Ghostbusters (1984) Review

 

Ghostbusters (1984)

Ghostbusters follows three scientists, Dr.’s Venkman, Stantz, and Spengler, who, along with a newcomer, go into business waging a war against the supernatural that threaten to bring about the end of the world in New York City. 

As the great Dr. Venkman says, “We came, we saw, we kicked it’s ass”, which is precisely what Ghostbusters did as it stormed onto the scene in 1984, forever changing pop culture for the better. This marriage between the supernatural and comedy does something I’ve only ever really seen the 80s pull off, and that’s accomplishing the seemingly impossible feat of creating a blockbuster that is chock full of both hearts and laughs, in a way that the whole family can enjoy. And with an added camp factor that is off the charts, we get an original and wildly fun flick full of giant marshmallows, sex demons, and massive Hell dogs; ya know, the perfect recipe for ghost hunting. 

Most interesting though, is Ghostbusters doesn’t try to hide what it really is—a flashy, summer blockbuster. There’s no artificial meaning and more importantly, there’s no hero’s journey. Each character ends up exactly where they start out, whether it be a dry, deadpan geek, or a smarmy, womanizing conman, or even just a simple scientist. Nobody grows, nobody changes, and nobody cares really, and honestly, that’s okay. It’s a special effects heavy, utterly hilarious film about hunting ghosts, what more do you need?

Of course, we get a fantastic cast as well, featuring William Atherton, Annie Potts, Rick Moranis, Sigourney Weaver, Ernie Hudson, Harold Ramis, Dan Aykroyd, and Bill Murray. Murray is at his witty, sarcastic best, and, when matched with his incredible chemistry with Ramis, Weaver, and Aykroyd, he really takes over the lead of the film in commanding, hilarious fashion. 

Ghostbusters, directed by Ivan Reitman, is a campy, often raunchy comedy that proves you can have both laughs and big budget thrills, in a naturally familiar world where nothing is forced and no one has to try too hard. They go there easily and we do as well.

9.3/10