Visually dazzling and sporadically hilarious sci-fi comedy.

Rating: Null/10 (21 March 2003)

`Ghostbusters' was released back in 1984 and now, nearing 20 years on, it is still as entertaining and witty as it was when it was first released. Yes, the early computer effects do look dated compared to today's standards, but the visual effects and puppetry are good for their own uniquely likeable style.
This is backed up by the films cast who are all in top form. Bill Murray is brilliantly witty as Peter Venkman. The film's co-producer, Harold Ramis is also very good as the cynical and somewhat nerdy Ghostbuster, Egon Spengler. Dan Akroyd is well suited to his role as the rather unfortunate Ghostbuster of the bunch, Ray Stanz. Ernie Hudson doesn't receive quite as much screen-time or as much conviction as the other three, but handles his role as Winston Zedmore very well. Sigourney Weaver makes a great love interest and sterling support.
The script couldn't be better either and perfectly balances modest comedy with big budget sci-fi. This has proved to be a hard mixture to get right in the past but works really well here. The distinctly 80's soundtrack is highly appropriate and surprisingly memorable. The film has its fair share of memorable scenes (who can forget the opening scene) and brilliantly witty dialogue (we came, we saw, we kicked a*s). The somewhat shoddy effects on the dog like creature, Zool, are well compensated for by the light show at the end and the famous `Stay-puff marshmallow man' scene.

Overall, `Ghostbusters' is a movie well deserving of its current status as a classic and is just as good (if not better) than the tear jerking `cinematic gems' of melodramatic drivel that has been released in the past. 8.2/10.