After being kicked out of their university, parapsychology professors Egon Spengler, Raymond Stantz and Peter Venkman decide to go into business for themselves by trapping and removing ghosts from haunted houses. After some initial scepticism, business is soon booming as The Ghostbusters rid New York of its undead. However, when a downtown skyscraper becomes the focal point of spirit activity linked to the ancient god Gozer, the problem may be more than the team can handle. What can I say about Ghostbusters other than it is just one of those strange phenomenons of pure brilliance that came out of the best decades ever to occur: The 1980s. Ghostbusters ticks the mark in every category, from its comedy, action sequences, fantasy, and science fiction, to some elements of horror. We also can't forget about those incredible musical numbers, which are equally iconic on their own. This movie has it all! One of the biggest highlights of this feature that I adore is the friendship between our leading roles: Peter, Ray and Egon. They are non-stop back and forth with their witty jokes and comedy with just heaps of banter between them. Not only that, but the overall care they have for one another, as a team and friends, makes them such a joy to watch in every scenario they are put in. From start to finish, these guys will be bringing in plenty of chuckles to all-out laughter with their quick quips, subtle payoff lines and crazy antics. My personal favourite of the three would have to be Venkman, played by the fantastic Bill Murray. He is unbelievably funny, quick on his feet with his humour and very charming. But, of course, he is even more amusing when working off his co-stars. I love how very creative this film is with the designs for the ghosts, especially the special effects, which are way ahead of their time. I am a real sucker for 80s effects and Ghostbusters certainly delivered on my appreciation for them. Both of these elements can best be seen during the group's first call and test run where our team takes on the ghost Slimer. This little green blob who loves to slime people and constantly eat has some amazing visuals, from his design to the way he passes through walls just look incredible. He is also the most memorable ghost in the film, besides the Terror Dogs, mainly thanks to his phenomenal scenes in the hotel, which I have linked below. Venkman getting slimed to the hotel being destroyed whilst attempting to capture the pesky ghost is priceless entertainment. The proton packs are the gadgets the team uses to capture the ghosts by grabbing hold of them and directing them into their trap. The look and sound of this device are truly beautiful, which has a marvellous sound and an even better visual with streams swirling around in a cross between vibrant orange and blue. It is so visually stunning and one of the best aspects of the entire film. The main movie logo is really simple yet very effective. It is a piece of iconography so recognisable that anyone can recognise it. Another fabulous part of the film has to be their vehicle, Ecto-1, which is their mode of transport that carries all their equipment and has such an iconic sound in regards to the sirens. Whilst spending most of the story taking out ghosts throughout New York, we spend most of our time with one of their clients, Dana Barrett, who lives in an apartment terrorised by the ancient god Gozer who plans to bring about the end of the world. The finale is easily the greatest part, where the crew must face Gozer atop the skyscraper. I love the sequence where Gozer asks the Ghostbuster, now joined by new crew member Winston, to pick the form of the destroyer, which Ray accidentally thinks of Mr Stay Puft, the Marshmallow Man. We then see our crew have to battle with a giant marshmallow man, which is so absurd yet outstandingly hysterical. Overall, what isn't there to love? Ghostbusters is a movie that will forever stand the test of time. It is outright brilliant in every way. It has groundbreaking visuals, compelling characters and some of the finest movie magic. Just listen to Ray Parker Jr.'s song to get a taste of what this superb flick is all about! Also, check out the sequel: Ghostbusters II (1989).
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