The Haunted Mansion (2003)

User Rating:

4.8/10   

Director:

Rob Minkoff

Writer (WGA):

David Berenbaum (written by)

Release Date:

26 November 2003 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Family | Fantasy | Horror | Mystery | Thriller

Tagline:

Check your pulse at the door... if you have one.

Plot:

Workaholic Jim Evers, his wife/business partner and their two kids are summoned to a mansion. When they discover that the place is haunted, Jim discovers an important lesson about the family he's neglected as they attempt to escape.

Plot Keywords:

Mansion | Workaholic | Secret | Ghost | Butler

Awards:

1 win & 4 nominations

Cast

Eddie Murphy	...	Jim Evers
Terence Stamp	...	Ramsley
Nathaniel Parker	...	Master Gracey
Marsha Thomason	...	Sara Evers
Jennifer Tilly	...	Madame Leota
Wallace Shawn	...	Ezra
Dina Waters	...	Emma
Marc John Jefferies	...	Michael
Aree Davis	...	Megan
Jim Doughan	...	Mr. Coleman
Rachael Harris	...	Mrs. Coleman (as Rachel Harris)
Steve Hytner	...	Mr. Silverman
Heather Juergensen	...	Mrs. Silverman
Jeremy Howard	...	Hitchhiking Ghost
Deep Roy	...	Hitchhiking Ghost

Also Known As:

Disney's The Haunted Mansion (USA) (complete title)

MPAA:

Rated PG for frightening images, thematic elements and language.

Runtime:

99 min | UK:87 min | USA:88 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

Iceland:10 | Iceland:L (video rating) | Malaysia:U | Australia:M (original rating) | Portugal:M/12 | USA:PG (certificate #40325) | South Korea:All | Argentina:Atp | Australia:PG (re-rating on appeal) | Brazil:12 | Canada:PG | Finland:K-11 | Germany:12 | Netherlands:12 | Norway:11 | Philippines:G | Singapore:PG | Spain:T | Sweden:11 | Switzerland:10 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:10 (canton of Vaud) | Switzerland:12 (canton of Zurich) | Switzerland:12 (canton of the Grisons) | UK:PG

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Walt Disney Pictures

Trivia:

The movie is based on the ride (of the same name) at the various Disney theme parks.

Goofs:

Continuity: When the Evers family first arrive at the Haunted Mansion, Jim opens the driver side window to yell for the gate to be opened. In the next shot the window is closed.

Quotes:

Master Gracey: I'm warning you, sir.
[pulls out his sword]
Master Gracey: Step away.
Jim: Man, don't think just because you pull out your sword I'm going to let you marry my wife.
Master Gracey: My patience is wearing thin.

Movie Connections:

Spin off The Haunted Mansion (2003) (VG)

Soundtrack:

Grim Grinning Ghosts

Not for lovers of the thirty-five year-old Disney attraction

Eddie Murphy? What genius thought up this lame script? Sure, they toss in a dozen homages to the original ride, but Disney flubbed a golden opportunity to create a classic film. Don't take one of the most-beloved rides from Disneyland/World, and come up with a sub-par comedy, with smart-mouthed kids, and a jabbering Eddie Murphy.

Tech credits are great, though.

Don't be fooled by the DVD's claim of a "Virtual Ride of The Haunted Mansion." I was expecting a recap of the actual park attraction, but was instead treated to a tour of the movie set.

Also, Disney....why not just AVOID crude jokes and profanity in this type of family film? The scares alone garner the rating you desire. Don't dumb this down when it's not necessary. Have you not learned ANYTHING since "Watcher in the Woods"? (And THAT was definitely creepier.)