Common Sense Media Review
Casper's haunted house tale has bullying, deaths.
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Casper
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 29 parent reviews
Based on 22 kid reviews
Kids say this film is entertaining for children and a nostalgic favorite for many from the 90s, but it contains too much profanity and some questionable themes for a family movie, leading some parents to caution against younger viewers. Overall, while the messages about friendship and kindness resonate well, the language and some plot elements have raised concerns about its appropriateness for kids.
- kid-friendly
- profanity issues
- good messages
- nostalgic favorite
- questionable themes
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In CASPER, motherless Kat Harvey (Christina Ricci) and her father (Bill Pullman), a psychologist who helps spirits complete their journey onto death, move into Whipstaff Manor. The greedy Carrigan Crittenden (Cathy Moriarty) has hired Dr. Harvey to rid her recently inherited property of its ghosts so she can hunt for the treasure that's hidden somewhere within its walls. One of the ghosts, Casper (voiced by Malachi Pearson and played by Devon Sawa), develops a crush on Kat, while his rowdy ghost uncles make life comically difficult for everyone. When the Harveys throw a Halloween party, Kat and Casper discover a "resurrection machine" built by Casper's father. Carrigan wants the machine for her wicked plans, and eventually there's a mad chase about the house and in and out of spirit worlds.
Is It Any Good?
Great special effects and fine acting should entertain tweens, who may also like the mild romance between Casper and Kat. Younger kids should find the haunted house in Casper pretty cool, though they might also be frightened at times. As for teens and adults? They'll likely find the scares too silly and the tone too sentimental. Parents also might not love the film's language and violence, especially if they're watching it with their kids.
That said, the relationship between Kat and her father is genuinely sweet. Moriarty is enjoyably Cruella de Vil-ish as Carrigan, and sidekick Dibs (Monty Python's Eric Idle) has funny moments. Cameos by Don Novello as the exorcist, Father Guido Sarducci, and Dan Aykroyd as Ghostbusters' Dr. Ray Stantz are good in-jokes. And the Victorian Gothic set -- with a nifty revolving panel and roller coaster ride to the basement -- is indeed cool.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about fantasies and ghost stories like Casper. What's appealing about ghost stories? Why do you think Casper is friendly, while his uncles are looking to cause trouble?
If you've seen other Casper series and movies, how does this one compare? Is it darker? Which version(s) do you prefer, and why?
How are violence and bullying depicted in the movie? Does that content seem appropriate to the story, or does it seem gratuitous?
What are some other ghost stories that take place in houses and mansions? Why do you think haunted mansions have enduring appeal?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 26, 1995
- On DVD or streaming : September 23, 2003
- Cast : Ben Stein , Bill Pullman , Christina Ricci , Cathy Moriarty
- Director : Brad Silberling
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild language and thematic elements
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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