This week I'm reviewing the original Ghostbusters (1984) in the leadup to next weekend's Ghostbusters reboot and next Thursday will be reviewing Ghostbusters 2 so I will have reviewed all the Ghostbusters films released thus far as Sony currently has plans for a Ghostbusters shared cinematic universe. The following week I will review Star Trek Into Darkness to coincide with Star Trek Beyond's release and the next week will finish out my review of Bourne reviews with a Throwback Thursday Review of The Bourne Legacy correlating with the release of Jason Bourne. In the meantime, reviews you can expect in the following weeks include The Legend of Tarzan, The Secret Life Of Pets, Ghostbusters, Star Trek Beyond, and Jason Bourne at the very least.
'Ghostbusters' (1984) Review
Nominated For: Best Visual Effects and Best Original Song "Ghostbusters" (written by Ray Parker Jr.).
In 1984 a new pop culture phenomena was born with the summer release of Ghostbusters. What makes it a phenomena? I'm sure if I asked the question "Who you gonna call?" many would instantly retort "Ghostbusters!" thanks to the catchy lyrics of the haunting memorable Academy Award nominated song from Ray Parker Jr. and that's certainly some evidence that the film was a hit.
Ghostbusters finds three scientists embarking to become paranormal exterminators after they've been deemed charlatans by the university funding them. After a successful capture of a grotesque green ghost, the ghost-bustin' service begins to resonate with the public and rockets the scientists into unseen heights of popularity. However the Ghostbusters must prepare for the worst when supernatural forces invade New York City.
The mystic comedy is directed and produced by Ivan Reitman and Reitman was able to bring both a psychic supernatural aura and lighthearted fun to the film making for a very interesting mesh of tone and genre. Reitman works well with his amusing ensemble and screenwriting duo of Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis (two of the actual Ghostbusters and prominent characters) to fabricate a humorous turn of events with some witty one-liners.
The visual effects and production design also bring a great deal of fun to the procedures with whacky ghosts ranging from the freakish emerald ghost Slimer to the ginormous Stay Puft Marshmallow Man that look quite authentic. The effects overall surprisingly held up nicely with only a few dated special effects sequences and even those weren't bad. The film may not have much of an actual score, the song "Ghostbusters" is just a hoot all around thanks to some poppy synth, a catchy tune, and lyrics everyone is familiar with.
The film's magic originates with the talented cast. Bill Murray leads the proceedings as Dr. Peter Venkman, a womanizing parapsychology professor out to make a quick buck and hopefully a female companion. Murray gets the best material out of the bunch of Ghostbusters and shines throughout thanks to his great comedic talents. His chemistry opposite the other Ghostbusters and Sigourney Weaver's damsel in distress Dana Barrett is electric as all the actors work brilliantly off one another bringing along some great character dynamics for the ride.
Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis' roles are smaller than one would expect given the two wrote the blockbuster but both are terrific in their own right as the cowardly Dr. Raymond Stantz and geeky Dr. Egon Spengler respectively. Ernie Hudson fills out the core cast as the fourth Ghostbuster Winston Zeddmore, the "Average Joe" of the group who's incentivized by making a quick buck, and while he may be added into the foregoing events later than the others, Hudson manages to make his own lasting mark. It's very noticeable that he has the least material and screen time of the cast and even gets nearly last billing which I speculate is a result of racial undertones of the 80's.
As for the supporting players, Sigourney Weaver is an interesting love interest as Dana Barrett opposite Murray's Venkman given she doesn't fall for his charm initially, while Annie Potts is a convincing reserved receptionist, Rick Moranis plays a wimpy creep, and William Atherton is a pesky EPA inspector. While Ghostbusters primarily puts Bill Murray in the spotlight, the other actors prove their worth with memorable characters that will put a smile on your face.
Ghostbusters may not be a perfect movie, but it's certainly a classic comedy with great comedic talent from it's amusing cast, great direction, witty one-liners, and nice special effects. Anytime I need a good paranormal chuckle, I know exactly who I'm gonna call, 1984's Ghostbusters.
In 1984 a new pop culture phenomena was born with the summer release of Ghostbusters. What makes it a phenomena? I'm sure if I asked the question "Who you gonna call?" many would instantly retort "Ghostbusters!" thanks to the catchy lyrics of the haunting memorable Academy Award nominated song from Ray Parker Jr. and that's certainly some evidence that the film was a hit.
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