Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Borget
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Family-friendly ghost tale has some peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Ghoster
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In GHOSTER, Elizabeth (Sophie Proctor) and her father are facing eviction when they suddenly discover they've inherited a nearby estate called Echoville Manor. As soon as they arrive, they find that it's haunted by a young spirit named Ghoster. He begs Elizabeth for help in undoing an ancient dragon's curse that has trapped him between mirrors at the manor. Meanwhile, debt collectors with ulterior motives are giving them only a month to fix up the manor and sell it before they repossess it. Teaming up with the caretaker's son, Mateo, Elizabeth must enter a magical door and solve dangerous puzzles to undo the spell. Will Elizabeth and Mateo be able to break the spell and free Ghoster by the next full moon while keeping the debt collector off their back? As the story unfolds, viewers will witness the characters navigate new friendships, build trust, and discover just how strong and magical family bonds can be.
Is It Any Good?
Ghoster is a not-too-spooky family movie with plot twists, riddles, and a little bit of comedy that make for an exciting Halloween movie night for families with younger kids. Moviegoers familiar with Casper will definitely notice some parallels, but that's where the two stories part. Ghoster was trapped there by Yuto, an evil ghost dragon who wants to steal souls and gain eternal life. The spooky scenes featuring the dragon aren't too dark or scary and are laced with some humor to lighten the mood.
The film doesn't take itself too seriously, and though it's a simple story that's not going to be winning any awards, it's packed with good clean fun and some surprising twists, making it a fine choice for a family movie night.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about ghost stories like Ghoster. Why do you think these tales are appealing to so many people and keep getting made?
Did you notice the music and sound effects in the film? How do you think they helped to create and sustain the mood?
How did Ghoster show the importance of courage, teamwork, and perseverance?
Did you expect Connie to change the way she did at the end? What do you think about plot twists? Do you come to expect them, or do they surprise you?
Why do you think so many ghost stories take place in mansions? Do you believe in ghosts? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 11, 2022
- Cast : Sophie Proctor , J. R. Brown , Gerardo Davila , Josh Escayg
- Director : Ryan Bellgardt
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : peril and thematic elements
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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