One of the cleverest comedies to come out of the '80s, Ivan Reitman's mix of poltergeists and punchlines has become an iconic film of its era. Written by stars Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, the story has fun with the supernatural and those that would investigate it. Its trio of central scientists is not the typical image of world-saving heroes, but that's kind of the point.
Dr. Peter Venkman (Bill Murray, STRIPES), Dr. Raymond Stantz (Aykroyd, DRAGNET) and Dr. Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis, BABY BOOM) have been studying fringe science for years. Their controversial areas of expertise have resulted in them being kicked out of the university right as they make a major breakthrough in parapsychology. Out of work, the threesome decides to go into private business as ghostbusters, exterminators for spectral pests. It seems something big on the paranormal front is brewing in New York City. One of their first clients is the pretty orchestra performer named Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver, ALIEN), who experience strange phenomena in her high-rise apartment. Turns out the ancient god Gozer (Slavitza Jovan, TAPEHEADS) is about the return and wants to wipe out the city.
The everyday working man appeal of the film is its chief asset. Murray plays Venkman as a wisecracking, smooth-talking wannabe lady's man who takes bumps in the road of life with ease. Aykroyd's Stantz is like an excitable genius child. Ramis' Spengler's intelligence has made him a dry cynic. Later Winston Zeddmore (Ernie Hudson, CONGO), a jack-of-all-trades whom doesn't know what he is getting into, is hired and he adds a punch clock, churchgoer voice to the team. Not only must they face ghosts and an evil giant Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, but also weaselly bureaucrats like Walter Peck (William Atherton, DIE HARD). Smart, nerdy, funny exterminators who are the key to saving the world, how can you not like them? Still, they may be experts, but they're also learning on the job, which adds to the humor, as well as the tension. If these guys are our only hope, we're sure as doomed, right?
Murray is the comic standout, with his sly comments and working class indignation at what he views as injustice. His flirtatious relationship with Weaver's Dana is charming. Adding another nice dose of humor is Rick Moranis (STRANGE BREW) as Dana's nerdy accountant neighbor Louis Tully and Annie Potts (TV's DESIGNING WOMEN) as the ghostbusters' annoyed Bronx-attitude receptionist Janine Melnitz.
Outside of its dated music, GHOSTBUSTERS holds up very well. The humor still works because it's so well rooted in the story, which has been imitated, but never bettered. For such well-written main characters, it's surprising that at least a solid sequel has never materialized, but that has stopped them from trying. The film has so entered the pop culture that the ghostbuster's symbol and costumes are universally known. The appeal is lasting because with true wit, it made average Joes heroes, and that's a fantasy that many people can get into.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
