, Jennifer Tilly and Terence Stamp. Based on the Disneyland attraction of the same name, the movie tells the story of the Evers family, who get stranded at a spooky mansion on a stormy night and discover it is haunted by ghosts.

The movie begins with Edward Gracey (Nathaniel Parker), the mansion's master, having a romantic encounter with his lover, Elizabeth Henshaw (Tilly), outside the mansion. However, their love is short-lived when Edward is forced to marry someone else, and Elizabeth poisons herself. Years later, Jim Evers (Murphy), a workaholic realtor, takes his wife Sara (Thomason) and their two children, Megan (Aree Davis) and Michael (Marc John Jefferies), to meet with a potential client at Gracey Manor.

As they arrive, they are greeted by the butler, Ramsley (Stamp), who invites them inside to wait for his master. But when the storm intensifies and the family realizes they are stranded, they soon discover that the mansion is haunted by ghosts, including those of Edward and Elizabeth. Ramsley reveals that he has brought them to the mansion to help lift the curse that has been placed on it, and that they must find a mysterious key to do so. The family must then navigate throughout the mansion, facing various ghosts and supernatural obstacles in their quest to find the key and unlock the mansion's secrets.

Despite the terrifying appearances of the ghosts, the movie manages to keep a lighthearted tone throughout, thanks to the comedic performance of Eddie Murphy. His character, Jim Evers, provides most of the movie's humor with his witty one-liners and reactions to the supernatural events. Meanwhile, Sara Evers is portrayed as a more rational and practical character, who tries to solve the mystery of the mansion and protect her family from the paranormal dangers.

The movie's setting is a major element of its creepy atmosphere. The mansion's gothic architecture and gloomy interiors are beautifully designed, and its eerie creaks, howling winds and unsettling whispers create a spine-chilling atmosphere that perfectly fits the haunted house theme. The special effects are also quite impressive, with the ghosts' spectral appearances looking both realistic and imaginative.

While the movie's story is not particularly complex or original, it still manages to keep the audience engaged with its sense of adventure and exploration. As the family explores the mansion and uncovers its dark secrets, the audience is taken on a thrilling ride that includes narrow escapes, creepy discoveries and shocking twists.

In terms of acting, Eddie Murphy shines as the lead, providing his usual blend of humor, charisma and energy. Marsha Thomason also delivers a solid performance as his wife, while Jennifer Tilly adds a touch of mystery and seduction to her role as Elizabeth Henshaw. Terence Stamp brings a menacing presence as the butler Ramsley, while the rest of the supporting cast, including the various ghosts, add their own unique flair to the movie.

Overall, "The Haunted Mansion" is a fun and entertaining movie that perfectly captures the creepy yet whimsical essence of the Disneyland attraction. While it may not be the scariest or most complex haunted house movie out there, it still manages to provide plenty of thrills, laughs and family-friendly fun.

The Haunted Mansion is a 2003 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2 and a MetaScore of 34.

The Haunted Mansion
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Where to Watch The Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Disney+, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube VOD and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent The Haunted Mansion for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2003
  • MPAA Rating
    PG
  • Runtime
    1 hr 28 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.2  (56,502)
  • Metascore
    34