 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Ghost
- Review Date: September 23, 2005
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 1990
Common Sense Media says
Romance, suspense, gags, and one-liners.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that sexual content, violence, and strong language make this movie highly questionable for kids under 13 and for more sensitive teens. There's no nudity, but plenty of alluring shots. One bad guy is squished between two vehicles and the other is pierced through the torso by a jagged sheet of glass.
What's the story?
When Sam (Patrick Swayze) is killed by a mugger, he's left in some kind of limbo here on earth, able to witness events but unable to communicate with the living. He turns to Oda Mae Brown (Whoopi Goldberg), a wacky spiritual advisor, to help track down his killer and protect his distraught girlfriend, Molly (Demi Moore). Through Oda Mae, Sam is able to talk to Molly and they even have one last physical encounter through Oda Mae's body. Sam and Oda Mae manage to discover the killer, who turns out to be Sam's embezzling co-worker and former best friend, Carl. In a wild climax, Sam kills Carl, who's then carried away by nasty demons. With Molly watching, Sam ascends in a beautiful, white light.
Is it any good?
Ghost is melodramatic and spiritually simplistic, but the combination of comedy, thrills, and mushy romance will be irresistible to some. While it doesn't explain why bad things happen to good people, it tries to reassure us that good people can find divine justice. Filled with ersatz spirituality, the movie presents a syrupy vision of the afterlife; the good guys ascend to heaven in a beam of light and bad guys are carried to hell by demons.
In the first 40 minutes, the movie plays like a melodrama, chock-a-block with unrestrained passion, gruesome murder, and plenty of suspense. With the introduction of Whoopi Goldberg as a storefront spiritual advisor, the movie radically changes direction to become a comedy. The romance, which he described as "just too much," never really appealed to him. Of course, some teens may enjoy seeing how love can conquer all -- even murder.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's formula. Why do the good guys tend to win in big Hollywood movies? If the movie had a more amibiguous ending, would it be as popular? Can you think of movies or other stories that didn't conclude happily? Did those movies leave you disastified but thinking about the ending? What about this movie?
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AGE
Amazing movie, but not for immature kids..
I watched it with my younger sister (age 9), and she wasn't very comfortable with it. She was hiding her eyes at some violent parts, she was acting strange and giggling at the more sensual scenes, and the language wasn't very appropriate for her age. I, on the other hand, enjoyed this movie so much! I actually cried, it's so romantic. There are some violent parts, but nothing too bad, the swearing is very mild, and the sex isn't in your face at all. I rate this movie on for ages 11+ unless your child is extremely mature.
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AGE
Rhealllllyyyyyyy good! Just be careful of the kiddies.
This is a very good movie. The acting is very believeable, and there are some parts that are funny. But, be warned, there are young kids that this would probably scare ( i.e. mugging in an ally, demon dragging bad guys to the ground,prudsumably to hell, during one part, Sam is pushing things off shelves and is cahsing his murder around while thrghouing things at him) ounger children, and there is a part where there is a big blood spater, not really bad and only on a piece of glass, but still, it's blood. There are lingering shots, and it implies that the two lovers have sex. But, don't get me wrong, it's still a wonderful movie, and kids 12 and up, if you think they're mature enough, would love it!!
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AGE
Great Movie!
I know I'm too younge to see the movie, but I like it a lot. It is awesome. The African American lady (I forgot her name) she is sooo funny! The theme is interesting to me, the plot is interesting. The romance is kinda weird. But I like it a lot! Great Movie!
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AGE
great movie
LOVE THIS MOVIE! sad, but funny at parts.
demi moore and patrick swayze (R.I.P) are great.
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AGE
Pretty good-- I saw this when I was twelve (3 years ago) and it was fine
A pretty good movie and the acting was solid. Some younger kids might be disturbed by the dark spirits that drag some ghost characters down through the ground. Other than that, there was some mild language and one slightly bloody scene (in the climax, but I don't want to give anything away).
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AGE
This film is gorgeous and theirs no doubting that. Even though this film is not a horror there may be some scary parts (i.e. after a murder dies devils come up and pull him into the ground). There is blood but it was too unrealistic to be inappropriate (think Monty Python and the Holy Grail blood) . While there is language it is uncommon and mostly mild. The message of this movie is that evil never prevails. There are good role models such as Sam for never giving up or Oto for giving full hope
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AGE
Intense thematic movie, funny at times
Whoopi gives a HILARIOUS performance. That is definitely a main reason on why to watch this movie. Very intense, violent movie about seeking revenge, putting things back in to the right places, etc. Not such a positive message, but each scene leaves you wanting to know what happens next. You'll be sure to laugh and cry.
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AGE
Great movie but it shouldn't be seen by anyone younger than 9
I love this movie so much! The first time I saw it was 5 or 6 because my mom loves it! but it me seeing young doesn't mean anything to anyone else because I've seen alot of things young. But Great movie!
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AGE
bitter sweet
this is 1 of the best movies ever!!! it might be kinda scary 4 some kids if they dont do well with blood cuz theres alot of blood. but this movie probably wouldnt be any good if it didnt have patrick swayze in it.
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| Studio: | Paramount Pictures |
| Director: | Jerry Zucker |
| Cast: | Demi Moore, Patrick Swayze, Whoopi Goldberg |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 127 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | July 13, 1990 |
| DVD release date: | April 24, 2001 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | Mature Themes |
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