In the early 1980s, Dan Aykroyd worked on a script based on his fascination with the paranormal and quantum physics. He originally wrote it intending to star alongside Eddie Murphy and John Belushi, but sadly Belushi died in 1982. Aykroyd then turned to his friend and fellow SNL cast member Bill Murray, who agreed to star and replace Belushi. Thanks to his previous success with Animal House, Meatballs, and Stripes, Ivan Reitman was chosen to direct personally by Aykroyd. Aykroyd’s script was considered too large to film, so Harold Ramis (Animal House, Caddyshack, Stripes) was added for further rewrites. Sigourney Weaver, Ernie Hudson, Rick Moranis, Annie Potts, and William Atherton joined the cast for a 6-week New York shoot. Richard Edlund supervised the visual effects, Elmer Bernstein composed the music, and Ray Parker Jr made a tie-in song. Finally, on June 8, 1984, Ghostbusters was released to the general public.
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Synopsis
Paranormal scientists Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), and Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) are fired from Columbia University. In response, they decide to open their own business, Ghostbusters, where they hunt and capture ghosts for clients. Meanwhile, Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) visits them after something strange happens at her apartment, namely a strange creature growling “Zuul”. Business starts blowing up after they successfully capture a ghost, and hire Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) as the fourth Ghostbuster. Trouble starts brewing when EPA inspector Walter Peck (William Atherton) visits to see the containment unit, threatening a court order. Soon enough, Dana and neighbor Louis Tully (Rick Moranis) get possessed by spirits awaiting the arrival of Gozer the Gozerian. To make matters worse, Peck shuts off the containment unit, releasing all previously captured ghosts and signaling Gozer’s return. With the world’s fate at stake, will the Ghostbusters save the day?
Review
Ghostbusters is often considered to be one of the best comedies of the 1980s and for good reason. First off, the cast is near perfect, with Murray, Aykroyd, Ramis, and Hudson playing off each other well. As per usual, Murray’s dry wit and smart-alec attitude steal the show, delivering some of the film’s best lines. Aykroyd is fun as the optimist of the group, while Ramis has some great moments with his deadpan delivery. Unfortunately, Hudson doesn’t have much in terms of characterization, but he does work as a straight man to the others. Much like he would later do in Die Hard, Atherton is great as the bad guy you love to hate. Weaver has some solid chemistry with Murray, and Moranis is fun as the affable but goofy neighbor. Also, Annie Potts’ Jeanine has some great banter with the main Ghostbusters, especially with Murray and Ramis.
The special effects are spectacularly vivid and hold up surprisingly well for a film that’s over 30 years old. There are some cool optical effects, as well as some impressive puppets and animatronics that help make these creatures believable. Reitman directs the film in a way to where it feels more like a horror film than a comedy. Combined with Elmer Bernstein’s score, it helps make the film stand out from other comedies of the time. Oscar-winner John DeCuir’s production design is phenomenal, adding to the film’s scope and giving a sense of scale. With all of the on-site shooting, New York City becomes a character itself, given all the recognizable landmarks and locations. From the NY Public Library to the 8 Hook and Ladder building, these are just as iconic as everything else. Overall, Ghostbusters succeeds thanks to its great cast, fantastic effects, solid direction, and quotable dialogue.
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