GHOSTBUSTERS (1984)

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"Let's show this prehistoric bitch how we do things downtown"

In light of all this wonderful Ghostbusters 3 news, I got the sudden craving to watch the original and figured I'd go back and look at why, after nearly 25 years, this series is still gaining interest.

The Ghostbusters brings us the tale of 3 paranormal psychologists of sorts, living in New York, who find themselves being kicked out of Columbia University and their study grants cut. Doctors Peter Venkman (Bill Murray) Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd) and Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) are out on their asses, with no facilities nor expenses to run their supernatural experiments They take what little they have as well as what they can get from selling Ray's parents house, and put it into a supernatural extermination and investigation business.

The Ghostbusters is based out of an old firehouse filled with year's worth of cobwebs and dust. They hire a nasally sounding receptionist by the name of Janine (Anni Potts), who finds herself with a very light work-load do to the unpopularity of this start-up business. The petty cash is run through pretty quick on food and other essentials, like their brand new Ghostbuster mobile (some sort of souped-up hearse). It's when they're at their lowest and nearly broke that they get their first call at a snobby, upscale hotel. The culprit is, though not mentioned by name in this film, Slimer: a mischievous and gluttonous green blob with a fancy for pigging out and any other filthy activity he can get into. The Ghostbusters track him down to the main ballroom of the hotel and using their proton packs (an energy gun that produces a "stream" that ensnares spirits) entrap him in a ghost-container. The snooty hotel manager is affronted at the fee for this wild ghost chase. The Ghostbusters gladly offer to put Slimer back where they found him, to which the manager reluctantly agrees to pay.

The trio gains nationwide fame from this encounter with the ethereal and suddenly find themselves flooded with jobs. There seems to be some sort of outbreak of the supernatural and it only increases the Ghostbusters income. They are forced, however, to bring in a fourth to help out with the heavy workload. Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) is hired after a lengthy interview with Janine, despite being pretty much the only applicant.

Meanwhile, across town, Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) and Louis Tully (Rick Moranis), two neighbors in an old high-rise apartment building, are having their own encounters with the supernatural. Their building seems to be a conduit of sorts for the abnormal and extraordinary. Dana arrives home one day from her shopping to find her fridge the host to a gateway to another world inhabited by doglike demons: minions to a particularly bad tempered spirit by the name of Gozer. These demons seek out Dana and Louis, possessing them. Dana is inhabited by the spirit of the Gatekeeper, while Louis, the Keymaster. They seek each other out for upon their union the "gate" will be opened and Gozer will be free to enter our world bringing along destruction and chaos.

The Ghostbusters are on the case, doing what they can to stop this cataclysmic event before it's too late. However, their efforts are cut short when a pompous EPA Agent by the name of Walter Peck (William Atherton) deems they're business "unsafe" and obtains a warrant to shut down their facilities. Despite the Ghostbusters warnings, Peck shuts down the storage containers, subsequently releasing hundreds of ghosts and turning New York into a poltergeists playground. The Ghostbusters are jailed by Peck, even though it being his own fault, and are unable to prevent the union of the Gatekeeper and Keymaster and the coming of Gozer. Dana and Louis' apartment building turns into an inter-dimensional thoroughfare for Gozer and the destruction that follows. New York has fell victim to a supernatural onslaught.

With the Ghostbusters jailed however, there is no one to stop this paranormal apocalypse. The Mayor, with a little persuasion from Venkman, has the sense to see that his beloved city is in danger and the only ones capable of defeating this evil are the Ghostbusters. Upon their release, the 4 set out to defeat Gozer and bring peace back to their hometown of New York City once and for all.

The story was written by co-stars Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd. Two veterans of comedy, they bring us a script supplied with nonstop laughter. While the thought of supernatural apocalypse isn't the lightest nor humorous of concepts, they make it hilarious. Each character is an individual personality and they play off each other perfectly. The plot, though far-fetched, is presented simply, leaving you free to focus your attention on the hilarious dialogue and characters. The idea was spawned from Dan Aykroyds own fascination with the supernatural. He originally wrote the script for himself and John Belushi, and intended the storyline to be quite different. Bill Murray took over for Belushi and the script was overhauled by Ramis and Aykroyd. They deliver us a script filled with a witty and deadpan humor that get's better and better as it progresses.

Harold Ramis stars as Egon Spengler, the brain of the group: a scientist with a fascination for fungi and trying to drill holes through his head. He is a master technician and is the developer of all the Ghostbusters high-tech ghost hunting equipment. He is a lanky and awkward man with an interest in all things intellectual. Harold Ramis is amazing not only behind the camera, but in front of it as well. He delivers Egons concise humor perfectly. His lumbering physicality makes him all the more believable as this socially inept scientist and he has you hanging on to his every word and movement.

