High Spirits

Audience Reviews

View More

The Rogue R Nov 3 I must express right from the start that I absolutely adore this film, and I feel High Spirits does not get nearly enough attention or recognition for how great it truly is! I might be a bit biased, since High Spirits is one of my all-time favourite childhood movies, which I’ve watched countless times. However, it remains a brilliantly crafted comedy-horror film that combines an amazing script, a fantastic cast, great sound, and impressive special effects for its time in 1988. High Spirits is a clever, charming, and spooky romantic tale filled with many touching moments. The cast is truly impressive, featuring Peter O’Toole, Steve Guttenberg, Liam Neeson, Daryl Hannah, Beverly D’Angelo, Peter Gallagher, Liz Smith, Martin Ferrero, and Connie Booth. This ensemble is one of my favourites in film, and they collaborate seamlessly to bring comedy, beauty, and charm to the screen. Peter O’Toole shines in a standout performance as Peter Plunkett, moving from one absurd situation to another while delivering brilliantly deadpan lines. Then there’s the delightful Steve Guttenberg, who I believe gives his best performance here, portraying a lovable, lost character caught in a strange love triangle involving a ghost (Daryl Hannah) and his wife (Beverly D’Angelo). Liam Neeson, Daryl Hannah, and Beverly D’Angelo also provide fantastic performances that propel this unique ghostly romantic comedy forward, while the supporting cast adds depth and warmth, rounding out the film beautifully. Overall, iconic director Neil Jordan—known for classics such as Interview with the Vampire, The Crying Game, Michael Collins, and Mona Lisa—has done an outstanding job with this heartwarming romantic comedy-horror. He presents a uniquely engaging story, delivering some of the most hilarious comedic moments, skillfully performed by a talented cast that fully embraces the film’s whimsical tone. The setting is wonderful, and the background sounds of authentic Irish music add to its charm. Whenever I introduce this film to someone for the first time, they always seem to love it, and I can’t help but feel it’s a shame that High Spirits doesn’t have a larger cult following. If you’re in search of a fun movie for this Halloween, I wholeheartedly recommend High Spirits. I rate this one a high-spirited Halloween 9 out of 10! See more nick s Sep 16 Like watching a bawdy stage play. I wondered now and then if they were about to burst into a rousing chorus. See more Khaliel P Aug 21 The 1980s were full of fantasy comedies, and 1988 marked a turning point for the genre. While Tim Burton redefined ghost stories with the quirky Beetlejuice, Neil Jordan attempted something similar with High Spirits. Set in rural Ireland, the film follows Peter Plunkett, the desperate owner of a failing castle-turned-hotel, who fakes hauntings to attract tourists—only to discover the place is genuinely haunted by a tragic couple trapped in a time loop. Despite a promising setup, the film bombed at the box office and it’s clear why: poorly written characters, unconvincing gags, flat romance, and scares that rarely work (except for the terrifying ghost nuns). Even Steve Guttenberg’s energy and Daryl Hannah’s star power couldn’t save it—she even received a Razzie nomination. The film feels disjointed, starting strong with Irish atmosphere but quickly losing pace, with Peter O’Toole’s character inexplicably vanishing midway through. According to Jordan, this was the result of producers re-editing the film without his input, essentially altering the story he intended to tell. As a child, I remembered High Spirits as a fun comedy, but watching it years later reveals a film that no longer holds up. See more Shawn G Jul 26 I absolutely love this movie, takes me back to a simpler time, for a short two hour adventure it’s a must see. See more Dave C 12/07/2024 Creative, imaginative, playfully written and directed, with an experienced cast, this is of its time amusing and entertaining, with a lot of that still shining through now See more Anton H 11/08/2024 Imaginative and delightful, this macabre joyride has all but been forgotten with time. Have fun with witty characters, ghosts, and a haunted castle in a story that makes its own rules. See more Read all reviews

High Spirits

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Most Popular at Home Now