From the far reaches of the Milky Way Galaxy, It's Retro Nerd Girl with a film review for you.
Today I'll be reviewing the movie Ghostbusters released in 1984.
Starring:
Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis
Directed by:
Ivan Reitman
Genre:
Action, Adventure, Comedy
Rating:
PG
Budget:
$30,000,000 (estimated)
IMDb Rating:
7.8 currently
My Rating:
9.5
The Synopsis is:
The story begins with the friendship of three parapsychologist and their adventure to start a ghost removal service company in New York City after being kicked out of a prestigious institution. Their budding business meets up with it’s biggest challenge as a young orchestral musician needs their help in solving a ghost mystery that may mean end of the world. It’s up to the ghostbusters to save us all.
Enjoyment:
That’s a no brainer. This is one of my favorite films. I was 14 when this movie came out in theaters and I thought it was fun then. Even though I’ve seen this movie hundreds of times, it’s still a wonder to me how they pulled it off and why it still cracks me up. What a thrill ride. For me, on a whole this movie still holds up as one of my favorite films.
*WARNING: FROM THIS POINT FORWARD THERE MAY BE SPOILERS!*
Pacing:
At an 1h 45min, the pacing is great. I can’t think of any moments that didn’t work for me because it really kept me enthralled from start to finish. There are a few slow parts but they are needed to tell the story and it’s pretty tight.
Story:
The idea for the film isn’t entirely original. Back in 1975 Filmation created The Ghost Busters Tv show about a team of ghost investigators and a gorilla.
I can’t imagine that the creator of the 1984 Ghostbusters movie Dan Aykroyd didn’t know of the show since he had been personally involved and fascinated with the paranormal.
However, he had a spin on the idea making the main characters scientist and his original title for the film was "Ghost Smashers". Ghostbusters would be a better name for the film, so Columbia Pictures paid Filmation for a license to use the name.
Other pre Ghostbusters, ghostbusters and influential properties would be the comedic film released in 1946 called Spook Busters, where the Bowery Boys graduate from exterminating School and set up their new business and quickly get a job to remove ghosts from an old abandoned mansion. Dan Aykroyd has mentioned Bowery Boys as an inspiration in an interview on Q TV in 2010.
There was Goober and the Ghost Chasers, a Hanna-Barbera Productions animated tv series in 1973.
and then finally, a 1937 Disney short animation, Lonesome Ghosts starring Mickey, Goofy, and Donald. The Ajax Ghost Exterminators are called to drive out four ghosts from a haunted abandoned house, however, it was the ghosts who called, bored of no one to haunt. Famously, in the short, Goofy, says "I ain't scared of no ghost". Sounds familiar?
Dan Aykroyd’s original script details a group of "Ghostsmashers" traveling through time, space, and other dimensions combating huge ghosts (of which the StayPuft Marshmallow Man was just one of many).
They wore SWAT-like outfits and used wands instead of proton packs to fight the ghosts. That sounds pretty cool, but back in 1984, the budget for a movie like that would have been about 300 million dollars to make. Yikes!
Director Ivan Reitman got Harold Ramis together with Dan to write a screenplay that would give the story a major overhaul to fit a workable budget of only 30 million given by Columbia Pictures and a year to put it in theaters… and so our classic ghostbusters story was crafted.
Shortly after the ghostbusters go into business an orchestral musician, Dana Barrett has a paranormal incidence that is the cornerstone to the return of the powerful interdimensional destroyer of worlds and Sumerian God, Gozer the Gozerian.
A hotel has been having ghost haunts for years, but until 2 weeks before, the ghost begin to really act up. And many other incidences have been occurring all around NYC.
I believe that the Ghostbusters are the ones who actually trigger Gozer into action, knowing that they would gather up a concentration of ghosts create the sign that is needed to summon the destructor.
It’s important to note that this movie was not intended for kids! No, no, no! Not at all. It’s done in such a way that some of the things that were meant for adults went completely unnoticed such as the blatant gatekeeper/keymaster reference to the act of sex. Yes, the fornication of the gatekeeper and the keymaster on Gozer’s alter is what is needed to summon the destroyer and it happens off screen.
There are other sexually driven moments. Egon seems to pop up from between Janine’s legs “wink, wink” under her desk, Ray gets a sexual favor from a ghost, and Venkman offers to get the StayPuft marshmallow man “laid”, in order to save the city.
