Hands up if you thought I could possibly feature any film BUT Ghostbusters for G? Sure, there are lots of other great movies beginning with G, but none of them are Ghostbusters. I remember how you could always expect to hear the theme tune at school discos (even though the film had been out about eight years by the time I ever went to one), and the cartoon series would be on after school. Ah, those were the days.
For those of you who have never seen Ghostbusters, and I sincerely hope there are none in this category, the film revolves around three parapsychology professors (plus Winston Zedmore (Ernie Hudson), a dude who just wants the paycheck) who form a company to rid New York of its resident spectres. For a fee, of course. The brainchild of Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), the Ghostbusters enterprise takes up residence in an old fire station, and what looks suspiciously like a hearse is pressed into service as Ecto 1, their means of transport. Sigourney Weaver’s Dana brings in a new case, in which she thinks she’s seen an old Babylonian god in her fridge, and the boys set to work trying to figure it out. Turns out her apartment building was built by an occult-obsessed architect, and it was designed as a portal to another realm. You don’t see that type of dwelling on these property makeover shows, do you? Anyway, the Ghostbusters have to try and avert an apocalypse, part of which involves destroying a giant marshmallow man. As you do.
Ghostbusters came out in 1984, and it’s true that the visual effects look their age. Thing is, it doesn’t matter. I don’t need my ghosts to look real – I just want them to look cool, even if they are dated. Whether the Ghostbusters are chasing Slimer around an upscale New York hotel (named the Sedgewick, pity the name’s got an extra letter), or using their proton packs, the ropey CGI just adds to the film’s charm. And what charm it has! It’s highly quotable (indeed, Ray Stanz’s line, “Listen, can you smell something?” became a regular fixture when I used to do paranormal investigations), it’s funny, and it’s got Rick Moranis in it. Triple win.
I’ve tried really hard to provide intelligent commentary or some sort of discussion about the films I’ve chosen thus far, but Ghostbusters is the kind of film that just provokes childish fangirl glee in me. So sorry about that.
I can imagine that more people went into PhD programs due to “Back off, man. I’m a scientist.” than because of “Warp factor 5, Mr. Sulu.” Best. Line. Ever.
One of the best. So funny, so weird, even the set pieces and throw-away gags are great. From an introverted glance to the giant marshmallow monster, they execute everything so damned well.
I saw this again in an alternative community cinema in Ottawa, and was impressed by how well it still comes across. People were sitting in lawn chairs in a parking lot, watching it on an old home movie projector screen, and laughing and cheering.
Absolutely love this film. Loved it as a kid and still love it today.
Ghostbusters 2 made me a bit wary of baths and creepy medieval artwork for a while…
I did not have my hand up as I couldn’t imagine you picking anything else.
I am also a super geeky fan girl when it comes to this and quote it often. This is why anyone who knows me will never ask “Where do these stairs go?”