After watching the seriously impressive designs and graphics for the new Ghostbusters Video Game, inspiration took hold of my friends and 1984's Ghostbusters was soon hastily shoved into the DVD player.
Now 25 year old, the movie is as funny as ever. Having seen Land of the Lost recently...an attempt to emulate Ghostbusters fusion of talented comedians with a high concept fantasy-adventure, you can see why the original got it so right; it's an adult comedy that kids just happen to love. It doesn't pander to kids. It treats the characters, situations and concept with respect...which means I get the respect I deserve as a viewer.
The casting is perfect with Bill Murray sublime in his landmark role as Venkman, the Ghostbusters natural leader. His dry, sarcastic asides are still gold...but I was suprised at how smarmy and cocky Venkman is. He'd be a slimey twat if you met him in real life, but Murray ensures he's cool, confident and likable. Ramis and Akroyd are more low key in their roles but both deliver some great line deliveries and comedy gems. Even Sigourney Weaver slips into a lighter kind of movie with ease. Also, she's never looked better than here.
The script is perfect...in pacing, characterisation, and orignality. The jokes come thick and fast...they're mostly quality belly laughs... and have proven to be utterly memorable ("Ray. If someone asks you if you're a God...you say YES!"
Ivan Reitman directs with style, but allows the humour to breathe. The New York setting provides the movie with a distinct look and there's plenty of iconic images which have stood the test of time; the terror dogs, the boiler suit uniforms, Slimer, Ecto-1, the logo...all instantly recognizable outside the context of the film.
Ray Parker Jnr's theme song is as fun as ever and it compliments a successful array of other soundtrack contributors; as a collection of songs on film, it's one of the best.
Lets not forget what a great concept this is. Ghost hunting had existed in movie land for decades...but not in the comedy genre. By introducing technology to battle the supernatural, a modern audience is able to relate to 'ghost-busting' in a more realistic way. By adding top of the line visual effects (courtasy of Richard Edlund)it makes it a must see event movie. Mighty clever.
Let's hope then that the long in development Ghostbusters III gets off the ground. Even with the original cast taking a backseat, the concept is so strong and rich in opportunities, it would be a crime to let it wither (but not die...we're talking ghosts you know!)
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