There are lots of foreshadowing moments in the film. The opening shot of the lion statue outside the New York public library foreshadows the Terror Dogs.
The keymaster is ironically locked out of his apartment several times.
The StayPuft marshmallow bag is on the egg-frying counter foreshadowing the form of the destroyer.
Dana Barrett and Louis Tully are introduced to the film, nearly at the same time foreshadowing their later connection to one another.
Challenge:
There are two main challenges in this film, the non-believers and Gozer the Gozarian, who threatens to destroy our world.
The non-believers take form in many characters, even the ones that are protagonist, but it is the form of Walter Peck that the Ghostbusters face their biggest human challenge.
Walter is doing his job to protect New Yorkers from dangerous materials, but his first meeting with one of the ghostbusters Dr. Venkman ends disastrously and it is what enrages him to shut down the ghostbusters’ operation.
The second challenge is Gozer the Gozarian. Gozer is most likely a name related to an actual documented haunting in England, during which the name Gozer appeared mysteriously throughout the house, written on walls and things.
The paranormal climate is ripe for Gozers return. Gozer is a fantastic character. I love the idea that Gozer can choose whatever form it wants to appear and then makes its victims ultimately choose the form. What a clever idea. It’s frightening and funny at the same time.
Gozer is waiting to be summoned, by the terror dogs Zuul and Vinz Clortho. Their appearance in the film creates a lot of suspense and tension in the story balancing the comedy with a little terror. Initially when they appear, they make you wonder for a minute whether or not it will take a gory turn in the film. It really brings some gravity to the fear behind the story’s events.
The StayPuft marshmallow man is a wonderful touch to this fantasy. The audience gets the irony immediately when you see him. And it is one of the things that visually sets this film apart from all other films.
Empathy:
While watching this film I was very empathetic to the three friends Dr. Peter Venkman, Dr. Raymond Stantz, and Dr. Egon Spengler as they figure out what to do with their talents in the world.
Most of the screen time is given to Dr. Peter Venkman AKA Venkman, who is a scientists with the least amount of scientific knowledge and aptitude but the most amount of cunning to get by. He’s not exactly likable as a person, but he grows on the audience with every situation. He smooth talks public figures, he makes the deals, he talks as if he is just an audience member experiencing all, by saying explain it as if I am not a scientist. Venkman learns how to be a leader and a team player. At the heart of it, he’s a good guy with a cynical outlook on life.
Dr. Raymond Stantz AKA Ray, has a childlike enthusiasm for Ghostbusting, bridging the gap between his partners Egon and Venkman. In the film, Venkman even calls him the heart of the Ghostbusters when introducing him to the public. Ray is the creative idea man, but not aware of business end of things so he makes a lot of choices that aren’t savvy but the team makes the most of it and allows him be himself.
Dr. Egon Spengler AKA Egon, is the scientists scientists. He is deeply enjoying the scientific discovery that the team is treading on. He is highly inquisitive, never smiles and he never kids when he says something hilarious. His nerdy seriousness is what legitimizes the delivery of the film’s make-believe science.
Egon has caught the eye of the company’s adorable receptionist Janine. They couldn’t be more opposite, but he seems to humor her attentions. There’s a sense that Egon is very uncomfortable with intimate relationships.
The trio has unique relationship to one another. Egon and Ray geek out on their discoveries, gadgets and research. Venkman respects Egon and they have a playful relationship. Venkman and Ray are probably the closest, they understand and look out for each other like brothers.
When the ghostbusters business becomes popular and in need some extra help, Winston Zeddmore is brought into the story 40 minutes into the film.
A lot of people say that Winston initially joins the team just for the money. But he’s not in it for the money, he’s in it for a job. There is a big difference. He’s looking to pay his bills and make a living like any normal person would. He’s an average guy, not a money hungry person looking to get rich from the Ghostbusters.
Winston goes through an intense arc, being an average guy, a non-believer, willing to do anything to get a job, and into a believing official Ghostbuster by the end of the film. Winston and Ray develop a nice relationship as Winston puts his thoughts into the mix and pushes the story along. He is the one who makes the connection between the increase of ghost incidences and the possible end of the world.
