- Starring
- Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver
- Writers
- Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis
- Director
- Ivan Reitman
- Rating
- PG (Canada, United States)
- Running Time
- 105 minutes
Overall Score
Rating Summary
A film way ahead of its time, the original Ghostbusters still holds up as an impeccable comedy almost 40 years later. Although it may feel dated in the eyes of modern viewers, there is no denying that it is an impeccably-assembled motion picture and one of the best comedies ever made.
After three professors lose their jobs at an esteemed university, they decide to band together to form an agency of paranormal investigators and eliminators known as the “Ghostbusters.” As they stumble upon a gateway to another dimension, an evil unlike anything ever witnessed is let loose upon New York city. The Ghostbusters must use all of their deadly high-tech weaponry to banish the evil forever and save the city from a dark demise.
The comedy throughout Ghostbusters is simply uproarious. The jokes, performances and chemistry among the whole cast makes it even more special and the comedy feel much more authentic. The jokes are genius and brilliantly witty. Although they are undeniably dated and may come off as offensive to some, the film nonetheless delivers some of the best and most intelligent comedy of all-time.
The cast is exceptional. Murray of course is impeccable in possibly his best performance of all time as Dr. Peter Venkman. Similarly, Akroyd, Harold Ramis and Rick Moranis are also brilliant, as Dr. Raymond Stantz, Dr. Egon Spengler, and Louis Tully respectively, making audiences laugh out loud every time they are on screen. Weaver may not be the film’s biggest source of comedy but she still delivers an incredibly-endearing and entertaining performance as Dana Barrett. With the help of these spectacular performances, the film’s characters become very compelling. While the writing is pretty generic, the humor and their performances help elevate them and make them all instantly loveable.
Ghostbusters delivers many memorable and iconic set pieces that are still just as exciting and jaw dropping now 40 years later. From its music, effects, and comedy, the nostalgia factor will be a powerful one as viewers will undoubtedly feel a sense of nostalgia as they relive the fun or get to experience it for the first time. Surprisingly, the film can be quite spooky at times. The film’s light-hearted tone only accentuates its the more sinister and darker moments, making them feel scarier and even more spooky.
In the end, Ghostbusters may not be the most timeless comedy of all-time but arguably still ranks among the best comedies ever put to screen. With its brilliant performances, hilarious comedy, loveable characters, memorable set pieces and spooky moments, it is nothing short of a must-watch Halloween movie everyone must experience each year.
*still courtesy of Columbia Pictures*
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Journalist, Writer, Film Critic and Professional Nerd. You will probably find Olly at the cinema chomping down on some popcorn and taking in the glorious visuals of the latest theatrical release.