Watch The Canterville Ghost

The Canterville Ghost is a comedic family film from 1996, directed by Sydney Macartney and based on the classic story by Oscar Wilde. The film stars Patrick Stewart as the ghost, Neve Campbell as Virginia Otis, and Joan Sims as Mrs. Umney. The plot revolves around the Otis family, who have just moved from America to the English countryside, and inherit the Canterville estate. Upon arrival at the estate, they are warned by the estate's caretaker, Mrs. Umney, about the ghost that has been known to haunt the place for over 300 years. However, the Otis family (particularly the father, played by Ian Richardson) are too practical to believe in ghosts and dismiss Mrs. Umney's warnings as superstition.

The Canterville ghost (played by Patrick Stewart) is a ghost who has been cursed to haunt the estate for eternity until he performs a good deed. He has tried to scare away every occupant of the estate for the past 300 years but has failed to do so, which has only added to his misery.

The Otis children, especially Virginia (played by Neve Campbell), are fascinated by the ghost and decide to set out to solve the mystery and see if they can help him in some way. As they try to interact with the ghost, they come to realize that he is not entirely scary but rather a tragic figure, who has a past that they can relate and empathize with.

As the story progresses, we see the interactions between the ghost and the Otis family become more complex, especially as the ghost becomes romantically interested in Virginia. They also discover the tragedy that the ghost has been carrying for hundreds of years and find a way to help him lift the curse.

Throughout the film, there are plenty of comedic moments, especially with the ghost's attempts to scare the family, his interactions with Mrs. Umney, and the Otis family's practical approach to the situation. The humor is understated, and not slapstick, making it approachable for audiences of all ages.

The cast is excellent, most notably Patrick Stewart as the ghost, who brings a depth and nuance to the character that is seldom seen in comedic ghost stories. Neve Campbell holds her own as the curious and compassionate Virginia, while Joan Sims perfectly captures the snooty and superstitious Mrs. Umney.

The film's pacing is also well done, with a good balance between the comedic moments and the emotional arcs of the characters. There is a strong sense of atmosphere, with the English countryside setting adding to the film's charm.

Overall, The Canterville Ghost is a delightful film that is sure to entertain audiences of all ages. It is a family-friendly ghost story that balances humor and heart, making it a perfect choice for a cozy movie night in.

The Canterville Ghost is a 1996 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.