Review 108: Ghostbusters

Ghostbusters is hysterical!

When kooky, spooky, Parapsychologists Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Raymond Stantz (Dan Aykroyd) & Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) lose their jobs at Columbia University, they decide to go freelance, de-haunting houses in their new ghost removal organisation they name "Ghostbusters". As soon as they open their doors, their first order of business becomes saving beautiful cellist Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) and her nerdy neighbour Louis Tully (Rick Moranis), who've inadvertently opened the gates of hell right in their own appartment.

 

The plot is a simple but utterly outrageously fun blend special effects and comedy. The idea alone that three oddballs would set up a Ghost hunting is equally absurd as it is imaginative. It's clear that Aykroyd is harkening back to old supernatural comedies of Abbot and Costello and gives it

Its appeal lies in its simplicity.

Director Ivan Reitman's direction is sharp and exciting, expertly blending thrills and comedy into one seamless package. The production design is inventive and imaginative, the costumes are terrific, the score by Elmer Bernstein is grand, the special effects are all mind-bogglingly excellent; an amazing blend of practical effects  the action scenes are the cinematography is brilliant and captures the beauty of New York as well as the haunted, Ghost invested locations the film depicts.

The acting is terrific, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis & Ernie Hudson all play their roles effortlessly. Part of the reason this film is so funny and charming is the titular Ghostbusters instantly and easily definable personalities, Murray's Peter Venkman dry and sarcastic wit coupled with Aykroyd's Raymond Stantz and Ramis' Egon Spengler straight men are what make them such a great and memorable trio that is perfectly calibrated to bounce off one another. They're funny, but also not afraid to show off their quick wit and intelligence.

Ernie Hudson doesn't appear until the second half of the film as Winston Zeddemore but he still makes an impression nonetheless. Winston stands out among his fellow Ghostbusters because he is not a scientist with a background in paranormal. Winston represent the everyman of the group and lends a dry and perspective to the unorthodox academia of his three peers.

Rick Moranis brings a light touch to the role of Louis Tully, the loveable swinging accountant. 

Annie Potts is a delight playing Janine, the Ghostbusters loyal secretary.  Sarcastic, sassy 

but Atherton does a such a good job of making him such a hatable foil

Bustin' sure makes me feel good! 5/5.

The Anonymous Critic.