It’s no surprise that viewers are absolutely loving the fact that this 1995 classic film is back in cinemas for Halloween.
One eerie film left a massive cultural mark when it first hit screens in 1995, and now, three decades later, youngsters can witness it in cinemas for the first time whilst grown-ups take a trip down memory lane.
Whether you’re already devoted to the movie from your younger days and fancy seeing the enchantment of Casper on the big screen, or you’re keen to share it with a completely fresh audience, you’re in for a treat.
The legendary American supernatural flick is returning to cinemas to mark 30 years since its debut for Halloween.
Drawing from the celebrated cartoon character, Casper the Friendly Ghost, the 90s spooky film was helmed by Brad Silberling in his first outing as director.
It became the inaugural feature-length movie to showcase a fully computer-generated character in the starring role, with Casper brought to life by Malachi Pearson’s voice.
Different from previous versions of the character, the 1995 picture presents a significantly more grom take on Casper. It delivers a heartbreaking origin story explaining how a 12-year-old boy, having died from pneumonia, transformed into a spirit.
One devoted admirer of the film shared on Rotten Tomatoes: “Loved this movie 30 years ago. Loved it just as much this time around. Took the family; we had a blast. The special effects still hold up.”
Another fan penned: “Thirty years ago, critics didn’t like it – even I thought it was just so-so. But compared to today’s unimaginative and repetitive movies, it’s now a charming, wholesome, state-of-the-art (even to today’s standards) piece of entertainment with impressive special effects.
“Bill Pullman feels underused in the film, but Christina Ricci and Casper make a great duo. A great family movie.”
The flick featured Christina Ricci as a young star, hot on the heels of her breakthrough performance as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family several years earlier.
Her portrayal of Kathleen Harvey shows her as a 13-year-old developing feelings for Casper following her mum’s death and her desperate need to forge a friendship.
Having recently rewatched the movie, another punter revealed: “Seeing this classic movie 30 years later, after watching it in the theatres when I was seven, was very nostalgic. It’s a movie I always enjoy, and it’s a must-watch if you haven’t done so yet. During the Halloween season is even better!”
Casper is returning to picture houses sporadically throughout the final week of this month, marking Halloween and its milestone anniversary. Picture houses showing the beloved film again include Odeon and Vue, alongside various independent venues, so it’s worth keeping a close watch.
Have a look at your local picture house today to discover if you can secure tickets for Casper ahead of Halloween, before the opportunity slips away.
To enjoy the 1995 gem from home, you can view the fantasy comedy right now on Disney+.