When it comes to Disney World, many attractions that have defined the park. Yet these attractions have not only played a pivotal role in the park’s history but have also played a role on the big screen, with the most notable being Pirates of the Caribbean. Among these attraction is none other than the thrilling ride known as the Haunted Mansion. The mansion has been a staple for Disney World, and gained its notoriety through both the ride itself and the lore surrounding it. Disney has adapted the ride to film before in 2003, but to say the movie did not achieve the same success as Pirates of the Caribbean would be an understatement. Nevertheless, Disney was determined to get their iconic ride onto the big screen and while it took some time foolish mortals can finally return to the frightening halls in the new summer blockbuster: Haunted Mansion.

The film centers on a group of strangers who find themselves haunted by the ghosts of Gracey Manor and must uncover the mystery behind the mansion and the dark entity that controls it. Development on this movie is an interesting tale to see the least. Disney has been trying to get this project off the ground as early as 2010, and there was a time when acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro was attached to the project. However, Disney decided to pass on Del Toro’s ideas and eventually the studio would eventually settled on Justin Simien to direct while Katie Dippold would develop the screenplay. While Simien and Dippold handled most of the film’s development, several creators also helped in expanding on the lore of the mansion including Guillermo Del Toro himself. Of all the Disney rides, I feel that the Haunted Mansion has the most potential to be a captivating film. So, I was curious how this new take would play out, and after seeing it I feel Haunted Mansion was not the thrilling experience I would have hoped for, but it did have its moments.

Given the material surrounding the ride, there were a lot of directions that Haunted Mansion could have taken as the lore surrounding the mansion had a lot of potential to be a grim, but entertaining, tale. However I feel that this potential is squandered in the new movie, as evident in the film’s story. The plot had some good ideas to it, but it was hindered by the film’s sporadic execution. Furthermore the plot was fairly straightforward in its structure to point where the twist the plot had lacked the necessary impact. Yet the plot was not without its merits. The story was able to utilize the lore behind the house in a coherent manner; and despite its inconsistent the story could be captivating when it needed which was evident in certain scenes that brought some life to this spooky tale.

As for the cast, Haunted Mansion featured a group of vibrant but fickle characters. Lakeeth Stanfield was solid in role as Ben. Between his inner conflict and decent development, Ben made for a fitting protagonist for the movie. Equally as enjoyable was Rosario Dawson as Gabbie. The house owner was simplistic in her direction but Dawson’s performance brought the right energy to the character. Gabbie’s son Travis (Case W. Dillion) was decent in his role as well, though I do think the character needed to be fleshed out more. Cementing the group the principal cast were none other than Owen Wilson (Father Kent), Tiffany Haddish (Harriet) and Danny DeVito (Bruce). While they could be too eccentric in their roles, this trio brought something to the movie; and even had a few surprising moments along the way. When it came to the ghosts themselves, the specters did not have much character to stand out with one exception being Madame Leota (Jamie Lee Curtis)-though her presence was minimal. However if there was one character that stood out it was none other than the villainous Hatbox Ghost (Jared Leto). Between his foreboding presence and grim charm, this ghoul left an impression and showed a lot potential as both horror monster and a Disney villain.

Going into the movie I was not expecting Haunted Mansion to be a horror film as it does resigned in the House of Mouse. However what the movie delivered in this area was a tame haunt to be sure. The movie was a horror comedy which was expected, but I feel it was rather inconsistent in both areas. The horror was mildly gripping while the comedy could be excessive in its execution. Another conflicting aspect for the movie’s sense of visuals. While the effects were efficient in capturing moments from the ride, but other visuals looked off putting in their execution. When it came the music the score by Kris Bowers was appropriate as it was able capture the songs that surround the ride and blending it with movie’s original compositions; and this combination made for a catchy soundtrack.

Haunted Mansion is not what I would call a frightening ride. While the film presents some good ideas, its erratic execution in its direction made it difficult to enjoy. However the latest movie on the ride did have some merits. While both the story and characters could have been stronger, both had were captivating enough to be enjoyable; and though the presentation was inconsistent it hit in right places particularly when capturing the ride itself. It is unfortunate that this attraction still does not have the most compelling of renditions. However, for what it is worth, I think another visit probable as this is Disney film is a lighthearted experience.