Ghostbusters (1984)
So I just saw Ghostbusters for the first time a few days ago. Yeah, I know, what’s wrong with me? How can I not see Ghostbusters? It definitely wasn’t because I didn’t want to see it, so cool it guys. The important thing is that I saw it.
My first impression of it was that it’s very old school. There wasn’t a punchline or joke every five seconds, which is kind of weird to see these days. Not that I think all comedies are bad these days—it’s just different.
Ghostbusters seems to take the majority of its humor from characters and situations. For example, Dan Akyroyd’s character was probably the funniest (besides Rick Moranis, who is lovable) because he’s the dorky, brainy one who’s always excited about everything, and makes you want to be his friend. I enjoyed Bill Murray too, of course, although he seemed more like the stereotypical slacker main character who’s just trying to get the girl. Then again, I would rather Bill Murray than anyone else for that role. Their secretary (played by Annie Potts) was hilarious as well—I wish I could have her as my disgruntled secretary.
I appreciated the use of (fake) science within the movie because it’s a more uncommon approach to a ghost story. The filmmakers don’t take themselves too seriously though by including cartoonish ghosts that gobble up people’s dinners and toss hundreds of library cards all over the floor. There are certainly supernatural and magical elements to the plot, which are genuinely scary, but they’re counteracted by ridiculous things like the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man and disgusting ghost slime.
The movie seemed to take crack at the Environmental Protection Agency by making an agent one of the villains, which was kind of strange. Were they trying to make a statement about the EPA, or was it just a natural part of the plot? I’m leaning toward the second explanation since I’m sure the EPA would be the only agency interested in the trapping of ghosts, but I would love to hear the story behind that, if there is one. I also loved that they picked William Atherton to play the agent because he’s so good at playing jerks (like in Real Genius, another fabulous movie).
The only aspect I thought was lacking was Sigourney Weaver’s screentime. She spent a good chunk of her appearances incapacitated, possessed, or being hit on by Murray. Maybe I’ve become biased since seeing and loving her in Alien, but I think they could’ve put her to better use. Weaver isn’t just a pretty face.
All in all, it’s fun to watch because it doesn’t pretend to be anything but absurd, and it has a great cast. What I want to know now is: is it worth seeing Ghostbusters 2? Thoughts please.
