80s Fusion

Rating: 9/10 (23 July 2003)

Ghostbusters is a trivial film in both structure and style. It certainly isn't well edited due to many gaps in the timeline, but there are several redeeming qualities to it. For starters, the casting is terrific. While the scripted characters themselves are paper-thin, the writers (Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd) fill them with enough interesting dialogue to make things more memorable. Ramis in particular is ingenius as Spengler. Unfortunately, his ability and character were wasted in the sequel.
The film presents an interesting mix. There is the prototypical horror hook of such films as The Exorcist and The Haunting, but it combines it with the 80s notion of "technology can solve or do anything", evident with WarGames and Blade Runner. Of course, Ghostbusters isn't anywhere near the level of Blade Runner, and it's all for laughs. Nonetheless, the comedy element strikes deeper than garbage like Dumb & Dumber. While Ghostbusters doesn't have a purpose, it certainly is trying to find it. Interesting in a decade that shunned intelligent thinking.
On the side note, I feel this movie was robbed at the Oscars both for Visual Effects and Song. Ray Parker, Jr. isn't the 80s' greatest, but the song certainly contributed to the success of the movie. Also, the sound editors deserve their fair share of credit in creating the interesting noises of both the ghosts and the unique "firepower" the team wields against them.
Overall, a film that has aged, but not as bad as other ones from this decade. Essential viewing for children of this decade and comedy buffs, but more introspective reviewers who like Woody Allen should avoid it. 3 out of 5 stars.