This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 35. You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

A Ghostly Good Time with “Haunted Mansion” 👻

Hey there, friends! 🌟

It’s your friendly amateur neighborhood movie reviewer here, and oh boy, do I have a treat for you! Remember how I’ve been itching to see “Haunted Mansion” since its big screen debut? Well, I finally watched it, and folks, it was a ghostly blast! Directed by the incredibly talented Justin Simien, this 2023 film is a hauntingly delightful ride. 🎢👻

First things first, those of you who have been following me for awhile know I can never resist a good ghost story (I even wrote a series of books about ghosts!). There’s just something about things that go bump in the night that gets my adrenaline pumping! And “Haunted Mansion”? It’s like a rollercoaster ride through a ghostly paradise. 👻🎢

The plot? It’s a wild, whimsical adventure that had me at the edge of my seat (and not just because I spilled my popcorn). So, the story revolves around a mother (Rosario Dawson) and her nine-year-old son (Chase Dillon) who, in classic haunted house style, unknowingly move into a mansion that’s, you guessed it, haunted. And I’m talking really, really haunted. But here’s the twist – it’s not just any old ghost. These spirits (and there are a lot of them!) have sass and secrets that could give Casper a run for his money!

But what really took this movie to the next level for me were the side characters, especially the ones played by Owen Wilson, Tiffany Haddish, LaKeith Lee Stanfield and Danny DeVito. 🌟. These four are like the ultimate ghost-busting squad, peppered with over-the-top silliness.

Owen Wilson, with his signature laid-back style, took on the role of the priest, and boy, did he deliver! His character was this delightful mix of skepticism and accidental bravery. Watching him navigate the ghostly chaos with a mix of bewilderment and dry humor was just hilarious. His comedic timing and those classic Owen Wilson expressions made every scene he was in a treat. 🕊️🙏

Then we have Tiffany Haddish as the medium. She was an absolute powerhouse! Her character was larger than life, sassy, and so, so funny. The way she conducted séances with flair and drama, you’d think she was hosting a talk show for the spirits. 🔮💫

LaKeith Lee Stanfield’s played a paranormal photographer (did you know there was even such a thing?). He played a key role in the film, bringing a unique blend of intensity and vulnerability. His character’s journey throughout the movie added depth to the storyline, intertwining with the supernatural elements in a way that was both intriguing and emotionally resonant. His performance was a standout, showcasing his range and talent in a genre that combines both humor and horror. 🌟👻

And let’s not forget Danny DeVito as the professor – a role he was born to play. His character was this eccentric, paranormal-loving genius, and every moment with him was pure gold. The way he brought a sense of wonder and excitement to the haunted happenings in the mansion added a fantastic layer of comedy and charm to the film. 📚🔧

The dynamic between all the characters was one of the highlights of the movie. They each brought their unique style to the table, creating a symphony of laughs and quirky moments. Whether they were facing off against the mischievous ghosts or unraveling the mysteries of the mansion, their chemistry was undeniable.

Oops, I almost forgot to mention the most spine-chilling part of “Haunted Mansion” – the evil ghost! 😱 So, gather ’round, fellow thrill-seekers, because this part of the story is where things get really juicy.

Nestled among the playful and mischievous spirits in the mansion is one ghost who’s not just haunting the halls – they’re downright terrifying. This ghost is like the head honcho of haunts, the big bad of the spirit world. Picture this: a menacing presence with a bone-chilling aura that could freeze your soul. The kind of ghost that makes the other ghosts go, “Nope, not messing with that one.” 👻

The brilliance of the film lies in how it builds up this dark entity’s backstory. It’s not just your typical ‘boo, I’m scary’ kind of deal. There’s depth and darkness, a twisted tale that unravels as the family uncovers the secrets of the mansion. And let me tell you, the reveal is a doozy – it’s like a plot twist had a baby with another plot twist. 🌀

The evil ghost brings a whole new level of suspense and tension to the movie. Every creak of the floorboard, every flicker of the lights – you’re left wondering if it’s them. And the confrontations? Oh boy, they’re like epic showdowns between the living and the not-so-living. It’s this thrilling cat-and-mouse game that keeps you glued to the screen. The evil ghost in “Haunted Mansion” adds that perfect touch of horror to the film’s comedic and whimsical vibe. It’s the cherry on top of a deliciously spooky sundae.

But it’s not all spooky and scary. The film is sprinkled with a delightful dose of humor that had me chuckling in between my shrieks. The script is witty, the comedic timing is on point, and the jokes? Well, they’re dead funny! 💀😂. The humor is a delightful blend of witty one-liners and slapstick that had me laughing out loud.

In short (though this review has ended up being anything but short), “Haunted Mansion” is a ghostly gem that’s worth the watch. It’s got the chills, the thrills, and a whole lot of laughs. So grab your popcorn, snuggle under a blanket (for protection, obviously), and get ready for a hauntingly good time!

And that’s the scoop on “Haunted Mansion.” Trust me, you’ll want to see it for yourself. Until then, happy ghost hunting! 👻🔦

Catch you tomorrow,
Roger 🌟🎥👋