Ghostbusters

Plot

In the early 1980s New York, three scientists research the paranormal and when they are fired from their cushy University jobs, decide to venture out on their own – capturing ghosts when they appear. At the same time they are under scrutiny from the EPA, a demigod named Gozer decides to wreak havoc on the city.

Direction

Ivan Reitman’s direction is solid, with some decent action sequences and plenty of destruction which is done well. There are some aged graphics, but considering it is 40 years old, then this can hardly be looked down on. He also does some great camera work including use of angles, dolly work and crane shots.

Cast/Characters

The primary three characters are Peter Venkman played by Bill Murray, Ray Stantz, played by Dan Aykroyd and Egon Spengler played by Harold Ramis, with Muarry really getting the most to do – with his love story with Sigourney Weaver’s Dana.

Secondary cast are Annie Potts as the boy’s secretary Janine, Rick Moranis as Dana’s dorky neighbour Louis and William Atherton as Walter Peck. Just for the record, as a fellow Peck myself; he is nothing like the majority of us.

Ernie Hudson’s Winston does not appear until nearly 40m in the film, and becomes the fourth Ghostbuster.

Screenplay/Setting/Themes

The city of NY becomes an almost tertiary character, as the boys become local heroes – and the surrounding areas become mentioned.

More comedy than horror, there are some somewhat scary moments that might be a little much for younger kids.

The screenplay has held up well, and the secondary characters Ray and Egon are played by the screenwriters – and cast of Second City at the time.

Score/Soundtrack

This introduces us to the epic Ghostbusters theme, and has also has a fun (but little dated) soundtrack that has a very 1980s feel to it.

Overall

A fun introduction to the franchise, with a sequel would happen five years later, and be rebooted in the mid 2010s. Having grown up on this film (I was one when it was made), I think I enjoyed it more then than I did on this viewing, but still strongly recommend.

4/5