Casper (1995)

Casper is a delightful family film that combines elements of comedy, romance, and fantasy. It tells the story of Kat Harvey, a teenage girl, and her father Dr. James Harvey, a ghost therapist, as they move into the haunted Whipstaff Manor. The manor is inhabited by Casper, a friendly but lonely ghost, and his three mischievous uncles, Stretch, Stinkie, and Fatso. As Kat and her father try to rid the mansion of its spectral occupants, she forms a close bond with Casper. The film touches upon themes of friendship, love, loss, and the challenge of moving on after the death of a loved one.

Length: 1hr 40min
Genre: Comedy, Family, Fantasy

Trailer

Cast

• Christina Ricci as Kat Harvey
• Bill Pullman as Dr. James Harvey
• Malachi Pearson as the voice of Casper
• Joe Nipote as the voice of Stretch
• Joe Alaskey as the voice of Stinkie
• Brad Garrett as the voice of Fatso

Parental Guidance

Maturity Rating: PG (for mild language and thematic elements)

There are some mildly scary scenes involving ghosts and supernatural elements, as well as moments of emotional intensity around themes of death and loss.

Trivia

• The film was the first feature film to have a fully CGI character in a lead role.
• Steven Spielberg was the executive producer of Casper, though he remained uncredited.
• The mansion, Whipstaff Manor, was fully constructed for the movie and wasn’t a real mansion.
• Casper’s theme song, “Remember Me This Way,” became quite popular after the film’s release.

Our Review

Casper is a heartwarming tale of love, friendship, and the challenges of growing up. The film perfectly blends humor, emotion, and fantasy, creating a family movie that appeals to both kids and adults. While the CGI effects might seem dated by today’s standards, the charm and heart of the story remain timeless. Christina Ricci delivers a touching performance as Kat, and the voice cast for the ghosts adds humor and depth to their spectral characters. A perfect movie for a family movie night.