Movies

Liam Neeson’s Forgotten Ghostly Comedy is #1

BBG News

Fans eagerly await Lethal Weapon star’s return to comedy in The Naked Gun, but some may have forgotten an earlier role he had in the 1988 comedic ensemble film brimming with energy. In this film, Lethal Weapon’s Neeson even played a character filled with spirit.

Under the guidance of renowned actor Peter O’Toole, Liam Neeson was far from the vengeful father and stern mentor roles he is famously recognized for in recent times. Instead, in Neil Jordan’s humorous fantasy, Neeson delivers an exceptional performance – even attempting to take out several characters – as a resentful, kilt-donning ghost. One of many reasons this film has claimed the top spot on the charts is due to its resurgence made possible by streaming services.

As a film enthusiast, I can attest that “High Spirits” is a gem from the past that has slipped away from the consciousness of younger viewers due to its scarcity on old VHS tapes. However, the beauty of free streaming platforms like Tubi lies in their ability to resurrect forgotten movies waiting to be rediscovered. If you’ve recently watched “High Spirits,” you were in for a hilarious supernatural treat that perfectly embodies the 80s movie template, thanks to its star, Guttenberg. The story unfolds with a comical twist, making it a must-watch for any fan of lighthearted 80s cinema.

The story unfolds in an aging Irish castle-turned-tourist inn, where a financially struggling nobleman (Peter O’Toole) tries to boost business by orchestrating ghostly appearances. However, things take an unexpected twist when a group of tourists from America arrive and discover that the castle is truly haunted – not by fake spirits, but by Martin Brogan (Liam Neeson), who was initially vengeful, and Mary (Daryl Hannah), his ethereal love interest. Meanwhile, John Guttenberg and Beverly D’Angelo (known for their roles with Chevy Chase in the National Lampoon’s Vacation movies) portray Jack and Sharon, a troubled couple whose relationship is on the rocks. The mischievous ghosts find themselves drawn to Jack and Sharon, complicating matters even further.

‘High Spirits’ Was Given Low Ratings

The film titled High Spirits boasted a strong ensemble cast featuring Jennifer Tilly, Martin Ferrero, Peter Gallagher, along with some well-known figures from British television comedies like Connie Booth from Fawlty Towers and Liz Smith from The Royle Family. However, the film’s release failed to impress critics, earning a 31% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and ultimately flopping at the box office.

The movie earned only $8.5 million during its initial theater release, falling short of the $15 million budget it required. But surprisingly, it managed to thrive on home media platforms and garnered slightly more positive reviews from viewers. Still, it seemed doomed to disappear like a banished spirit in film history. That was until Tubi entered the picture.

Despite a 59% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, numerous contemporary viewers have relished the movie as a refreshing throwback to an era when films could be more daringly creative. Consequently, many critics laud this “imaginatively scripted” film for offering a “whimsical journey through the macabre,” a genre that has become scarce in recent years, but still deserves recognition for its rule-defying narrative.

Movie enthusiasts who are fans of Liam Neeson but haven’t had a chance to watch his earlier films prior to his action star status in “Taken”, now have that opportunity as the film is currently available for streaming on Tubi.

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2025-07-05 16:02

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