"The Haunted Mansion" (2003) is still one of my guilty pleasures!

The Haunted Mansion (2003) has definitely become one of my guilty pleasures. I’ve probably watched it around eight times now, first on TV when it came out, then on various Streaming Platforms over the years. Every rewatch reminds me why it’s such a nostalgic favorite for me, especially around Halloween. I never understood the criticism it got back then (or still get´s today) because honestly, it’s just plain fun!

To me, the characters are one of the movie's biggest strengths. Eddie Murphy as "Jim Evers" is hilarious as the somewhat clueless real estate Agent, and his character stays funny without ever crossing into annoying territory. He keeps you laughing from start to finish, and the rest of the cast brings their own charm, too. Really liked Terence Stamp as "Ramsley", or Jenifer Tilly as "Leota". Every character has their place, and even if some actors stand out more than others, they’re all likable and add to the movie’s fun vibe.

And let’s not forget the set design, seriously impressive. The Great Hall and the Crypt look straight out of a classic haunted mansion, creating a perfect atmosphere without going overboard. Every room in these Scenes feels carefully crafted. The creature designs were also really cool, cause they add a creepy but fun vibe that feels right for this kind of family-friendly horror. Some of the CGI Effects aged not that great, but they didn´t go overboard with it so it doesn´t bothered me too much.

Also the story itself is easy to follow, and it has a good flow from start to finish. It doesn’t feel overloaded with random twists or characters, which is one of the main reasons i prefer it over the 2023 version, which felt scattered by comparison. The 2003 movie keeps things simple, which makes it much more enjoyable.

Mark Mancina’s score is another highlight. The music is haunting and atmospheric, always setting a perfect tone for both the spooky and funny parts.

And, of course, there are those classic scenes that make The Haunted Mansion unforgettable for me: The Opening Scene, the Singing Busts, the Crypt, Madame Leota’s Séance. These are the moments that stay with you, and they’re a big part of why i keep coming back to this movie. They make it memorable in a way the 2023 Version could not, even though it tried to throw in almost every character from the ride.

Now, i just watched it again for Halloween 2024, and it hasn’t lost any of its charm. I honestly don’t get the hate. It’s entertaining from start to finish. If i had to pick, i would watch this over the new 2023 Version any day. And i gave the new Version a chance. But i can´t remember anything about it other then the cast was good (and that it was very dark).

That said, i’d still love to see someone take a shot at adapting Phantom Manor from Disneyland Paris. With its darker, more mysterious vibe, it could make for an incredible companion movie to the 2003 Haunted Mansion.