The film Casper the Friendly Ghost is an example of haunting in the good sense of the word. In other words, even though this movie features ghosts haunting a mansion, it does so in a friendly and almost acceptable way. This can lead the audience to think that all ghosts are sociable and that there is essentially nothing to fear because they cannot harm you. I chose this film because it is a classic film that I grew up with and I remember being very fascinated by it as a child. Watching it again as a mature young adult, I can still enjoy the film. Corresponding to this article, I am able to think critically and view this film from a more analytical perspective. However, I was surprised to find that most people in the 1990s didn't like the film and gave such negative reviews about it. Casper definitely portrays the tension between the past and the present. There are four ghosts that inhabit and haunt the mansion; Stretch, Fatso, Stinkie and Casper. Casper is the only friendly ghost and his only wish is to live again while meeting at least one friend. The trio are more antagonists of the film, and they haunt the house more than Casper. The ghosts' unfinished business and the history of the haunted mansion allow them to live there for years. The trio is certainly not welcoming to guests who enter the house, while on the other hand, Casper is too welcoming and friendly to everyone who walks through the tall black gates of the estate. As can be seen from the film, the trio of Stretch, Fatso and Stinkie are possessive of their house and their space. They constantly give Dr. James Harvey and Kat a hard time once they move inside. Also, the trio are too annoyed with Mrs. Critten...... middle of paper ...... is almost considered a "Circle of Life", which is a reference to The Lion King, and in a sense broader, a “right of passage”. In conclusion, I enjoyed this film. I have a completely different opinion than the critics I referenced in this article. If a person has an open and carefree mind, they will enjoy this movie in its entirety. This film is suitable for people of all ages and is a great example of a comedic family film. WORD COUNT: 1882 WORKS CITED Gleiberman, Owen. “Casper (1995) MPAA Rating.” Weekly Entertainment. EntertainmentWeekly Inc, June 2, 1995. Web. June 9, 2014.James, Caryn. "Casper (1995) Film Review; Friendly and Translucent? He's Back." The New York Times. The New York Times Company, May 26, 1995. Web. June 9, 2014. Lowry, Brian. “Casper.” Variety. Penske Business Media, May 22, 1995. Web. June 9 2014.