Casper  * * *
1995 - Rated PG-13 - 96 mins				BY TONY ZIDEK

    Kids will love Casper.  The "friendliest ghost you know" has leaped from
the sentimental 60's cartoon series to the big screen, and hasn't missed a
beat.  First-time director Brad Silberling's Casper is witty and charming,
while further developing the simple storyline of the comic-books.
    The story revolves around Casper's search for a friend.  This time ghost
therapist Dr. James Harvey (Bill Pullman), and his daughter Kat (Christina
Ricci) have journeyed to Whipstaff Manor, Casper's haunt.  The good doctor's
been hired to rid the ghosts of their haunting ground by the new owners
(Cathy Moriarty) and her lawyer (Eric Idle).  You see Dr. Harvey believes
that ghosts don't "cross-over" because they have unfinished business from
their past lives.  Once he solves their unfinished business they'll travel on
to greener pastures.  Of course Kat doubts her father's unproven hypothesis.
    Casper has been designed around truly spectacular special affects and set
pieces that will dazzle and delight.  Casper and his three uncles, Stretch,
Fatso and Stinkie are all ethereal and amazingly spooky, especially the three
pranksters.  ILM's Dennis Muren has created a cute and pudgy Casper -- an
oversized light bulb head with Bambi eyes.  While the ghosts will spook you,
the mansion will give you the creeps.  The Gaudi inspired estate, designed by
Leslie Dilley, is one of the best set pieces to come along in a long time.  
    Casper includes a wild ride into the depths of the mansion via an
invention called the "Up-an-atom", a device created by Casper's late father.
 Undoubtedly, Universal is already planning a theme park ride in the same
vein.  But that's not the only pop-cultural phenomenon appearing in the film.
 Here are a few of the others to show up.  Cameos by, Clint Eastwood, Rodney
Dangerfield, Mel Gibson, Dan Ackroyd and the Crypt Keeper.  References to
Terminator 2, The Wizard of Oz, Snow White, Ghostbusters, Saturday Night
Live, and Apocalypse Now.  Brand names are bantered about like Ivory Soap and
Visa.  Some are humorous and generate a laugh.  Others were down right
offensive.  Who wants to see a film that turns into a big ad-fest?
    For all it's pop-cultural mishaps, Casper still addresses some serious
questions like life and death in a setting that kids can appreciate.  Even if
it strays at times, Casper can still be a kids delight.