Rating: 
Summary: Flat !!
Review: There is only one word that comes to mind when reviewing this movie........... FLAT !It's not funny, not scary, not action packed, not a drama.... I don't know what they were aiming for here. I wanted to love this movie because I am a Haunted Mansion fanatic... I own every souvenier, sound effects album, copy of blueprints, etc.... available on the Haunted Mansion attraction and it's history. Regarding the movie, it was nice to see them use Walt's original idea for the architecture and the original 1950's Gracey mansion legend.
Maybe only die-hard Doombuggy fans picked up on this dedication trivia.... BUT... the movie just did not come together in a successful way like Pirates did last year. It is probably still good family entertainment for 90 minutes or so... but nothing that will leave a lasting memory or impression. It felt like a movie "made by committee" where so many different people's input collided in such a way the movie just plodded along with no real life or "spark".
Rating:
Summary: Eddie Murphy's Charm Is What Makes It.....
Review: Well, my parents are both real estate agents, so they, as well as my brother and I, got a real kick out of the real estate humor that the movie sported early in the movie. But the movie quickly went downhill after that. The idea of putting the cherished Disney ride into a movie is pretty awesome when you think of it, but I felt that the movie did no justice to the ride. If I had to describe this movie in ten words or less, I would say it was 'lame, but had some good points.' If there was no Eddie Murphy in the movie, it would be a waste of effort, time, and money, but since he was in the movie, I can't say the movie completely stunk. I felt the ending of the movie was rushed, it just ends with the family driving.....I don't even think they mention it, with those talking head-sculptures on the roof. I, presonally, didn't like the ending at all. I think the movie might be a litte too scary for kids under 8. I think perhaps the movie is scarier than the ride. I wouldn't just assume if a kid could handle the ride that they could thoroughly enjoy the movie. But it's a hard assumption, because Eddie Murphy's charm seems to make the movie great for kids. It's a tough call. In the movie, some parts were scary, and some parts were just weird. Like, for instance, Sarah Evers was forced to drink poison so she would die and live with some guy who thinks she is his long-lost love, but instead of dying, some angel or something comes along and goes into her body, and she comes back to life. Weird, right? Also, at the beginning of the movie, during the opening credits, the movie briefly shows, well, the story you see in the ride. And in it it shows that the guy hung himself. I think the movie should have been triggered to a specific audience. Kids or Teens to Adults. Some parts were really scary/weird and some parts were just silly and funny. I would rent this movie before buying it if you hadn't already seen it.
Rating: 
Summary: Too frightenning for kids, too dull for adults.
Review: Eddie Murphy returns to his family oriented material and the end result is less than stellar.
Basically this is a retelling of the overused people stranded in a spooky mansion that goes back to black and white classics like The Cat and The Canary and William Castle's House on Haunted Hill. The spirit of a young man who committed suicide over the loss of his young bride to be haunts a huge, decrepit house. As luck would have it, Eddie Murphy's wife is a dead ringer for the young man's departed love, so the lovelorn ghost lures Eddie, his wife and two young children to the mansion with predictable results.
This is the second film to be based on a Disney attraction in a short while, and let me assure you this is no Pirates of the Carribean. The plotting and pace is much too slow and tedious to be of any interest to adults and this story has been done a million times previous with more enjoyable results. The main problem is that it is just not funny, even the outtake reel on the DVD, arguably the funniest part of the DVD is rather dull and flat.
Another big problem is that many of the thematic elements are just too intense for younger kids, the opening scene of the aforementioned young man's suicide by hanging is particularly troubling as is a very frightenning scene in a mausoleum where hordes of reanimated, decaying corpses descend upon Eddie and his young daughter.
I will admit that the special effects of the ghosts in the cemetary were very impressive and another scene with animated statues singing barbershop quartet style was quite enjoyable and fun.
In closing, the dvd is nothing special either with the requisite documentary, commentary track and outtake reel included. Even the interactive tour of the haunted mansion induced tedium and boredom. I would really only recommend this film to mature pre-teens who are fans of Eddie Murphy and/or routine ghost stories.
