From Deseret News archives:

Casper

Published: Wednesday, May 31, 1995 12:00 a.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 

From "Batman" to "Tank Girl," the movies have long had a love affair with comic books . . . er, that is, "graphic novels." And some have been turned into better movies than others.

But now comes a more juvenile comic-book adaptation, "Casper" . . . as in "Casper, the Friendly Ghost."

This seems a curious choice, to say the least, and the result is a very juvenile film, aimed squarely at the preteen audience, which it will no doubt satisfy.

The plot, which is really old hat, has evil Cathy Moriarty, along with her dippy henchman (former Monty Pythoner Eric Idle), trying to find a hidden "treasure" at a haunted mansion she has just inherited, Whipstaff Manor in Friendship, Maine. (Moriarty is terrific, obviously enjoying her riff on Cruella De Ville, the cartoon villainess of "101 Dalmatians," and Idle's mugging prompts some chuckles).

But the nasty trio of Three Stooges-like spooks who haunt the place — Stretch, Fatso and Stinkie — chase them away, along with a series of ghost exterminators she hires (making for some amusing guest cameos).

Story continues below

As a last resort, she hires "ghost therapist" Bill Pullman, who, while trying to make contact with his late wife, theorizes that he can help ghostly spirits wrap up their earthly "unfinished business" so they can "cross over" to the next life. (Ghosts, he explains, are merely the "living-impaired.")

With Pullman is his 12-year-old daughter (Christina Ricci), and it is she who first meets the mansion's fourth ghost, Casper, who is woefully mistreated by Stretch, Fatso and Stinkie.

There are numerous minor subplots here — and at one point the film literally turns into a theme-park ride (looking forward to a new exhibit at Universal Studios, perhaps?). What's more, there is some serious — and heavily sentimental — discussion of questions about life and death.

But the emphasis is clearly on special-effects slapstick, and while those effects are certainly impressive, the gags are hit and miss, with a few too many misses and the proceedings rather bland — despite the frenzied antics of the "ghostly trio."

Ricci again proves she has enormous comic gifts but she is resigned to playing second-fiddle to special effects and elaborate gadgetry, as is Pullman, who doesn't get much of a chance to demonstrate the charm he exhibits in "While You Were Sleeping."

"Beetlejuice" it ain't — but kids will no doubt have a good time.

"Casper" is rated PG, for a fair amount of violence, most of it comic in nature, as well as some profanity and a few vulgar gags.

Recent comments

I really loved this film when it came out at the cinema in
1995....

Rosalina Cole | April 6, 2000 at 1:49 p.m.

I love the movie Casper!!All the characters did a great job
...

Reann | Aug. 10, 1999 at 11:53 a.m.

I thought that it was a good movie. I watch it every now
and then....

Melanie Kleffman | July 28, 1999 at 3:23 p.m.

Movie Info
Rated PG for violence, profanity, vulgarity.

Cast: Christina Ricci, Bill Pullman, Cathy Moriarty, Eric Idle.
FIND LOCAL MOVIE SHOWTIMES
previousnext

Latest comments

TCU showdown has big implications

I look at how TCU has been playing all year, especially the past several...

Seniors helped BYU regroup

Do we need anymore evidence that the MWC will continue to be the big three...

you need to move to Sweden, where citizen in fact are guaranteed housing,...

I am a PG fan and wanted to congratulate the girls on a State championship! I...

Reducing game time laughable

I definitely understand the need to train year round. I'm not a collegiate...

TIME FOR CHANGE IN AMERICA. I have a family here in America.... They...

Libs, Silver Grey? That's cleaver.

Let's imagine an man comes to your door and tells you he has an amazing...

House passes health care bill

To have health coverage which government workers enjoy. To be able to work...

Come on. This showdown is nothing like Alabama. Contrary to what's been...

Advertisements
Advertisement