Winston is also the gateway to let the audience know know that they can be Ghostbusters too. You didn’t have to be a scientist to do the job. The Ghostbusters show Winston where to go, but the film is actually clever way to tell the audience about the technical stuff and they don’t spend too much time on it… only a few minutes.
Dana Barrett, is a gorgeous independent woman who can stand her own in the world. She’s constantly detracting the advances of her neighbor on a daily basis. She senses Venkman’s bull immediately, but thinks he’s slightly amusing. But most of all, she’s interested in Venkman to get some answers behind the paranormal incident at her apartment. It’s mostly all business with a bit of “oh what the heck”.
Once she becomes Zuul, she becomes the gate keeper. The infamous scene where she is trying to seduce Venkman only occurs because Venkman lies and tells her that he is the key master to get into her apartment. Venkman proves he is a decent guy by not taking advantage of her while she is possessed.
Technical:
Technically, the film is near perfect.
The music was a stamp on the movie that helped its popularity. Ray Parker Jr. wrote the famous theme song, however, he was not the first to be offered the job.
Huey Lewis and the News turned down an offer to write and record a theme song for Ghostbusters. They later sued Ray Parker Jr. for plagiarism, citing the similarities between his theme song and their earlier hit "I Want a New Drug."
Most of the effects were great. The light effects were done in camera, animation, and optical printing since there were no such CGI effects available in 1984.
There is a callback to the Close Encounters of the Third Kind released in 1977, having a door brightly lit in the opening to evoke mystery and suspense.
A tricycle is in the hallway in Dana’s apartment building hallway as an ode to the Shining released in 1980.
"Venkman die", is an ode to Carrie released in 1976.
There is also a reference to the exorcist released in 1973, with Dana's levitation, but it’s’ done with humor. The effect is an actual physical effect, not an optical effect. The actress was put in a full body cast and attached to a post that was hidden in the curtains. It looks convincing even today. Well done.
The cinematography was amazing and shocking that they could do this in 1984. Many of the fantasy shots were amazing and are so unique they remain iconic. The shots of NYC were amazing. Just amazing. But some of the blue screen work, and stop animation did not hold up. Luckily, it doesn’t preoccupy the film.
Character effects were sculpted and practically built. There was such care put into the characters and filming them in a way that help tell the story as realistically as possible with the technology available.
Miniature sets were built and 3 versions of the StayPuft marshmallow man suits were built and destroyed for the production. Then to sell his destruction, massive amounts of shaving cream was used to imitate the density of melted marshmallow.
The original version of the Librarian ghost monster that was going to be used in the film was rejected because it would have been too horrifying for the audience. However, it was recycled and used one year later in one of my favorite films Fright Night released in 1985.
Of the effects is the character later named Slimer, but in 1984 he was called the Onionhead ghost. He is the first ghost that the Ghostbusters capture and on the set, Dan Aykroyd endearingly referred to the ghost creature as the ghost of John Belushi who was to play Venkman but unfortunately died two years before the film’s release.
Performances:
What an incredible cast for this film! All of the characters are played with a whimsical reality. Almost all of the scenes were ad-libbed playing upon their relationships and talent.
This reminds me of the game show “whose line is it anyway where expert comedians ad-lib off of each other leave its audience in stitches. So the situation is set up and the participants use their talent to go with it.
Bill Murray is the star of this movie acting comedically with a natural charm. He’s not going for goofy, but more cynical and blaze’.
Dan Aykroyd is great in this movie. He’s so good at rapidly rambling off highly technical verbiage without blinking an eye. This was definitely a role he was meant to play.
Harold Ramis really had no intention of starring in the film, only writing it. But he felt he was the best person suited for the role… and I can see why. He supports the cast and legitimizes the situation. But his role as Egon is quite different from his real personality, because in real life Harold Ramis is quite a smiley and soft spoken guy. He does a fantastic job playing Egon.
I absolutely love Ernie Hudson's portrayal of Winston. He is not playing his role for laughs or stereotypical black guy he just plays it straight, but with integrity which brings the story even more relatability.
Sigourney Weaver was brilliant in this role. Unbeknownst to today’s younger generation, at the time she was more of a natural beauty, playing rather serious roles. This role was a big departure for her and being possessed by Zuul is the perfect vehicle to reveal a sexier side while still being a powerful woman as she man-handles her prey.
Annie Potts genius!
