Casper Movie Review 1995

World's friendliest ghost appears on the big screen with outstanding visual trickery (from Industrial Light and Magic) and a lively, if hokey, story. Evilish Carrigan Crittenden (Moriarty) inherits ghost-infested Whipstaff Manor and hires scatterbrained "ghost therapist" Dr. Harvey (Pullman) to get rid of its unwanted occupants. His daughter Kat (Ricci) is soon the object of Casper's friendly attention while the good doc must contend with Casper's mischievous uncles--Stinkie, Fatso, and Stretch. Exec producer Spielberg shows his influence with numerous topical gags and screen references that help amuse the adults while the ghosts work their magic on the kiddies. Silberling's directorial debut; based on the comic-book and TV cartoon character created more than 30 years ago.

Distribution

Universal Studios Home Video, 100 Universal City Plz., Universal City, CA 91608-9955, Phone: (818)777-1000, Fax: (818)866-1483, URL: http://www.universalstudios.com, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 95 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Aunts & Uncles, Nieces & Nephews, Ghosts, Ghouls, & Goblins, Adapted from a Cartoon, Inheritance, Creepy Houses, Dads, Childhood Visions, Adapted from Comics, Top Grossing Films of 1995, Halloween, Single Parents

Screenplay

Sherri Stoner, Deanna Oliver

Cast

Christina Ricci, Bill Pullman, Cathy Moriarty, Eric Idle, Amy Brenneman, Ben Stein

Cinematography

Dean Cundey

Director

Brad Silberling

Music

James Horner

Other

Don Novello, Rodney Dangerfield, Clint Eastwood, Mel Gibson, Dan Aykroyd, Malachi Pearson, Joe Nipote, Joe Alaskey, Brad Garrett

Producer

Colin Wilson, Steven Spielberg, Gerald R. Molen, Jeffrey A. Montgomery, Amblin Entertainment, Harvey Entertainment Company, Universal Pictures