Ghost (1990)

 Ghost (1990)

 Ghost is an underrated blockbuster. It had a healthy box office fun, in fact was the highest grossing film of 1990. Yet no one seems to talk about these days. Every once in awhile, that pottery scene would be spoofed but that seems to be it. When I first saw the movie, I was emotionally wrecked. I believed in the romantic chemistry between Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. Moore’s character has a tendency to make idiotic choices but if you were put in her position, wouldn’t there be a chance you could so the same. Grief can do fickle things, so I am more forgiving. There are great romantic scenes, but the film has all what is needed for a fun, memorable blockbuster. There is action, comedy relief (due to Whoopi Goldberg’s magnificent performance), romance, and horror. All this situated around the main ghost story. Do you know what horrified me? The idea of being a ghost in the NYC subway system. It is bad enough as it for the living. Those scenes…and Vincent Schiavelli truly frightened me. There are some flaws, especially in the script, but only those looking for something mighty deep will care. I have seen people ask questions about heaven and why Swayze’s character is still looking back in his human life instead of moving forward. I suppose that’s love. You want to make sure your loved ones are okay before moving on. Maybe it is the use of Maurice Jarre’s perfect placement of “Unchained Melody,” but the ending wrecks me each time I see the movie. I also tend to place myself in the story. What if it was I who tragically died leaving my loved ones behind? So, there is a relatable element to the story.

If you had to make a guess who directed the movie, I can guarantee that Jerry Zucker would not be one of those guesses. The man behind spoofs like Airplane! would make a semi-serious movie like Ghost? Yep, and he did very well! He was not just looking to branch out or find his own identity, he just wanted to make a good movie. Does it count that this movie was nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars? So, I would say his mission was a success. I did like how the script explored the world of the supernatural. Is this how Bruce Joel Rubin believed life after death would be like? We could be in the world between life and heaven if there is something that needed to be fulfilled? I liked how the script insinuated many things about the post-death world, but it isn’t as deep as it could have been. Again, not an issue for me. The special effects hold up very well. The images of Schiavelli’s ghastly ghost are forever embedded in my brain.

The film is about a man named Sam Wheat (Patrick Swayze). He is a bank executive and recently moved in with his girlfriend, Molly (Demi Moore). While they were out on a date, Wheat is mugged. He is about to hand over his wallet when he is shot to death. As a ghost, he learns that his death was not accidental as he was about to learn about a money laundering scam. Instead of going directly to heaven, he stays behind to keep an eye on Molly, unbeknownst to her. He was able to stop the perp who killed him from going after Molly, but he has no one to tell what happened. He meets a clearly-fake psychic Oda Mae Brown (Whoopi Goldberg). She is clearly shocked to be hearing from an actual ghost, but she may be Sam’s only hope to let Molly know what exactly is happening. She has a hard time believing Oda and may instead lean towards her and Sam’s good friend, Carl Bruner (Tony Goldwyn) who may not seem like the person he pretends to be.

This movie came out when Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore were on top of the world. Swayze was riding high on Dirty Dancing and Road House. Moore was projected to become the next big thing in Hollywood. One could say their careers diminished after this movie, but you wouldn’t know watching them together. They had such superb romantic chemistry, which makes the ending even more exceptionally tearjerking. The pottery scene is fantastic. It shows their chemistry and how good the special effects were. Goldberg was originally not going to be in the film, but she got the part thanks to Swayze’s insistence and belief in her abilities. She was rewarded with an Oscar and her most memorable performance. She plays her character over-the-top, but that is the entire point. It is who her character is. I got some fantastic belly laughs whether she is making out with Demi Moore (although her body is inhibited by Swayze) or bantering with her sisters. She was hilarious! I do need to mention Vincent Schiavelli. His phantom is terrifying!

Overall, Ghost is a movie that can make you laugh, make you cry, and deliver awe with its special effects. It seems to fly under the radar despite making half a billion dollars at the global box office and earning awards recognition. It is one of those great blockbusters that have something for everyone. There are some flawed moments, but they do not ruin the story by any means. I have now seen the film several times and I teared up each time. If you want a gleeful combination of chills up your arms, an aching (in heartbreak and joyfulness) heart, and belly laughs, I recommend Ghost.

My Grade: A-