Cast
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Jeremy Foley
as Casper (voice)
Brendon Ryan Barrett
as Chris Carson
Steve Guttenberg
as Tim Carson
Lori Loughlin
as Sheila Fistergraff
Rodney Dangerfield
as Johnny Hunt
Shannon Chandler
as Jennifer
Michael McKean
as Bill Case
Richard Moll
as Principal Rabie
Jim Ward
as Stretch (voice)
Bill Farmer
as Stinky (voice)
Jess Harnell
as Fatso (voice)
Pauly Shore
as Snivel (voice)
James Earl Jones
as Kibosh (voice)
Debi Mazar
as Angie Lyons
Sherman Hemsley
as Grocer
Crew
Director
- Sean McNamara
Producer
- Mike Elliott
Reviews
r96sk
<em>'Casper: A Spirited Beginning'</em> is rather rubbish, not that that is of any surprise.
It's a stripped back version of the original in every way possible, with the animation - which, admittedly, isn't the greatest in the 1995 release - particularly standing out as being awful. The cast are OK, if entirely forgettable - perhaps with the exceptions of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_McGill" rel="nofollow">Chuck McGill</a>, Michael McKean, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_The_Lion_King_(franchise)_characters#:~:text=and%20kill%20him.-,Mufasa,-%5Bedit%5D" rel="nofollow">Mufasa</a>, James Earl Jones.
Let's see what <em>'Casper Meets Wendy'</em> cobbles together...
Jan 24, 2022
Thematic Analysis
Casper: A Spirited Beginning represents a fascinating example of Adventure/Family/Comedy/Fantasy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Sean McNamara brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1997, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Casper: A Spirited Beginning took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $3.5 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 115 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 496 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 78 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1997, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Casper: A Spirited Beginning shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Upin & Ipin: Jeng Jeng Jeng!, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Casper: A Spirited Beginning subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Mortal Kombat and The Scorpion King explore similar territory, Casper: A Spirited Beginning stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 9, 1997
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Budget: $3,500,000
