Ghost Movie Review, Trailer, Film Still and Poster

U.S. 1990
Director: Jerry Zucker
Cast: Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg, Tony Goldwyn, Rick Aviles, Vincent Schiavelli
Rating: PG-13
Release Date: July 13th 1990
Running Time: 2 hours 7 mins 3 secs

The Movie Review

Ghost film still 1


GHOST
Storyline:
Cast:
Ending:
Overall:

When we talk about movies with our friends, there are some movies that just can't help themselves to grow old and stale, some do hangin' on to be everlasting. Some of those memorable movies last long in movieogers' memory due to many references in popular culture. I don't know about you, but every time I have a chat with my friends, which in this case mostly women, they must've at the very least heard the title "Ghost", and moreover, Ghost has the advantage of three things: Demi Moore, The theme of everlasting love, and of course the famous pottery scene which equals only by the ever famous accompanying soundtrack entitled "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers. Ghost was released in July 13th 1990, and today in July 21st 2009, I still enjoy watching it and decide to review this good film.

-- Minor Spoilers are unavoidable --
Ghost was directed by Jerry Zucker, the same man who brought us Airplane (1980), Naked Gun Trilogy (1988,1991,1994), the charming My Best Friends Wedding (1997) and the hilarious Rat Race (2001). This romantic movie tells the story of a couple Molly Jensen (Demi Moore) and Sam Wheat (Patrick Swayze). One happy couple that has just moved on to a new apartment. On one night, after attending Macbeth show on a theater, they are mugged and things get ugly which leaves Molly alone in this world. Sam, who is still in denial of being a ghost, follows Molly wherever she goes, but Molly could not feel his presence no matter how close he is to her. In desperation, Sam befriends a phony psychic Oda Mae Brown (Whoopi Goldberg) and forces her to contact Molly. And Sam's determination eventually turns out to be worthy, because there is much more intricate facts behind his death, and Molly might be next in line...

Ghost is a unique kind of drama, it combines romanticism, comedy, heartbreaking moments, supernatural element and even thriller. This type of genre concoction usually fails miserably. But Ghost could deliver each of them in a decent manner. Of course this film takes more than 2 hours when the end credits finally role, but the good thing is, (quite amazing at that) the movie doesn't drag. Nothing seems rushed and nothing seems dragged. Almost every scene has a purpose, and not just mere filler. Each actor is very well suited to the character. Demi Moore could portray Molly as a very vulnerable girl with shattered dreams, and Sam is unavoidably wooden, but that's probably because of his script, and Whoopi of course is presence to brighten up the day and to add the comedy touch to Ghost, and she was still good in Rat Race (2001), Rick Aviles, who's passed away, is good as the heartless villain, and Tony Goldwyn who's great at his frustrated/panic expressions.

Seeing Ghost is like seeing several different movies altogether, but in a good way. When the thriller is on, it is quite thrilling and when the drama is on the scenes are touching. Of course the winner of the "Good Side" department is "Unchained Melody", without it, Ghost will lost its biggest power in touching the soft side of its audience.

Ghost won and nominated several academy awards. It's nominated for Best Picture, nominated for Best Film Editing, and also for Best Music & Original Score (see Ghost soundtrack). And it won Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Whoopi Goldberg), and Best Writing & Screenplay. Well Ditto to the last one, the storytelling is enjoyable and the dialogues of "Ditto" are memorable. So, fellas go see this movie at least once if you haven't, and try to get your spouse to watch it with you. Enjoy your living years :-)