Ghost Dad (1990)

I thoroughly enjoyed this film. It was ingenious how they combined the screen writing with the special effects to allow the "live" people" to interact with Bill Cosby (as Elliot Hopper) in his "between" state: They could hear him, but only see him if the lights were turned down low. I found this genuinely interesting, because a low-light situation is one of the best conditions for seeing the human aura. What I liked maybe most about Ghost Dad was the pacing, which was flawless; not a single wasted or empty moment in the movie. Always there was good dialogue. Regardless of what some reviewers have to say, I did not find the movie "corny" at all. It was a perfect combination of sober and hopeful.The ending was beautiful, as Elliot's daughter, Diane (played by Kimberly Russel), has her own near death experience and he has to convince her to go back to her body. The ending is a very happy one, but I will not spoil it for you.Note: Historically, I have been very critical of movies that force us to suspend our disbelief through plots that just don't work (particularly with "invisible" people). Ghost Dad is very believable, and Cosby (and the movie) never lose focus or waste time on goofy gags or cheap dialogue. Very well done, indeed.

If you are looking for a pretty good family movie then watch Ghost Dad. Ghost Dad stars Bill Cosby. You probably will remember him from The Cosby Show. This movie came out in 1990 so it even has the tagline "America's Favorite Dad in a Spirited Comedy." You really think Bill Cosby is going to make people want to see this movie? Remember in 1986 he started in Lenoard Part 6 which currently only gets an IMDb rating of 2.2. That movie is in the bottom #100 of movies.Ghost dad is about this widowed father who is raising 3 kids. He ends up in taxi cab with a crazy driver and eventually ends up dying. Instead of really dying now is he floating around and ends up in lab of a scientist who studies the paranormal. He asks the scientist to send him back so he can finish this business deal and make sure his kids are well taken care of.Parts of this movie are really funny. Things like Bill Cosby's head popping out of a telephone receiver. I wasn't sure if this movie could be good. It seemed like a stupid idea. There were some small problems with this movie. There were some things that didn't seem believable. In the beginning of the movie the father could have died on a runaway elevator. Is that suppose to add something to the movie? They had to make the neighbor kid this rich snob who talks about all these great worldly possessions he has. Yeah, let's only show people who are well off in this movie.

Well, Bill Cosby's career was going downhill in the 90's. The Simpsons championed The Cosby Show and it looked like Bill Cosby was washed up, and this film proves it. Surely after Leonard Part 6, Cosby would've learned from his mistakes and stayed away from starring, writing, or directing movies. Where do I start? Bill Cosby just can't act. I am sorry Cosby fans but the man CAN'T ACT. The reason he could play Dr. Huxtable on the Cosby show is because that role was based on him. With Ghost Dad, it's completely different. Also, does it surprise you that it took 5 WRITERS to make this film. I mean, GODDAMN! 5 WRITERS! Even with 5 writers, the writing is sloppy. I would also like to point out the horrendous Cinematography/Directing, it is almost as bad as Jingle All the Way. What about the humor? You have your expected Spectral puns and dumb jokes for the WHOLE family. Finally, the story/premise. Basically, it is a cross between Ghost and Full House.Bottom Line: It is not as bad as Leonard Part 6, but stay away from this movie.

Ghost Dad is one of those movies that has that sort of corney cheesy feel to it, but is very entertaining and fun. I remember watching this as a kid on TV and the one part that always stuck in my mind was when Elliot (Cosby) is done getting his life insurance physical, and he's walking down the hall and his face and hands are gone, and his sun glasses and hat are floating above is body. That's always been my favorite part in the movie, just because it had freaked me out as a little kid. Well, over 10 years passed, and I finally saw the movie again. Needless to say, that part looked a lot different than I remember it. The part where he goes 'through' the bus, and when he falls though the floor are other parts that I remember pretty well too. Anyway, I definitely recommend this movie. The only part I can see a problem with around younger kids is when he comes through the phone, and chokes the guy, and used the 'b' word a couple times.Buy it, rent it, or watch it on TV. Either way, you'll like it!