Rick Moranis as Louis Tully, incredible! He plays a poor awkward fella, but his normal personality is pretty straight forward. He’s a normal guy, however, he’s got a comedic whit that is remarkable.
Everyone was just great.
Best:
The best part of the film is a thread that runs through its entirety. It starts with the very first scene until the closing credits.
Wish List:
When Janine is interviewing Winston for the job, part of the scene was deleted explaining Winston's qualifications such as being an army veteran, a former paramedic, and a construction worker. It would have been nice to have a small mention of this in the film. Even if it’s just a glance at a notepad on a desk while he’s being interviewed.
I also would love to know what happened to the ghost in the library. Did they go back there and what happened. I’ve always wondered about that.
But otherwise, I’m out of wishes.
The ending:
The ending was wonderful… a wonderful climax to a well told film. Once all four of the Ghostbusters come together to make the team to go up against Gozer it’s really gratifying. This is a group of people you really want to rally behind and the entire city does too. In a way, once you have that bonding with the crowd, you have the same reaction as the crowd did at the end of the film, wanting more of them.
Summary:
In summary, this holds a special place in my heart because I am from New York and the institution shown at the beginning of the film is Columbia University. My mom worked in the building right behind this statue for over 15 years. I worked in this building for 6 years and I remember spending many summers playing on these steps. I remember when they were filming in the city and the buzz it created.
So, yes, I may have some nostalgic goggles on, but I can take them off for this review.
I have no idea why this movie is only a 7.8 currently on IMDb. Because I have read only glowing remarks for this film.
After learning about how much improvisation went on in the film, it is almost incredible that this all comes together to make a great story. Was this all an accident? I think the mastery is in the fact that two of the storytellers are actually part of the improv. They know how much to let the scene go wild. There seemed to be a definite plan on what was going to happen in each scene, combined with believable special effects, and a talented team of actors and comedians, the realistic dialogue came from the actors naturally. It’s really good.
For me this is a near perfect film. And sure there are goofs, mistakes, and some things that don’t hold up over time, I still feel this has everything I want in an entertaining film.
My Rating:
That sums up my review. I hope you liked it.
This is Retro Nerd Girl signing off.
Take care movie lovers! I'm off to the next review!
Today I'll be reviewing the movie Ghostbusters released in 1984.
Starring:
Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis
Directed by:
Ivan Reitman
Genre:
Action, Adventure, Comedy
Rating:
PG
Budget:
$30,000,000 (estimated)
IMDb Rating:
7.8 currently
My Rating:
9.5
The Synopsis is:
The story begins with the friendship of three parapsychologist and their adventure to start a ghost removal service company in New York City after being kicked out of a prestigious institution. Their budding business meets up with it’s biggest challenge as a young orchestral musician needs their help in solving a ghost mystery that may mean end of the world. It’s up to the ghostbusters to save us all.
Enjoyment:
That’s a no brainer. This is one of my favorite films. I was 14 when this movie came out in theaters and I thought it was fun then. Even though I’ve seen this movie hundreds of times, it’s still a wonder to me how they pulled it off and why it still cracks me up. What a thrill ride. For me, on a whole this movie still holds up as one of my favorite films.
*WARNING: FROM THIS POINT FORWARD THERE MAY BE SPOILERS!*
Pacing:
At an 1h 45min, the pacing is great. I can’t think of any moments that didn’t work for me because it really kept me enthralled from start to finish. There are a few slow parts but they are needed to tell the story and it’s pretty tight.
Story:
The idea for the film isn’t entirely original. Back in 1975 Filmation created The Ghost Busters Tv show about a team of ghost investigators and a gorilla.
I can’t imagine that the creator of the 1984 Ghostbusters movie Dan Aykroyd didn’t know of the show since he had been personally involved and fascinated with the paranormal.
However, he had a spin on the idea making the main characters scientist and his original title for the film was "Ghost Smashers". Ghostbusters would be a better name for the film, so Columbia Pictures paid Filmation for a license to use the name.
Other pre Ghostbusters, ghostbusters and influential properties would be the comedic film released in 1946 called Spook Busters, where the Bowery Boys graduate from exterminating School and set up their new business and quickly get a job to remove ghosts from an old abandoned mansion. Dan Aykroyd has mentioned Bowery Boys as an inspiration in an interview on Q TV in 2010.
