Hilarious

Rating: 9/10 (15 March 2007)

Oh man, this film is just too much fun. If you need to laugh to release some tension then films like this just seep into the funny bone and you're away. The premise (of the newly dead) is quite an interesting concept. If you look at films like "Ghost" or "What dreams may come" they both refer to the same issues. Think of "The Sixth Sense" and again you have a director grappling with dead people. "Beetle Juice" could have made this into a creepy-scary film but the feeling here is all in good fun, while lampooning the yuppy generation at the same time. This is satire written large and we never feel upset at any time. The big winner in this film is Keaton who in my view just steals every scene he's in with an over-the-top bravura performance of an exorcist from the dark side. I watched his first major film the other day "Night Shift" and in both films he easily inhabits a totally manic but hilarious energy. His comic timing is spot on and he can run on high voltage for extended lengths. Although he is also an excellent serious actor (see: Clean and Sober") he is perhaps best known for his funny roles and nothing beats his performance here.
Alec Baldwin, boy did he look young here (because he was) and about 50 pounds lighter. Geena Davis is her usual simple and hilarious self. Catherine O'Hara is incredible and all her years at Second City show through. The highlight of the film that everyone talks about is the Calypso scene; this is one of the funniest moments you'll ever see.
This is light hearted fair and the laughter is well earned; this film has aged well and is well worth the view. Terrific.