“Chasing Ghosts” Movie Review

By Ruth on July 22, 2015 in movie, review
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chasing ghosts

Disclosure: I was sent a free link to view for review purposes. All opinions are 100 percent mine.
Plot Summary: Lucas Simons, an 11 year-old filmmaker, is obsessed with death after the loss of his brother. When Lucas accidentally captures a mysterious presence in one of his films, he inadvertently becomes a YouTube phenomenon, and must learn to live life in the spotlight while also learning how to once again start living life to its fullest.

Chasing Ghosts trailer. Available on DVD and Digital Download April 21’st from Joshua Shreve on Vimeo.

My thoughts:

First of all, I will admit I was somewhat put off by the title. After all, I don’t like anything having to do with the “supernatural” as a rule, and ghosts are something I tend to shy away from. However, since this film earned the Dove Family-Approved Seal for All ages (read more about that here), and since I was asked to review it, I went in with an open mind. And I can now say I am so grateful I did as the film was completely different from I could have ever dreamed.

chasing ghosts 2

Toby Nichols as Lucas Simons

Before seeing this film, I had never heard of any of the actors in the film. In fact, I would say that although most of the actors are somewhat seasoned, I couldn’t recall ever seeing these actors in other works.  I was most impressed with the young acting talents of Toby Nichols who played the child lead, Lucas.  In fact, I think the success and credibility of the film rested on his shoulders, and he pulled it off beautifully–quite beyond his years. I found myself believing that he was this boy who had unwitting success and was obsessed with death.  Furthermore, his interactions with the others in the film appeared to be genuine and well-done. I certainly hope to see Toby in future projects as I could see his having quite an acting career in the upcoming years.

Toby Nichols as Lucas Simons & Tim Meadows as Chris Brighton

Toby Nichols as Lucas Simons & Tim Meadows as Chris Brighton

Toby’s dealings with Tim Meadows (who played Chris Brighton) were rather intriguing.  In fact, those were some of my favorite scenes in the film. For me, it was refreshing to see a young boy and a man from two different walks of life enjoying each other’s company. In fact, since Lucas’s parents were nursing their own grief for much of the film instead of being fully functional parents that Lucas needed, it was outstanding to see the character Chris step up and become the positive role model for Lucas. I truly enjoyed seeing their interactions and hearing the wisdom/conversations they exchanged.  Both had unique experiences with death, and both bonded over their questions about what happens when one dies.

W. Earl Brown as Roger Simons & Robyn Lively as Lydia Simons

W. Earl Brown as Roger Simons & Robyn Lively as Lydia Simons

In addition to those strong roles, I also appreciated seeing the dynamic changes within Lucas’s parents, played by W. Earl Brown and Robyn Lively. While I had never seen them in anything else, they were the typical parents who struggled through suddenly losing a son, celebrating their son’s overnight fame, and ultimately beginning to discover their dormant love for each other.  These actors related to each other well, and it was nice to see the positive changes that occurred over the course of time within their marriage and family.

Toby Nichols as Lucas Simons, Tim Meadows as Chris Brighton & Meyrick Murphy as Kimberly

Toby Nichols as Lucas Simons, Tim Meadows as Chris Brighton & Meyrick Murphy as Kimberly

Also notable in the cast is Meyrick Murphy who plays Kimberly, the girl next door with whom Lucas is smitten. She plays the perfect “nerd girl,” and she and Lucas have so much in common.  This trio were my favorites in the film, and I hope to see them in  other films in the future. Although the movie can be described as “B” film, there is no doubt that this is quality and tells a story that the entire family can enjoy. This is completely family friendly (though not Christian–don’t expect discussions about heaven and hell).  However, if the entire family watches it, I believe this movie can open the door to family discussions about death. Most children have unanswered and sometimes unspoken questions and fears about death, and this just may be the film that will open this up real conversation.chasings ghosts 4

Chasing Ghosts is available Amazon Instant, Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, Walmart, Comcast (on demand), Time Warner Cable (on demand).

For more information, be sure to check out the links below:

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About the Author

RuthView all posts by Ruth
“Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.” — Franz Kafka Ruth is an inspirational entertainment journalist who instinctively sees the best in all and seeks to share universal beauty, love and positivity. She is an artist who leads with her heart and gives readers a glimpse of the best of this world through the masterful use of the written word. Ruth was born in Tacoma, Washington but now calls Yelm, Washington her home. She lives on five acres with her parents, a dog, two miniature goats, cats and a teenage daughter who is a dynamic visual artist herself. Ruth interviews fellow artists both inside and outside of the film/television industry. At the core of all she does is the strength of her faith.

9 Comments

  1. Sue E August 6, 2015 Reply

    I agree with your comment in the review: “I don’t like anything having to do with the “supernatural” as a rule, and ghosts are something I tend to shy away from.”
    Inviting this type of entertainment into your home cannot be good for kids, etc.
    IF I didn’t read your review, I wouldn’t have had any interest in seeing it!
    I haven’t even seen an ad for this movie!
    Kids have a lot of questions & fear where death is concern. I have bought Veggie Tale DVDs & the kids go to church so that they can get some kind of understanding. God has rewards for His children – this is not all there is!!

    • Author
      Ruth August 7, 2015 Reply

      Sue I completely agree with you & thanks for your kind words

  2. denise low July 29, 2015 Reply

    This is one that I would be interested in. Thank you for the review

    • Author
      Ruth July 30, 2015 Reply

      Enjoy Denise!

  3. Toby Nichols July 25, 2015 Reply

    Thank you for taking the time to watch our movie!

  4. Jerry Marquardt July 24, 2015 Reply

    This is a really excellent review on a great story. I would like to thank you for your excellent website. I can’t wait to keep looking over your nice reviews.

  5. Jesse S July 24, 2015 Reply

    Looks like a very good story! Thanks for sharing, I will keep my eye out for it.

  6. Anne Marie Carter July 23, 2015 Reply

    I loved this preview and I will now have to look for this movie at the theaters.
    Very interesting topic told from another view.

    • Author
      Ruth July 23, 2015 Reply

      I hope you find it Anne. It was an intriguing story.

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