Casper the Friendly Ghost

1492 Words3 Pages

The film, Casper the Friendly Ghost, is an example of a haunting in a good sense. In other words, even though this film establishes ghosts haunting a mansion, it is done so in a friendly and almost acceptable way. This can lead the audience to think that all ghosts are sociable and there is essentially nothing to be afraid of because they cannot hurt you. I chose this film because it is a classical film I grew up on, and I remember being so fascinated with it as a child. Watching it again as a mature, young adult, I am able to still enjoy the film. In correspondence to this paper, I am able to think critically, and view this film in more analytical perspective. However, I was surprised to find out that most people in the 1990’s did not enjoy the film, and gave such negative reviews regarding it.
Casper definitely portrays tension between the past and the present. There are four ghosts that inhabit and haunt the mansion; Stretch, Fatso, Stinkie, and Casper. Casper is the only friendly ghost, and his only wish is to be alive again while experiencing at least one friend. The trio are more of the antagonists in the film, and they more so haunt the house than Casper does. The ghosts’ unfinished business, and the history behind the haunted mansion allows them to live in there for years. The trio are certainly unwelcoming to any guests that come into the house, while on the other hand, Casper is over welcoming and friendly to anyone that steps foot inside the tall black gates of the estate. We can tell from the film, the trio of Stretch, Fatso, and Stinkie are possessive of their house and their space. They constantly give Dr. James Harvey and Kat a hard time once they move inside. In addition, the trio are overly annoyed of Ms. Critten...

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...s almost considered a “Circle of Life”, which is a Lion King reference, and in a broader sense a “right of passage”.
In conclusion, I enjoyed this film. I have a completely different opinion than the reviewers I have referenced in this paper. If a person has an open, carefree mind, then they will enjoy this film in its entirety. This film is suitable for people of all ages, and it is a great example of a comedic, sit-down family movie.

WORD COUNT: 1882

WORKS CITED

Gleiberman, Owen. "Casper (1995) MPAA Rating." Entertainment Weekly. Entertainment
Weekly Inc, 2 June 1995. Web. 9 June 2014.

James, Caryn. "Casper (1995) Film Review; Friendly and Translucent? He's Back." The New
York Times. The New York Times Company, 26 May 1995. Web. 9 June 2014.

Lowry, Brian. "Casper." Variety. Penske Business Media, 22 May 1995. Web. 09 June 2014.

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