Movie Review # 748: Casper (1995)

Everyone, today, we review a film that was released 30 years ago, and got re-released in theaters in honor of that being the case. And hey, with Halloween being this month, it was likely fitting for a film like this ghost story to be re-released this month, in October, eh? Anyway, today, let’s discuss Casper.

Plot: After heiress Carrigan (Cathy Moriarity) gets a will to Whiplash Manor in Friendship, Maine, she is convinced by ghost Casper (Malachi Pearson) to contact ghost therapist, Dr. James Harvey (Bill Pullman) to come to the mansion, and investigate, as the manor is occupied by Casper, and other ghosts. Though Harvey, and his daughter, Kat (Christina Ricci) are initially frightened of the ghosts that live there, will they warm up to the ghost occupants, and/or convince other humans to warm up to them, while trying to prevent Carrigan, and her lawyer, Dibs (Eric Idle) from grabbing a treasure that’s hidden in the manor?

Well, though this was a story about ghosts, this film knows how to make things fun for its audience, all audiences, kids, teens, and adults, alike. Still, there were some issues that the film, Casper, had. For one, there were some moments that didn’t seem to make a whole lot of sense, especially when it came to some of the characters making decisions that didn’t seem to make a whole lot of sense. This film did also have a couple plot holes in it as well. In addition to this, the film had an ending that, though alright, felt kind of rushed, and kind of lame. Finally, as far as flaws go, Casper’s uncles, though funny at times, can also come off as a little too mean-spirited, and cynical at times.

Now, what makes this film a fun watch? Well, there’s the score by James Horner. Okay, first of all, be it family films like An American, or Balto (which came out the same year as this one), or more adult ones like Braveheart, Horner, like other composers such as Hans Zimmer, John Williams, or composers like those, knows how to make such great, and memorable movie scores. Casper’s no exception. I’m not sure how often he’s won Golden Globes, or Oscars, for Best Original Score. Well, if he never did, then he should have, because his scores hardly, if ever, disappoint. Here, in Casper, it’s probably the more quiet, and peaceful moments in which James Horner’s score especially seems to shine. Then, there’s the acting. Wow, the acting is awesome, especially from Bill Pullman, and Christina Ricci. It was also cool to see other actors like Don Novello, and Dan Akroyd, who made a cameo appearance as one of the Ghostbusters in this film, Eric Idle, and Cathy Moriarity, appear in this film too. Additionally, there was the story. Again, though there were some flaws in its story, like the couple plot holes, and things like that, there was still plenty of heart to it. Honestly, because of how strong, and engaging it is overall, this film may be one of the more underrated films of the 1990s, maybe even underrated period. It is also really hilarious. Honestly, even if all the characters end up being hilarious at different points in the films, it is really Casper’s uncles, Stretch, Stinkie, and Fatso, that really being out the comedy in this film. Speaking of comedy, there is plenty of comedy to behold in this film. Really the dark moments of this movie are balanced out by the more lighthearted comedic moments. And yeah, this film is filled with a roller coaster of emotions like comedy, sadness, bittersweet moments, you name it. Oh, did I forget to mention that this film has some rather clever jokes? If so, then that’s another thing to like about this film. Finally, Casper is likable, and memorable not only for being a fun, and memorable character, but also for being kind, humble, and willing to sacrifice for the needs of others whenever necessary.

And that’s my review for Casper. Wow, after rewatching this film sometime between 20, and 30 years later after last seeing it maybe as a kid, or teenager, I am surprised by how much of an enjoyable film that it actually is. Sure, again this film has its flaws, like plot holes, and probably an ending that could have been handled better, and things like that. Still, this Casper is a fun watch, and a must see. If you haven’t seen Casper anytime between 1995, and now, this is one that you need to see soon. And hey, if that means seeing it this month, with it being Halloween, then all the more reason to see it. So, definitely see Casper! You’ll have fun with it, and I’m sure.

Final Rating: 8.5/10

P.S. And now, for my 749th review, and then the milestone, my 750th review!