One film that should live forever - 84%

Rating: 8/10 (29 May 2006)

Some films tend to live far longer than their quality suggests, either due to key scenes which are firmly lodged in our collective memories or because they are frequently copied or parodied. "The Matrix" is one example although given the quality of the (first) film, it was always going to become a hit. "Ghost", it seems, is one that has been damaged by comic imitation - "Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear" almost ruins it on its own - but the fact is that this film is about so much more than The Righteous Brothers and THAT scene. It remains a powerful, emotive tear-jerker in the finest traditions of Hollywood and despite looking understandably rough around the edges these days, it is still worthy of your attention if you're in the mood for a modern classic love story.
Patrick Swayze plays Sam, loving partner of Molly (Demi Moore) and banking business partner of best friend Carl (Tony Goldwyn). Life, it seems, is pretty much perfect and as the film opens, we see Sam and Molly moving into a new apartment. But nothing lasts forever and Sam is shot and killed in a street mugging. Finding himself stuck as a ghost, Sam continues to spend time with Molly who is deep in mourning and unable to see or hear Sam's ghost. But Sam quickly finds that his death was not as random as it appeared but what can he do when no-one can see or hear him? Only with the help of an apparent medium (show-stealing Whoopi Goldberg) can Sam help save Molly from the danger that is still out there waiting for her.
Plot-wise, it's pretty weak and the supposed mystery behind Sam's untimely demise is about as deep as an episode of "Scooby Doo". And despite the Oscar-winning performance by Goldberg, Swayze is disappointing as the dewy-eyed, square-jawed spirit. It also has to be said that the special effects are somewhat dodgy but nothing too serious - a special edition DVD release could probably sort that out. So if it's a predictable mystery with a poor lead actor, why is it such a popular film? Simple - despite being a comedic love story with a supernatural twist, it actually acquits itself very well. Swayze and Moore make a great couple and have real chemistry on screen, making their parting all the more painful. It is a classic love story and one which appeals to women more than men - not enough Demi for me. It is also a chilling ghost tale with scenes that are genuinely disturbing such as the "shadow people" who drag souls into Hell with an unearthly scream.
Despite looking very dated in places and the fact that you know what will happen in the end, "Ghost" remains a film that no self-respecting romance fan should be without. It has its detractors and the minute "Unchained Melody" starts playing, you'll struggle to suppress a wry smile. But I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the movie which I swore was cheesy and needlessly gushy when I watched it years ago. If you watch with a loved one then it will almost certainly result in tears but in a good way, for once. "Ghost" is one film that deserves to live forever in our collective minds because it is a real winner.