Cash strapped actor Warren McCloud (a likable portrayal by Jason Lively) and his struggling filmmaker buddy Fred (the equally engaging Tim McDaniel) find themselves in possession of a pawn ticket left to Warren by his grandfather. Said pawn ticket sends the duo on a wild ghost chase through Hollywood. Moreover, Warren and Fred are assisted by the wizened little old man ghost of the grandfather's Brit-accented butler Lewis. Director/co-writer Roland Emmerich relates the entertainingly goofy story at a steady pace and maintains an amiable lightweight tone throughout. The ever-adorable Jill Whitlow perks things up considerably with her cute and radiant turn as spunky actress Laurie. Paul Gleason does well as mean jerk studio head Stan Gordon and Leonard Lansink contributes a funny turn as Gordon's bumbling flunky Karl. Popping up in nifty bits are Chuck "Porky" Mitchell as huffy diner owner Mr. Rosenbaum and veteran character actor Larry Pennell as a booze-sodden bum. Karl Walter Lindenlaub's slick cinematography gives this picture a nice glossy look. The bouncy soundtrack and the groovy-bumpin' score by Joel Wachbrit and Hubert Bartholomae keep things bubbling along. Moreover, there's a good-natured easy'n'breezy quality to this movie that's impossible to either resist or dislike. The special effects are pretty cool as well. A pleasant diversion.
Review of Ghost Chase
