I almost became the 1000th ghost!

I'm a real Disneyland nut, and I love the Haunted Mansion ride. One can love the ride so much because it does not have something that this film does - Eddie Murphy. I know people who hate Murphy with a passion. I don't. But in the first half hour of this film, Murphy is so obnoxious that one considers suicide.

The trouble is the movie takes this long to really start up. Murphy is stuck trying to entertain us while the plot thickens. His character is about as enjoyable as watching as Dan Quayle in a Spelling Bee.

Once the show really starts it's fairly fun. The basics of the backstory were taken from the original story of the the Haunted Mansion ride. Murphy and his family end up trapped in the mansion, and must escape to save his wife from being married to a dead guy. It's not very deep. There's not even a necrophilia scene.

I do want to note Jennifer Tilly's portrayal of Madame Leota (the chick in the crystal ball). Tilly has the voice perfect, and adds attitude which never appears in the ride. She's most of the fun in the picture.

All in all, wait for cable on this one. You might need several bathroom breaks in the beginning. The Haunted Mansion is mediocre at best.

Dust Bag Full

Film Facts

Cast
• Eddie Murphy
• Terence Stamp
• Nathaniel Parker
• Marsha Thomason
• Jennifer Tilly
• Wallace Shawn
• Dina Spybey
• Marc John Jefferies
• Aree Davis
• Jim Doughan
• Rachel Harris
• Steve Hytner
• Heather Juergensen
• Jeremy Howard
• Deep Roy
• Clay Martinez
• Bridget Ann Brno
• Gregg London
• Zach Minkoff
• Shelby Grimm
• Harry J. Campbell
• William T. Lewis
• Tim Reeder
• Bob Hartley
• Cat Eberwine
• Jeremy Gilbreath
• Martin Klebba
• Dorian Martin
• Michael McAdam
• Tessa Munro
• Kelly Stables
• J. Anthony Woods

Directed by Rob Minkoff

Released in 2003

MPAA Rating: PG

Reviewed by Mongo