In 2023, Disney's “Haunted Mansion” returns to theaters with a fresh take on the classic theme-park ride. While the 2003 film version was widely considered a failure, this new iteration manages to deliver as frisky PG-13 family fun. Although it falls short of the immense success of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" film franchise, it is more than just a lazy brand extension.

The film follows the story of Gabbie, portrayed by the reliably compelling Rosario Dawson, who moves into Gracey Manor, a decrepit New Orleans mansion she found on Zillow, with her 9-year-old son Travis, played by Chase Dillon. Both Gabbie and Travis are grieving their respective losses - Gabbie is a widow and Travis is missing his father. The movie explores the uncommon connection between Gabbie and a grieving astrophysicist named Ben Matthias, played by LaKeith Stanfield.

The script, written by Katie Dippold, fails to fully develop themes of race, loss, and isolation, but director Justin Simien manages to sneak in some subversive elements. When Gabbie seeks help from Father Kent, played by the shaggily amusing Owen Wilson, to rid her house of ghosts, he turns to skeptical Ben, who had earlier invented a camera capable of seeing into the spirit world. As reality and the afterlife collide, the characters embark on a journey where the ghosts from the mansion follow them home until they return.

To keep things light, Simien brings in a team of comic all-stars, including Tiffany Haddish as a nutso medium, Danny DeVito as a professor, and Jamie Lee Curtis as Madame Leota, a disembodied head in a crystal ball. Jared Leto also makes an appearance as the Hatbox Ghost, a pivotal role in the story.

While the new “Haunted Mansion” is an improvement on its predecessor, it does have its weaknesses. The film stretches the nine-minute ride into an overlong 122 minutes, wearing out its welcome. The lack of commitment to fully embracing the dark and creative potential of the story leaves audiences with a sense of missed opportunities.

Overall, “Haunted Mansion” offers escapist entertainment but falls short of being truly haunting. Despite its flaws, the film manages to provide enjoyable family fun, thanks in large part to the talented ensemble cast. Whether it will have the same lasting impact as the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise remains to be seen. Nonetheless, it is a step in the right direction for the “Haunted Mansion” brand.