The animated reimagining of the Oscar Wilde classic, The Canterville Ghost, is now available from director Kim Burdon (Stressed Eric) alongside co-director Robert Chandler (The Amazing Maurice), based on a screenplay by writers Giles New and Keiron Self. The Canterville Ghost is engaging, less so for adults familiar with the story, but it is a very family-friendly animated movie. They will likely enjoy the humor. I don’t remember scenes that would be extremely scary for the younger set, but each family can determine for their respective families.
Stephen Fry (The Hobbit films) leads the star-studded ensemble cast, including Hugh Laurie (House), Freddie Highmore (The Good Doctor), Emily Carey (House of the Dragon), David Harewood (Supergirl), Meera Syal (Dr. Strange), Miranda Hart (Spy), Toby Jones (Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny) and Imelda Staunton (Harry Potter films). The voice actors all give fine performances, especially Stephen Fry. I am a fan of Toby Jones, so his voice acting is also great to hear.
Hiram Otis (voice of David Harewood), his wife, Lucretia (voice of Meera Syal), his sons, Kent (voice of Bennett Miller) and Louis (voice of Jakey Schiff), and daughter, Virginia (voice of Emily Carey), move into a mansion, Canterville Chase, in England. There is a ghost, Sir Simon de Canterville (voice of Stephen Fry), for over three hundred years, and though he haunts the residents, Virgina and he become friends. The ghost relays he was tricked and cursed by Death (voice of Hugh Laurie), and she helps him.
In terms of romance, Virgina falls in love with the Duke of Cheshire (voice Freddie Highmore). There are some scenes of her behaving like a teen who has her own opinions and is not in accordance with her parents.
The CGI animation is colorful and will engage the younger family members.
The film’s running time is 1 hour and 29 minutes. Rated PG
The animated reimagining of the Oscar Wilde classic, The Canterville Ghost, opens nationwide in select theaters on October 20, 2023.
Source: Shout! Studios and Blue Fox Entertainment