Disney once again attempts to bring the magic of the beloved Disneyland attraction to life on the big screen – but doesn’t really have enough tricks up its sleeve to engage the audience.
In fact, pound-for-pound it’s not anywhere near as endearing as the 20-year-old original effort from Eddie Murphy, that managed to get an ardent fan base over time.
For anyone that's seen the trailer, you'll know that this instalment boasts a great cast (Get Out star LaKeith Stanfield, Owen Wilson, Daniel Levy, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jared Leto, Danny DeVito etc) with promises of an entertaining experience. However, it falls short of its potential due to the excessive length and unimaginative delivery – as Dawson’s Mum calls in the experts when she realises her new mansion home is haunted.
The main issue is the run-time, which feels unnecessarily long for a family-oriented film – especially for the younger demographic. And the slow pacing and underdeveloped plot make the first two acts drag on, leaving audiences waiting for the real excitement to kick-in.
Which it never really does to any degree, even when the film does eventually find its stride during the third act. But by then many viewers may find themselves bored or disengaged before reaching that point.
The ensemble on hand is undoubtedly talented – featuring notable actors who've proven their abilities in various genres (with Stanfield arguably as the stand-out) – but unfortunately their performances in this film often feel lifeless (no pun intended) and at times, lacking any genuine enthusiasm.
It’s as if the actors were merely going through the motions, rather than fully immersing themselves in their roles. This lack of commitment is evident in the delivery of the comedic elements, where many jokes fall flat due to half-hearted execution.
Despite these shortcomings, the film does have some redeeming qualities. The production design and visual effects create an eerie atmosphere that captures the essence of the original Disneyland attraction – while also incorporating references to iconic scenes and characters from that ride.
However, these nods may not be enough to compensate for the film’s overall poor pacing and lack of genuine thrills.
Which leaves this spooky mansion as a major missed development opportunity – offering very little in the way of haunting qualities.
ESP Rating: 2.5/5
Mikey Clarke
Showcase Cinema De Lux Peterborough, Out Now
Cast: LaKeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson, Owen Wilson, Tiffany Haddish, Danny Devito, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chase W Dillon, Daniel Levy, Winona Ryder & Jared Leto
Running Time: 2 Hrs 3 Mins
Director: Justin Simien
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