Rating: 
Summary: It's Good!
Review: Eddie Murphy stars as Jim Evers, one half of Evers and Evers Real Estate. At Evers and Evers, they want to keep you happy for evers and evers. But Jim's addiction to his work is starting to affect his relationships at home. Even his wife and business partner, Sara Evers, is losing patience with him. When a couple of new customers cause Jim to miss an anniversary date with his wife, that's the last straw. He has to promise a full, family weekend at the lake to make up for it. So Jim, Sara, and their preteen kids, Megan and Michael, are all set for a fun little vacation when the phone rings at the last minute.
It's just a quick little stop off at the Gracey Manor in New Orleans, what's the worst that could happen? The owners want to sell. Too many...bad memories. But in no time, the family finds they must stay the night as a sudden rainstorm has flooded the road. The wife and kids aren't thrilled, the creepy butler Ramsley and the suspicious staff were enough to put them off, but Jim is overwhelmed at the idea of selling the huge place. And Mr. Gracey is thrilled to have them, especially Sara, who reminds him so much of someone he loved long ago. It doesn't take long before we realize that a plot is underfoot. It also doesn't take long before we discover that the inhabitants of Gracey Manor aren't what they seem to be. In no time, the movie gets kicked into high gear, as the Evers family members find themselves on a quest to save their beloved Sara from a houseful of restless spirits! "The Haunted Mansion" is far better than most people might lead you to believe. Had it come out after Disney's "The Country Bears," it might have been hailed as a fantastic achievement (unless people just avoided it), but on the heels of "Pirates of the Caribbean," well, how can a cute little family comedy compete with one of the greatest action/adventure films ever made? Still, when judged on its own merit, Haunted Mansion is a fine film, well worth purchasing and repeat viewing. With the fantastic skills of effects master Rick Baker and the comedic talent of Eddie Murphy, along with another of Disney's best rides as a basis and several nods to it throughout, the fact that the film could probably have been better isn't enough to detract from the fact that it IS quite good. I mean, most movies could be "better." If you judge everything like that, you probably only actually like about 4 or 5 movies. Now, I'm not saying this movie doesn't have some obvious flaws. Marsha Thomason may be beautiful, but her acting is pretty bad. Perhaps she was focusing too much on hiding her accent. And sure, the film could have been funnier, and it could have had more scary moments, though that Zombie sequence was pretty darn good. Overall, "The Haunted Mansion" is a highly satisfying night of entertainment. If you're a fan of the ride, it should be all the more fun, and the rewatchability level is pretty high on this one. Definitely not the total disappointment it was made out to be. I purchased this one not sure what to expect, and was pleasantly surprised. The extras on the disc are pretty good too, though I would have loved to have seen more, including some of the old Disney TV programs about the ride. I'm surprised the cartoon "Lonesome Ghosts" wasn't included on this one, since it seems to be on every spooky Disney release. The behind the scenes stuff was pretty neat though. At any rate, I'm happy to give this film a thumbs up! Loved the singing busts and hitchhiking ghosts, and Madame Leota was pretty cool too! Props to Jennifer Tilly for pulling off a role that I had originally wanted Phyllis Diller to play. The only thing missing was Don Knotts as the Groundskeeper!
Rating: 
Summary: wish i could give it less
Review: as a fan of the ride. i was worried. i saw a preview and thought "eh, might be alright." boy was i wrong. funniest parts are whent hey insulted Eddie Murphy.
they butchered the ride to amke it "oh i know this part". Paul Frees' genius is long and forgotten in this 1 and 1/2 hour sleep machine. they based too much of the movie on opresumptions and guesses about the ride and did too little with what they actually had. stay away from this Mansion and goto Disney World and get a better bang for your buck.
