Ghost (1990)

This 30th-anniversary re-release review calls the film an irresistible supernatural tearjerker with a fabulously precise script that shifts between murder, betrayal and grief. It singles out Whoopi Goldberg’s Oscar-winning turn as the genius antidote to the syrup.

The critic praises the film's fresh approach to the afterlife and its artful script, calling it an auspicious solo debut for director Jerry Zucker. Whoopi Goldberg's performance is highlighted as adding emotional depth, humor, and balance to the romance.

The review credits an excellent script by Bruce Joel Rubin and Jerry Zucker's surprisingly sure direction for turning the story into one of the most enjoyable movies of the year. Whoopi Goldberg is praised for hamming it up gloriously.

The film mixes horror and humor effectively in scenes with Whoopi Goldberg and her sisters, and features a strong sequence where Swayze possesses Goldberg's body to embrace Moore. It contains nice ideas but relies on an idiot plot where the heroine repeatedly disbelieves clear evidence.

The critic notes Ghost's massive UK box office success over Pretty Woman and credits its irresistible appeal to Zucker's deft comic touch avoiding sentimentality, Whoopi Goldberg's standout performance as Oda Mae Brown, and Demi Moore's emotive scenes. It is called one of the finest and weepiest love stories that touches even the hardest heart.

This re-release review calls Ghost a comfort-food weepie classic and lethally effective tragicomic fantasy with unselfconscious potency. The critic singles out Zucker’s direction for playing the story straight while delivering necessary comedy, and praises Whoopi Goldberg’s superb turn as the scam medium.

The piece argues Ghost gets you as an unapologetic tear-jerker despite its hokey elements. It singles out Whoopi Goldberg’s performance as the heaven-sent comic relief that makes the silliness embraceable for a huge audience.

Zucker effectively packages the essence of romantic yearning, particularly in the sensual clay-pottery scene, and Goldberg provides needed vinegar and energy as the reluctant medium. The film has implausible casting for Swayze as a banker, woolly scripting, and overly prettified production values.

The critic finds the blend of sentimental and supernatural elements touching, with special effects a real treat and a wonderfully schmaltzy ending. Whoopi Goldberg provides comic moments that lighten the potentially maudlin atmosphere.

The piece presents 'Ghost' as an effective case study in flattering audiences into belief through its mix of romance, comedy and suspense. It singles out Whoopi Goldberg's performance as the charlatan medium who becomes a true believer for special praise.

The critic finds Ghost a manipulative crowd-pleaser with dim-witted afterlife explanations and racial stereotyping, yet praises its fluid narrative pacing and impeccable casting, especially Swayze and Moore. He highlights Zucker’s garish comedic sensibilities that blend pop forlorn with understated pathos and notes the film’s modest warning against class exploitation.

The review calls 'Ghost' a shameless romantic fairy tale that pushes emotional buttons without wit or irony. It singles out the climactic scene of Molly dancing with Sam's spirit (via the psychic) as the prime example of its manipulative sentimentality.

The film is an odd grab bag of styles that veers between arty somberness and wacky fun, delivering romantic fantasy elements for its target audience. It takes too long to introduce laughs via Goldberg and features mostly tearful work from Moore.

The critic praises Ghost for its sensual and immediate romance, contrasting it favorably with Spielberg's Always and highlighting the chemistry between Swayze and Moore plus the tactile pottery scene. Notes some flaws like length and effects but overall sees it as a classic that lingers with viewers.