Review of Ghosts (1997) by Jonathan Y — 23 Oct 2008
As a showcase for Michael Jackson's spectacular dancing abilities, 'Ghosts' certainly delivers the goods... unfortunately, it's also a showcase for M.J.'s penchant for embarrassingly hokey, cheesy storytelling.
Stan Winston's stylish visuals and impressive makeup effects provide some slick thrills, but the gooey wraparound story (about a group of local kids who love hanging out with 'freak' M.J. despite the vehement disapproval of their parents) is not only weak in an afterschool-special kind of way, it also distressingly serves as a glaring examination of Jackson's bitter self pity.
Bottom line, the far-superior 'Thriller' not only had better music, it was an affectionate tribute to the horror genre that Jackson grew up loving. 'Ghosts', on the other hand, seems to be little more than an elaborate, self-indulgent persecution fantasy that just happens to have music and dancing in it.
This review of Ghosts (1997) was written by Jonathan Y on 23 Oct 2008.
Ghosts has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
