This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 235! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey there, friends!
So, I finally watched “Ghost” for the first time. I know, I know, how did I manage to avoid this 1990 classic for so long? Life’s a mystery, right? Anyway, I grabbed some popcorn, dimmed the lights, and settled in for what turned out to be quite an experience.
First off, let’s talk plot. If you haven’t seen it, “Ghost” is this supernatural love story that somehow blends romance, thriller, and comedy all into one. We’ve got Sam (played by Patrick Swayze) and Molly (Demi Moore) who are this adorable couple. Sam’s a banker and Molly’s an artist, and they’re living the dream in their swanky New York apartment. But, just when you think they’re going to live happily ever after, bam! Sam gets murdered. I was like, “What just happened?” Talk about a plot twist.
Now, here’s where it gets really interesting. Sam becomes a ghost, but he’s not ready to move on because he’s got some unfinished business. Mainly, he wants to protect Molly from the same fate and figure out why he was killed.
Enter Whoopi Goldberg as Oda Mae Brown, a a fake psychic who suddenly finds herself actually communicating with the dearly departed Sam. Whoopi totally steals the show here. Her comedic timing is impeccable, and she brings a much-needed lightheartedness to an otherwise heavy story. Plus, her chemistry with Swayze is off the charts – they’re like a bickering odd couple from beyond the grave.
As a ghost, Sam can’t physically interact with the world, which leads to some pretty creative problem-solving. There’s this whole bit with him learning to move objects through sheer willpower, and let me tell you, watching Patrick Swayze struggle to move a penny was oddly satisfying. It’s one of those scenes that makes you think, “Man, they don’t make movies like this anymore.”
The chemistry between Swayze and Moore is palpable, even when one of them is a ghost. The iconic pottery scene? Oh my God, talk about steamy. And all to the tune of “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers. That song gets stuck in your head, but in a good way, you know? It’s such a blend of tender and sensual, it’s no wonder it’s been parodied a million times.
Now, as for the villain, Carl (Tony Goldwyn), he’s your classic best-friend-turned-bad-guy. His descent into betrayal adds this layer of suspense. Like, every time he’s on screen, you can’t help but think, “What’s this guy up to now?” It’s a bit melodramatic, but hey, it’s the ’90s. Go big or go home, right?
But we have to talk about those pottery wheel scenes. I mean, come on! The sexual tension is palpable, and “Unchained Melody” playing in the background just amps up the romance factor. It’s a classic movie moment for a reason, and I totally get the hype now.
But “Ghost” isn’t all lovey-dovey moments and witty banter. There are some genuinely creepy scenes, especially when Sam encounters the shadows that represent evil spirits. The special effects might seem a bit dated now, but they still manage to give me the chills.
One thing I wasn’t expecting was how much this movie would mix genres. One minute you’re tearing up over Sam and Molly’s love story, the next you’re laughing at Oda Mae’s antics, and then you’re on the edge of your seat during the thriller parts.
Also, shoutout to the special effects team. The scenes where Sam walks through walls or interacts with other ghosts were pretty impressive for the time. Sure, they’re a bit dated by today’s standards, but there’s a charm to that old-school movie magic.
By the end, I was fully invested. There’s something really touching about the idea of love transcending even death. When Sam says goodbye to Molly, it hits you right in the feels. I may have shed a tear or two. No shame.
So yeah, “Ghost” is a timeless classic that deserves all the praise it gets. It’s a unique blend of romance, comedy, drama, and even a little bit of horror. Plus, it’s got Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg giving performances that are memorable for all the right reasons. It just works.
Until Tomorrow!
Roger