Article Title: Disney’s Haunted Mansion Premieres Amidst Actors’ Strike: Early Reactions Are Mostly Positive
In a groundbreaking move, Disney chose to premiere its highly anticipated film, Haunted Mansion, without the presence of actors due to the ongoing strike by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). Directed by Justin Simien, the movie is a captivating adaptation inspired by the iconic ride at the Disneyland Resort theme park.
Despite the unconventional circumstances, early reactions to Haunted Mansion have been overwhelmingly positive. Esteemed film critic Steven Weintraub from Collider commended Simien and screenwriter Katie Dippold for their fantastic work in bringing the beloved Disney ride to life on the big screen. Praising it as a “love letter” to the attraction, POC Culture editor emphasized that the film successfully combines a family-friendly thriller with the spooky charm of the Haunted Mansion.
One of the film’s standout aspects is its incredible cast, led by the remarkable LaKeith Stanfield. Critics have showered praise on the actors for their outstanding and hilarious performances. Furthermore, Haunted Mansion is filled with enjoyable cameos, clever references to the ride, and an ample dose of jump scares that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Katie Dippold’s exceptional writing skills were also praised, particularly her ability to delicately tackle themes of death and grief while maintaining a fine balance between humor and horror. Nightmarish Conjuring’s founder commended her for weaving together a compelling story that captivates viewers throughout the film.
Described as an entertaining movie for the entire family, Haunted Mansion offers plenty of fun scares for kids and numerous Easter eggs for Disney parks fans, according to Joseph Deckelmeier from Screenrant. However, journalist Laura Sirikul expressed mild skepticism about the decision to release the film in summer, questioning why it wasn’t timed for Halloween. Nevertheless, she found the movie thoroughly entertaining, with an excellent blend of humor and scares.
The star-studded cast of Haunted Mansion includes LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, and many more, promising an unforgettable movie experience for audiences.
Horror enthusiasts and Disney fans alike can mark their calendars, as Haunted Mansion is set to open in theaters on July 28. With its fusion of comedy, thrills, and nods to the timeless Disney attraction, this film is sure to keep audiences captivated and entertained.