Rating:
Summary: Scary for Kids, Tame for Adults, But Fun
Review: Jim Evers is committed to his real estate business, almost to the exclusion of his wife, also his partner in business, and kids. When they are offered an exclusive listing on a stately manor outside of town, it's too much for him to resist, and he insists on stopping on the way to a weekend trip. While they are eating dinner (they didn't seem to have much of a choice), a fierce storm comes up they are trapped for the night. The old place is creepy, however. As the characters get separated, they start to find strange things going on. Slowly, Jim and his kids begin to realize they must solve a mystery if any of them are going to get out alive. Unfortunately for this movie, it came out so soon after PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN that the comparisons would be inevitable. It had huge shoes to fill, and comes up short. It is a fun movie in its own right, however, and deserves a look. The plot turns into a decent mystery that had me confused for most of the time. It does feature family movie cliches (workaholic dad, kid with a certain fear they'll have to over come), but builds in enough other plot elements these are kept to a minimum. Fans of the ride at Disneyland will find lots of fun nods to the inspiration to keep them entertained. There are funny moments throughout the movie. Probably my favorite gag was with the singing busts. I may have been the only person in the theater to get it, but any fan of barbershop quartets will appreciate it. I've never been a fan of Eddie Murphy, and I did find his over the top acting to be annoying. But the other actors stepped up to the plate and kept me intrigued in spite of the lead. I especially enjoyed seeing Wallace Shawn in a hilarious turn as one of the mansion's servants trying to help Jim and the kids solve the mystery. Don't be deceived, this movie will scare young kids. It is half comedy and half jump fest that works remarkably well. It's a tad creepier then the ride, so don't just use that as a guide. It would probably be best to watch it first and determine how your kids will react. Disney has done this DVD right with a nice widescreen transfer and surround sound. In addition, they've got some great behind the scenes features and my favorites - outtakes and deleted scenes. Those looking for a light scary movie will enjoy this. Just make sure your kids won't get nightmares first. A good film to make a family Halloween tradition.
Rating: 
Summary: A Haunted Mansion For The Kid In All of Us
Review: The Haunted Mansion film is not as bad as some will lead you to believe. Actually The Haunted Mansion is a throwback to movies
like William Castle's original 13 Ghosts (1960) and Don Knotts'
The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1965). The ghosts play it straight and dead serious and leaves the comedy to Eddie Murphy and family. There are also many scenes that reference Disney's theme
park ride. Such as the singing busts, the ballroom waltz complete with a ghostly organist, and the hitch hiking ghosts even get their cameos. The story is very simple. A nice family
is trapped overnight in The Haunted Mansion, trying to find a
way out. There is also a subplot that deals with reincarnation,
and a 122 year old murder mystery. A really fun movie. My favorite scene: The Gothic Mausoleum. Rick Baker has produced
the best rotting, skeletal walking corpses I have ever seen.
Seemingly straight out of a 1950s EC horror comic.
So if retro horror comedy is to your liking you will love
The Haunted Mansion movie.
Rating:
Summary: WORST MOVIE EVER!!!!
Review: THIS MOVIE IS SO BAD THAT IT GAVE ME TOO MANY NIGHTMARES ON MY BEST FRIEND MEGAN. THE EDDIE MURPHY CHARACTER WAS REALLY ANNOYING AND REALLY BORING. ALSO, THE OTHER CHARACTER OF JIM EVRES'S WIFE SARAH IS MENTALLY RETARDED AND SHE SHOULD WHACK HERSELF IN THE HEAD WITH A BASEBALL BAT. I HAD THE BIGGEST NIGHTMARE THAT EVENING WHERE I SAW LIKE SOME NASTY PERSON READY TO KILL MY BEST FRIEND WITH A HORRIBLE GUN SHOT AND AN ARROW!!! THE PLOT WAS THAT A FAMILY GOES INTO THE HAUNTED MANSION ON A RAINY NIGHT AND THEY WANT TO GET OUT. THIS MOVIE SHOULD HAD NEVER HAD BEEN PRODUCED AND WHOEVER DIDN'T SEE THE MOVIE WHEN IT WAS OUT IN THEATRES AND THEY OWN IT ON DVD OR VIDEO AND THEY HATE IT, THEY SHOULD PROBABLY THROW IT IN THE GARBAGE OR BURN THE DVD OR VIDEO. ONCE AGAIN, DON'T SPEND YOUR MONEY ON THIS AWFUL EDDIE MURPHY COMEDY.
