This trio rules the roost at Maine’s Whipstaff Manor, a dilapidated spread bequeathed to a shortchanged heiress (Cathy Moriarty) who wants the place de-ghosted so she and her weak-kneed assistant (Eric Idle) can root around for the buried treasure rumored within. (Dramatically speaking, this applies to humans, too.) Goodness easily devolves into sappiness, and, in “Casper,” the Friendly One is upstaged from the start by his three goofball uncles, Stinkie, Stretch and Fatso. It’s much easier-and more fun-to get behind a cartoon villain.
The problem with Casper has always been his goodness. He’s so adorable that he might as well be the Pillsbury Dough Boy, with whom he shares more than a passing resemblance here. Casper the Friendly Ghost is awfully friendly in “Casper” and more’s the pity.