There was Goober and the Ghost Chasers, a Hanna-Barbera Productions animated tv series in 1973.
and then finally, a 1937 Disney short animation, Lonesome Ghosts starring Mickey, Goofy, and Donald. The Ajax Ghost Exterminators are called to drive out four ghosts from a haunted abandoned house, however, it was the ghosts who called, bored of no one to haunt. Famously, in the short, Goofy, says "I ain't scared of no ghost". Sounds familiar?
Dan Aykroyd’s original script details a group of "Ghostsmashers" traveling through time, space, and other dimensions combating huge ghosts (of which the StayPuft Marshmallow Man was just one of many).
They wore SWAT-like outfits and used wands instead of proton packs to fight the ghosts. That sounds pretty cool, but back in 1984, the budget for a movie like that would have been about 300 million dollars to make. Yikes!
Director Ivan Reitman got Harold Ramis together with Dan to write a screenplay that would give the story a major overhaul to fit a workable budget of only 30 million given by Columbia Pictures and a year to put it in theaters… and so our classic ghostbusters story was crafted.
Shortly after the ghostbusters go into business an orchestral musician, Dana Barrett has a paranormal incidence that is the cornerstone to the return of the powerful interdimensional destroyer of worlds and Sumerian God, Gozer the Gozerian.
A hotel has been having ghost haunts for years, but until 2 weeks before, the ghost begin to really act up. And many other incidences have been occurring all around NYC.
I believe that the Ghostbusters are the ones who actually trigger Gozer into action, knowing that they would gather up a concentration of ghosts create the sign that is needed to summon the destructor.
It’s important to note that this movie was not intended for kids! No, no, no! Not at all. It’s done in such a way that some of the things that were meant for adults went completely unnoticed such as the blatant gatekeeper/keymaster reference to the act of sex. Yes, the fornication of the gatekeeper and the keymaster on Gozer’s alter is what is needed to summon the destroyer and it happens off screen.
There are other sexually driven moments. Egon seems to pop up from between Janine’s legs “wink, wink” under her desk, Ray gets a sexual favor from a ghost, and Venkman offers to get the StayPuft marshmallow man “laid”, in order to save the city.
There are lots of foreshadowing moments in the film. The opening shot of the lion statue outside the New York public library foreshadows the Terror Dogs.
The keymaster is ironically locked out of his apartment several times.
The StayPuft marshmallow bag is on the egg-frying counter foreshadowing the form of the destroyer.
Dana Barrett and Louis Tully are introduced to the film, nearly at the same time foreshadowing their later connection to one another.
Challenge:
There are two main challenges in this film, the non-believers and Gozer the Gozarian, who threatens to destroy our world.
The non-believers take form in many characters, even the ones that are protagonist, but it is the form of Walter Peck that the Ghostbusters face their biggest human challenge.
Walter is doing his job to protect New Yorkers from dangerous materials, but his first meeting with one of the ghostbusters Dr. Venkman ends disastrously and it is what enrages him to shut down the ghostbusters’ operation.
The second challenge is Gozer the Gozarian. Gozer is most likely a name related to an actual documented haunting in England, during which the name Gozer appeared mysteriously throughout the house, written on walls and things.
The paranormal climate is ripe for Gozers return. Gozer is a fantastic character. I love the idea that Gozer can choose whatever form it wants to appear and then makes its victims ultimately choose the form. What a clever idea. It’s frightening and funny at the same time.
Gozer is waiting to be summoned, by the terror dogs Zuul and Vinz Clortho. Their appearance in the film creates a lot of suspense and tension in the story balancing the comedy with a little terror. Initially when they appear, they make you wonder for a minute whether or not it will take a gory turn in the film. It really brings some gravity to the fear behind the story’s events.
The StayPuft marshmallow man is a wonderful touch to this fantasy. The audience gets the irony immediately when you see him. And it is one of the things that visually sets this film apart from all other films.
Empathy:
While watching this film I was very empathetic to the three friends Dr. Peter Venkman, Dr. Raymond Stantz, and Dr. Egon Spengler as they figure out what to do with their talents in the world.