Rating:
Summary: A simple yet entertaining movie.
Review: I can be very short on my review...
The movie is just like the themepark attraction: simple and clean fun...for young AND old. It isn't the most sophisticated movie ever made, but we have allready seen that in PotC. The movie is entertaining from begin to end and captures the feeling of the original ride. Don't expect a horror-fest or a "bruce allmighty"-like comedy though....just a great - don't have to think about anything - evening on the couch with a loads of popcorn.
Rating:
Summary: DECENT MOVIE BUT MORE FOR KIDS
Review: Haunted Mansion is yet another Disney Movie based upon a Disney park attraction. Following on the heels of Pirates of the Caribbean and The Country Bears, Comes the Haunted Mansion, based on my favorite Disney ride. Eddie Murphy continues his transformation into a family actor as he follows up his Dr. Dolittle and Daddy Day Care movies with yet another effort geared towards families. Eddie plays Jim Evers a real estate agent whose ambitions are keeping him from spending time with wife and partner Sara (Marsha Thomason) and kids Michael (Marc John Jefferies) and Megan (Aree Davis). On the way to a long-postponed family weekend, Jim has to stop to case a new listing: a hulking gothic edifice with a cemetery for a backyard. The tear-down potential is great, but "Haunted Mansion" doesn't go that way.It goes inside, of course, where the master of the house, Edward Gracey (Nathaniel Parker), dresses in Dorian gray and seems a little vaporous about the gills. So do the butler, Ramsley (Terence Stamp), the footman (Wallace Shawn), and the housemaid (Dina Waters). I haven't even mentioned the crystal ball in the attic that contains the green, glowing head of Jennifer Tilly. Edward takes one look at Sara and is convinced she is the reincarnation of his long-lost beloved Elizabeth, whom he couldn't marry for reasons the movie is too busy or too graceful to specify. Nor can I blame him, since Thomason, a trained British actress, has a delicate beauty that outclasses everything else here. No matter; Jim and the children have to rush around and find a key that opens a trunk that contains a letter that discloses the true villain of the piece. Like "Pirates of the Caribbean," "Mansion" indulges every cliche of its genre, like the bust on the desk whose movable head opens the door to the secret passageway. That should be part of the fun, but it all feels as rote as Murphy's performance. The fluid editing, Mark Mancina's Danny Elfmanesque score, and some nicely calibrated special effects keep the film moving along, and Disneyland freaks will enjoy ticking off the bits of the ride that have made it on-screen, but there's none of the wild-card energy Depp and Geoffrey Rush brought to "Pirates." With his sepulchral stare and mortician's intonations, Stamp tries -- oh, does he try -- but he can't lift the movie up to his level. Is it scary? In a theme-park sort of way: i.e., lots of "boo!" moments but nothing that really sticks. The only scene that might induce some bed-wetting is when Jim and Megan try to get the key from a mausoleum full of shambling corpses (it's like the "Thriller" video with better effects). But it's worth noting that neither of the kids seem particularly distressed by anything that transpires in "Haunted Mansion." The real star of Mansion however is the house and its inhabitants as created by the famous creature creator Rick Baker. There are secrets in each room and hallway - sliding walls open to reveal lost passageways; tombs cover entrances to elaborate underground caverns filled with zombies; statues and paintings come alive to reap a playful havoc. The heads of one particular group of statues slows down Jim Ever's chicken race by singing entertaining tunes like a barbershop quartet would. The DVD has pretty decent special features which bring its grade up a bit with multiple commentaries, bloopers, deleted scenes, making of documentary, and a few other goodies. Good family horror movie...Not too scary, but scary enough to get the little ones hair standing on end.
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