It seemed like everyone had forgotten about 2023’sHaunted Mansion— until now. Justin Simien’s picture, based on the classic Disneyland ride The Haunted Mansion, follows single mom Gabbie (Rosario Dawson), who hires a variety of experts to exorcise her new house after discovering that it is inhabited by ghosts.
While this movie sits at a dismal Rotten Tomatoes score of 38%, the ride’s loose premise of a Louisiana mansion ridden with spirits was previously adapted into2003’sHaunted Mansion, led by Eddie Murphy, which has a score of 18%. However,such “bad” movies, especially with such star-studded casts, often come back aroundon streaming.
What Being A Streaming Hit Means For Haunted Mansion
Haunted Mansion Could Still Achieve Cult Classic Status
Haunted Mansionhas a quirky aesthetic and tone, and a lot of veritable A-listers doing their best with the material they are given,and it is seemingly the right kind of bad to be entertaining to a lot of people. It also represents a special kind of nostalgia for those who have visited Disneyland and adore the ride, or are even fans of the Eddie Murphy movie.
Disney has also recently shared some POV short films of Disneyland rides for the theme park’s 70th anniversary,which is potentially the reason for the 2023 film’s sudden popularity (more people have likely already seenPirates of the Caribbean). The combination of these developments could create a lasting fondness for the campy way the movie pays homage to the ride.
Our Take On Haunted Mansion’s Popularity On Streaming
Why Not Enjoy This Haunted Summer Experience?
The streaming era has uplifted many pulpy popcorn movies,providing a selection for people who just want to watch something fun and easy, are adhering to some kind of theme, or are seeking more content from their favorite actors. Even if they are watchingHaunted Mansionto make fun of it, when it is readily accessible, they might as well enjoy it.
Haunted Mansionis seemingly the perfect movie to gain this kind of following, two years after its lackluster release. Disney has never achieved the critical success of the firstPirates of the Caribbeanwith another ride-inspired summer blockbuster, but they have succeeded, to some extent, in bringing home the feeling of the most iconic theme park attractions, which people can still appreciate.