Most of the screen time is given to Dr. Peter Venkman AKA Venkman, who is a scientists with the least amount of scientific knowledge and aptitude but the most amount of cunning to get by. He’s not exactly likable as a person, but he grows on the audience with every situation. He smooth talks public figures, he makes the deals, he talks as if he is just an audience member experiencing all, by saying explain it as if I am not a scientist. Venkman learns how to be a leader and a team player. At the heart of it, he’s a good guy with a cynical outlook on life.
Dr. Raymond Stantz AKA Ray, has a childlike enthusiasm for Ghostbusting, bridging the gap between his partners Egon and Venkman. In the film, Venkman even calls him the heart of the Ghostbusters when introducing him to the public. Ray is the creative idea man, but not aware of business end of things so he makes a lot of choices that aren’t savvy but the team makes the most of it and allows him be himself.
Dr. Egon Spengler AKA Egon, is the scientists scientists. He is deeply enjoying the scientific discovery that the team is treading on. He is highly inquisitive, never smiles and he never kids when he says something hilarious. His nerdy seriousness is what legitimizes the delivery of the film’s make-believe science.
Egon has caught the eye of the company’s adorable receptionist Janine. They couldn’t be more opposite, but he seems to humor her attentions. There’s a sense that Egon is very uncomfortable with intimate relationships.
The trio has unique relationship to one another. Egon and Ray geek out on their discoveries, gadgets and research. Venkman respects Egon and they have a playful relationship. Venkman and Ray are probably the closest, they understand and look out for each other like brothers.
When the ghostbusters business becomes popular and in need some extra help, Winston Zeddmore is brought into the story 40 minutes into the film.
A lot of people say that Winston initially joins the team just for the money. But he’s not in it for the money, he’s in it for a job. There is a big difference. He’s looking to pay his bills and make a living like any normal person would. He’s an average guy, not a money hungry person looking to get rich from the Ghostbusters.
Winston goes through an intense arc, being an average guy, a non-believer, willing to do anything to get a job, and into a believing official Ghostbuster by the end of the film. Winston and Ray develop a nice relationship as Winston puts his thoughts into the mix and pushes the story along. He is the one who makes the connection between the increase of ghost incidences and the possible end of the world.
Winston is also the gateway to let the audience know know that they can be Ghostbusters too. You didn’t have to be a scientist to do the job. The Ghostbusters show Winston where to go, but the film is actually clever way to tell the audience about the technical stuff and they don’t spend too much time on it… only a few minutes.
Dana Barrett, is a gorgeous independent woman who can stand her own in the world. She’s constantly detracting the advances of her neighbor on a daily basis. She senses Venkman’s bull immediately, but thinks he’s slightly amusing. But most of all, she’s interested in Venkman to get some answers behind the paranormal incident at her apartment. It’s mostly all business with a bit of “oh what the heck”.
Once she becomes Zuul, she becomes the gate keeper. The infamous scene where she is trying to seduce Venkman only occurs because Venkman lies and tells her that he is the key master to get into her apartment. Venkman proves he is a decent guy by not taking advantage of her while she is possessed.
Technical:
Technically, the film is near perfect.
The music was a stamp on the movie that helped its popularity. Ray Parker Jr. wrote the famous theme song, however, he was not the first to be offered the job.
Huey Lewis and the News turned down an offer to write and record a theme song for Ghostbusters. They later sued Ray Parker Jr. for plagiarism, citing the similarities between his theme song and their earlier hit "I Want a New Drug."
Most of the effects were great. The light effects were done in camera, animation, and optical printing since there were no such CGI effects available in 1984.
There is a callback to the Close Encounters of the Third Kind released in 1977, having a door brightly lit in the opening to evoke mystery and suspense.
A tricycle is in the hallway in Dana’s apartment building hallway as an ode to the Shining released in 1980.
"Venkman die", is an ode to Carrie released in 1976.
There is also a reference to the exorcist released in 1973, with Dana's levitation, but it’s’ done with humor. The effect is an actual physical effect, not an optical effect. The actress was put in a full body cast and attached to a post that was hidden in the curtains. It looks convincing even today. Well done.
The cinematography was amazing and shocking that they could do this in 1984. Many of the fantasy shots were amazing and are so unique they remain iconic. The shots of NYC were amazing. Just amazing. But some of the blue screen work, and stop animation did not hold up. Luckily, it doesn’t preoccupy the film.
Character effects were sculpted and practically built. There was such care put into the characters and filming them in a way that help tell the story as realistically as possible with the technology available.
