An imaginative, fun, and often thrilling movie

Rating: Null/10 (17 August 2002)

"Ghostbusters" is, in my mind, one of the most underrated yet popular films of all time. Viewers regard it as a good movie, but how many treat it as a classic? Well, I do and I'll tell you why.
When the movie premiered in 1984, it had then-state-of-the-art special effects, but now the digital age has dawned and practicality in special effects has all but disappeared. But this film is far above most digital extravaganzas because it realizes that effects that look neat are better eye-candy than effects that are expensive. I would rather see the giant marshmallow man or the killer dogs than all of the asteroids, slow-motion bullets or spaceships that Hollywood can throw at its patrons.
The plot is basically simple: three scientists set up shop in New York as paranormal exterminators and contend with various spooks. As an action-comedy-fantasy-scifi movie, "Ghostbusters" delivers enjoyment in truckloads. Whether watching the colorful effects or laughing at the tomfoolery of the goofball scientists, it is a true joy to behold.
"Ghostbusters" should be regarded as a classic -- it takes viewers to a comic wonderland, and back to a time when special effects really were special.
**** (out of 4)