Dan Aykroyd brings us Ray Stantz, the soul of the Ghostbusters. Stantz' enthusiasm for the paranormal is surpassed by none. He delights in their encounters with the supernatural. He has a sort of boyish exuberance about him, a wide eyed wonder that induces a delightful humor. Aykroyd delivers this childlike personality hilariously. His adolescent attitude contrasts wonderfully with his more reserved and serious cast mates. Aykroyd once again unleashes his comedic power and has you laughing from the get go.

Ernie Hudson plays Winston Zeddemore, the fourth Ghostbuster, just a regular all around guy looking to earn a paycheck. He is thrust into the world of the supernatural and provides a common mans view on the paranormal. I haven't seen Ernie Hudson much outside of this role, but he comes through as the voice of reason in the group. His practical demeanor ricochets off his co-workers fascination and fixation on the supernatural. Hudson plays an ordinary guy thrown into an unordinary situation perfectly.

Bill Murray is Peter Venkman. While Stantz is clearly the kid of the group, Venkman is definitely the most immature. A womanizer and a smart ass, Venkman is wiser in the ways of the world and possesses the street-smarts his colleagues lack. He provides the group with the wisdom one gets from experiencing what life has to offer outside of academics and scientific pursuits. In some ways, the leader of the group: though his commitment and enthusiasm to his occupation is less than spirited. Bill Murray gives us yet another memorable performance. While Murray has proved himself to be an actor with a wide range, his roots are in comedy. He just seems so at home with this character, using his own wit and attitude to make him more believable. Murray is a comedian to his bones and showcases his skill with this wonderful role.

Sigourney Weaver plays Dana Barrett aka the Gatekeeper. She plays the damsel in distress and not much more. Her role as Dana is nothing spectacular, but her portrayal of the Gatekeeper is hilarious. She plays a demon inhabited individual with intensity and enthusiasm. Her interactions with Moranis are awesome. Her Amazonian like appearance and Moranis' small and fidgety stature are perfect together.

William Atherton and Anni Potts round out the supporting cast as Peck and Janine respectively. William Atherton plays Peck, a prick in every sense of the word. He doesn't understand what the Ghostbusters are up to, and what he doesn't understand, he doesn't like. His and Murrays interactions are the best. Venkman sees Peck for the little worm he is and delights in insulting him. Anni Potts as the monotone receptionist Janine is great. Her enthusiasm on the job is even less than that of Venkmans. Janine and Egon share a secret passion for each other in this movie, even though she takes a liking to Louis in the sequel. Potts and Ramis' two oddball characters are enjoyable to watch interact with each other.

Last but not least, we come to Rick Moranis and the hilarity that is Louis Tully. Easily one of Moranis' best roles, he brings us an unforgettable performance. Louis is neurotic, geeky and a chatterbox. He is gravely concerned over physical health and constantly lusts over Weavers character. Moranis is so damn funny as this fumbling buffoon. His monologues are pure genius. His character is so wonderfully written and so perfectly portrayed that it pitches you into fits of laughter. The one liner's are never ending and every scene with Louis is just pure gold. Moranis is a great comedian and it's a shame that he has faded out of acting. Hopefully all that Honey I Shrunk the Kids money is running low and he comes back to reprise this legendary role. Honestly, one of my favorite comedic performances of all time. A Ghostbusters movie just wouldn't be the same without Louis Tully.

Though written and conceived by an idea by Aykroyd, this movie is directed by Ivan Reitman (Stripes, Kindergarten Cop). Reitman had worked with Ramis and Murray in the past before and his comfort with directing these two shows through. He directs the whole cast wonderfully as well as brings us spectacular visual effects for their time. The ghosts are perfect, comical yet still frightening. He uses the amazing architecture of New York City to his advantage, giving this film an almost medieval appearance. He takes Aykroyd and Ramis' vision and puts it to film superbly, delivering us a sumptuous treat for the eyes and ears.

This is a movie that never gets old. I'd watch this endlessly as a child. It inspired not only a sequel but a line of toys and cartoons. The theme song is iconic, and you can't help but sing along when you hear it. Just a fun film all around that gives you a kick straight to the funny bone. This remains one of my favorites to this day. I've always dreamed of a third Ghostbusters and can't believe there is actually talk of one. I'd like nothing better than to see these comedic legends reprise these amazing roles and deliver us yet another installment in our favorite Ghostbusting series. Keep your fingers crossed.