Ghost [1990]

Ghost's original popularity and notoriety originally arose not from its dealings with the supernatural but the scene involving Moore fondly astride her potter's wheel fashioning a somewhat phallic-shaped vase, with Swayze fondly astride her. So infamous did this scene become that it's now more likely to raise a chuckle than a sultry sigh. As for the rest of the movie, it still somehow manages to engage despite the awkward juxtaposition of lachrymose melodrama and zaniness. Demi Moore, whose massive Hollywood success was always a mystery to some, is a little flat as the tomboy-coiffed Molly, her tears occasionally seeming onion-induced. Swayze, however, delivers as Sam while Whoopi Goldberg turns in the best performance of her career, delivering the requisite zip and sass to what otherwise might have been a morose movie.

On the DVD: Though well restored, DVD enhancement has only served to emphasise the slightly quaint feel of the special effects here--Ghost was made just prior to the digital era. Otherwise, this is a good package and an essential purchase for fans. There's a 22-minute featurette, "Remembering the Magic", in which scriptwriter Bruce Joel Rubin explains that the film was inspired by the scene in Hamlet in which the Prince meets his Father, and how initially appalled he was that his masterpiece of the supernatural was to be directed by Jerry Zucker, previously responsible for Airplane!. They also reveal that Tina Turner was originally cast for the Goldberg role. Zucker and Rubin team up for a funny commentary track. --David Stubbs

I deducted a star for the lack of comedy. For a film which was supposed to be funny, this was remarkably melancholy.

The small black ghost-like creatures were very creepy and you couldn't help but wish evil on the man who had inadvertently organised his friend's death for the sake of money.

Not as good as I'd hoped it would be, but nevertheless a good afternoon's viewing.


top film   July 7, 2005
Ms. E. Blankson (london)
4 out of 7 found this review helpful

this is one of my favorite films of all time. its combines both saddness with great comedy. though the storyline between sam (swayze) and molly (Moore)is heart wrenching and great to watch i love to watch this for the pure comedical value of whoopi goldberg who makes me laugh from the moment that she is it and lightens the mood of the film so it is not a complete tear jerker.

this film is one you have to watch if u are a hopeless romantic or love comedy it definetly has both in abundance.


Not bad.   September 11, 2003
3 out of 16 found this review helpful

This is that film that you watch if you want to listen to the song thats played in it. But once you have heard it you just cant turn it off. I bought it for my mum and she loves the film, so I have come to sort of enjoy it. If you like the romantic, ghosty "death cant tear us apart" type of film then ghost is for you.

The extras on the disc are very good, and although they are little in numbers, whats there is worth the monney.