Miniature sets were built and 3 versions of the StayPuft marshmallow man suits were built and destroyed for the production. Then to sell his destruction, massive amounts of shaving cream was used to imitate the density of melted marshmallow.
The original version of the Librarian ghost monster that was going to be used in the film was rejected because it would have been too horrifying for the audience. However, it was recycled and used one year later in one of my favorite films Fright Night released in 1985.
Of the effects is the character later named Slimer, but in 1984 he was called the Onionhead ghost. He is the first ghost that the Ghostbusters capture and on the set, Dan Aykroyd endearingly referred to the ghost creature as the ghost of John Belushi who was to play Venkman but unfortunately died two years before the film’s release.
Performances:
What an incredible cast for this film! All of the characters are played with a whimsical reality. Almost all of the scenes were ad-libbed playing upon their relationships and talent.
This reminds me of the game show “whose line is it anyway where expert comedians ad-lib off of each other leave its audience in stitches. So the situation is set up and the participants use their talent to go with it.
Bill Murray is the star of this movie acting comedically with a natural charm. He’s not going for goofy, but more cynical and blaze’.
Dan Aykroyd is great in this movie. He’s so good at rapidly rambling off highly technical verbiage without blinking an eye. This was definitely a role he was meant to play.
Harold Ramis really had no intention of starring in the film, only writing it. But he felt he was the best person suited for the role… and I can see why. He supports the cast and legitimizes the situation. But his role as Egon is quite different from his real personality, because in real life Harold Ramis is quite a smiley and soft spoken guy. He does a fantastic job playing Egon.
I absolutely love Ernie Hudson's portrayal of Winston. He is not playing his role for laughs or stereotypical black guy he just plays it straight, but with integrity which brings the story even more relatability.
Sigourney Weaver was brilliant in this role. Unbeknownst to today’s younger generation, at the time she was more of a natural beauty, playing rather serious roles. This role was a big departure for her and being possessed by Zuul is the perfect vehicle to reveal a sexier side while still being a powerful woman as she man-handles her prey.
Annie Potts genius!
Rick Moranis as Louis Tully, incredible! He plays a poor awkward fella, but his normal personality is pretty straight forward. He’s a normal guy, however, he’s got a comedic whit that is remarkable.
Everyone was just great.
Best:
The best part of the film is a thread that runs through its entirety. It starts with the very first scene until the closing credits.
Wish List:
When Janine is interviewing Winston for the job, part of the scene was deleted explaining Winston's qualifications such as being an army veteran, a former paramedic, and a construction worker. It would have been nice to have a small mention of this in the film. Even if it’s just a glance at a notepad on a desk while he’s being interviewed.
I also would love to know what happened to the ghost in the library. Did they go back there and what happened. I’ve always wondered about that.
But otherwise, I’m out of wishes.
The ending:
The ending was wonderful… a wonderful climax to a well told film. Once all four of the Ghostbusters come together to make the team to go up against Gozer it’s really gratifying. This is a group of people you really want to rally behind and the entire city does too. In a way, once you have that bonding with the crowd, you have the same reaction as the crowd did at the end of the film, wanting more of them.
Summary:
In summary, this holds a special place in my heart because I am from New York and the institution shown at the beginning of the film is Columbia University. My mom worked in the building right behind this statue for over 15 years. I worked in this building for 6 years and I remember spending many summers playing on these steps. I remember when they were filming in the city and the buzz it created.
So, yes, I may have some nostalgic goggles on, but I can take them off for this review.
I have no idea why this movie is only a 7.8 currently on IMDb. Because I have read only glowing remarks for this film.
After learning about how much improvisation went on in the film, it is almost incredible that this all comes together to make a great story. Was this all an accident? I think the mastery is in the fact that two of the storytellers are actually part of the improv. They know how much to let the scene go wild. There seemed to be a definite plan on what was going to happen in each scene, combined with believable special effects, and a talented team of actors and comedians, the realistic dialogue came from the actors naturally. It’s really good.
For me this is a near perfect film. And sure there are goofs, mistakes, and some things that don’t hold up over time, I still feel this has everything I want in an entertaining film.
My Rating:
9.5
That sums up my review. I hope you liked it.
This is Retro Nerd Girl signing off.
Take care movie lovers! I'm off to the next review!
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