TIPSLIFEHACKS

This weekend marks the 35th anniversary of a cinematic phenomenon: 'Ghost.' The 1990 romance thriller captivated audiences worldwide, earning a staggering $505.7 million at the box office and spawning a successful Broadway musical. But what did critics think at the time? Let's revisit the film's legacy and delve into PEOPLE's film critic's surprisingly blunt assessment from 1990.

'Ghost' tells the story of Sam Wheat (Patrick Swayze) and Molly Jensen (Demi Moore), a young couple deeply in love. Their idyllic life is tragically cut short when Sam is murdered, leaving Molly heartbroken and vulnerable. However, Sam doesn't quite disappear. He becomes a ghost, tethered to the earthly realm and determined to protect Molly from the sinister forces that took his life.

The film's success wasn't solely due to its star power – Swayze and Moore were undeniably a captivating duo – but also its unique blend of romance, suspense, and supernatural elements. Director Jerry Zucker masterfully balanced the film’s lighter moments with genuinely thrilling sequences, creating a cinematic experience that resonated with a broad audience. The special effects, groundbreaking for their time, seamlessly integrated the supernatural into the real world, allowing audiences to believe in the possibility of a ghost’s enduring love.

However, not everyone was swept away by the film's ethereal charm. In a review published in 1990, PEOPLE's film critic delivered a rather harsh verdict, describing the screenplay as “dopily written.” While acknowledging the film's commercial appeal, the critic questioned the logic of certain plot points and found the dialogue lacking. This critique stands in stark contrast to the overwhelmingly positive reception the film received from most audiences and critics.

Despite the mixed initial critical response, 'Ghost' has undeniably cemented its place in cinematic history. Its themes of love, loss, and perseverance continue to resonate with viewers, and its iconic scenes – from the pottery wheel sequence to the dramatic rooftop chase – remain etched in pop culture memory. The film's enduring popularity is a testament to its emotional depth and its ability to tap into universal human experiences.

Thirty-five years later, 'Ghost' remains a beloved classic, a reminder of a time when romance and the supernatural could intertwine to create a truly unforgettable cinematic experience. It’s a film that continues to haunt us, not just with its ghosts, but with its enduring message of love transcending even death.