Common Sense Media Review
Spooky movie based on Disneyland ride has scares, innuendo.
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The Haunted Mansion
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 25 parent reviews
Parents say the movie is a mixed bag, with some finding it entertaining and fun for the family, particularly fans of the Disney attraction, while others criticize it for containing inappropriate content and being too scary for young viewers. Many reviewers note the strong comedic elements brought by Eddie Murphy but express concern about the film's themes and language, suggesting it may need a higher age rating than advertised.
- too scary
- inappropriate content
- comedic elements
- mixed reviews
- age rating concerns
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 30 kid reviews
What's the Story?
During a family trip with his wife, Sara (Marsha Thomason), and two kids, workaholic realtor Jim Evers (Eddie Murphy) decides to check out a tip he'd gotten from a mysterious caller about THE HAUNTED MANSION outside of town. After the Evers family arrives, a storm rolls in to the bayou, forcing the family to stay as overnight guests in the spooky household of Edward Gracey (Nathaniel Parker) and his butler, Ramsley (Terence Stamp). Once the doors slam shut, the family must solve the mystery of the spooky mansion before they can leave.
Is It Any Good?
Inspired by Disneyland's iconic ride, this spooky family comedy is about as original as you might expect (which is to say, not very). Director Rob Minkoff doesn't pull off the surprising treat that was Pirates of the Caribbean. But he does turn a six-minute ride into a 90-minute picture with a plot as thin as a spiderweb and as predictable as a Scooby-Doo episode.
The Haunted Mansion drags, despite the near-constant rushing of Jim and his children between clues. Though Jim's spiel is a lighthearted patter, jokes about "knockers" and "whacking it" feel smarmy. Madame Leota (Jennifer Tilly) and the barbershop quartet add a little life, but you have to wonder at a movie where disembodied heads deliver the movie's most interesting performances. Thomason shows little acting range, while Stamp's effortless performance appears to tap the actor's immense desire to be out of the movie.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about priorities and how different characters in The Haunted Mansion seem to prioritize different things. Does this happen in your own life? How do you balance your own needs with those of loved ones?
How does this movie compare with other haunted house movies? Were the scary moments too scary for younger kids?
In what ways is this movie similar to the 2023 Disney film Haunted Mansion? What areas are different? Does this movie feel outdated in comparison, or does it hold up well over time?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 26, 2003
- On DVD or streaming : April 20, 2004
- Cast : Eddie Murphy , Jennifer Tilly , Terence Stamp
- Director : Rob Minkoff
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Buena Vista
- Genre : Thriller
- Topics : Fantasy
- Run time : 85 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : frightening images, thematic elements and language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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