Ghostbusters

Ghostbusters (1984)

Producers: Columbia Pictures, Black Rhino Productions, Delphi Films (As Delphi Productions)

Director: Ivan Reitman

Writers: Dan Akroyd, Harold Ramis

Rated: PG (mild action and scary images, language and some sensuality)

Runtime: 105 minutes

Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Sci-Fi

Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters!

One of my all-time favorite films. Is it the best cinema? Of course not, but it is downright entertaining. Three lovable losers, scientists mocked by everyone for their crazy ideas, set out to start a business banishing ghouls, specters and ghosts. As business booms they add another member and business flourishes as the rate of hauntings increases, building to a showdown with some moldy Babylonian god (“Sumerian, not Babylonian” “Yeah. Big difference.”).

Infinitely quotable and enjoyable, Ghostbusters is the type of film that you could enjoy as a kid because it is so much fun, and as an adult when you start catching some of the more subtle humor you had missed as a youngster. Ernie Hudson's Winston Zeddmore serves perfectly as the audience's sometimes skeptical, sometimes terrified everyman proxy; both lightening the mood and bringing some of the others' crazy antics down to earth for the rest of us. And through it all, things that should seem ridiculous just work, due mostly to the likability of the main characters.

 

The score is suitably creepy with lots of soft and spooky sounds. The supporting cast is excellent, Sigourney Weaver switches seamlessly from aloof and uninterested in Peter Venkman's advances, to a steamy seductress. Rick Moranis is hilarious as always, taking part in one of my favorite scenes of the movie, his monologue during the party, explaining why he invited clients instead of friends. William Atherton is at his William Atherton-y best (See: Die Hard and Bio-Dome, you'll see what I mean) and you love the jokes made at his expense.

Conclusion: Ghostbusters is a well-crafted and entertaining comedy. The movie is rewatchable and sure to please new viewers and old fans. Most of the effects hold up well in my opinion, especially taking into account that this movie is turning 30 years old this year. That means you're in luck; whether it would be your first time or your hundredth time, Ghostbusters is being rereleased to theaters on August 29^th. So keep an eye on your local listings and get ready to make that call.

Rating: 8/10