Tyler Nyczaj, 17, of Burbank, is a senior at John Burroughs High
School.
I saw Walt Disney Picture's "The Haunted Mansion" at the El
Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. The film stars the ever-so-funny Eddie
Murphy as Jim Evers, who is a Realtor, and Marsha Thomason as his
wife, Sara. She gets a call from Edward Gracey (Nathaniel Parker),
who wishes to sell his mansion. When the Everses arrive there, the
thrills and chills begin.
The movie had many breathtaking special effects. Madame Leota
(Jennifer Tilly) was an impressive effect, appearing only as a head
in a crystal ball. The movie had some funny parts that gave the sense
it just wasn't a scary movie. Terence Stamp, who played Ramsley,
Gracey's butler, was very good. He was really creepy.
Some parts of the movie had elements from the Disneyland ride,
such as the three hitchhiking ghosts. The singing statue heads were
hilarious. Whenever Murphy tried to ask them a question, they'd sing.
After the movie, I went behind the theater to "The Haunted Mansion
Hollywood" behind-the- scenes attraction. Inside, they have actual
sets and costumes from the movie. They have a short show on the
making of the special effects. I was disappointed that it wasn't a
more hands-on experience.
They also have Kodak camera machines that allow you to take a
picture of your face and then put it on one of the characters in the
movie.
The set of the Great Hall was extraordinary. It had spider webs
all over it to give the hall the creepy effect.
They also have a game room where you can play Ping-Pong or shoot a
soft basketball through a ghost face.
I somewhat enjoyed it, although it didn't turn out to be what I
expected.
"The Haunted Mansion" film is rated PG for frightening images,
thematic elements and language.
