Fine fantasy that depicts the supernatural brilliantly

Rating: 8/10 (12 April 2009)

After getting kicked out of University three scientists get their own place and create an organization fighting supernatural phenomenon.
Ivan Reitman's 1984 smash does little wrong with a suave portrayal of the supernatural in what must be the most recognized fantasy comedy of the last 30 years.
Almost every living thing (human or none human) could pick up the classic Ray Parker Jr tune without too much trouble recalling the lyrics and quite possibly the dance moves But though this picture is enthralling, sublimely musical and justification of an all too familiar genre, it is Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd who make this picture what it is, which is simply unique at its own accord and stomps all over rival attempts at fantasy comedy.
Fantasy comedies are perhaps one of the hardest genres to tackle as diving into a supernatural world is one thing but making the context of what appears on screen is another. Pixar films tackle these with ease such as Oscar winning Wall-E or other alien hit smash Men in Black. But then they can fail spectacularly like parody Disaster Movie or ordinary glossed with fantasy My Super ex-girlfriend.
Ghostbusters takes the concept of ghosts and puts a marvellously humorous entertaining spin on with some flashing representations of ghosts. The green slime monster is one of the finest touches of this film, though only on screen for minimal time he makes an impact with the sheer grotesque nature and rebellious attitude. The formation likewise is striking and instantly memorable. However what steels the limelight for the film is the rather weird but undeniably inclusion of the film's final monster, a towering icon that brings fear and quiet humour to a devastating and riveting climax Bill Murray brings that wonderful wit to his character Peter Venkman here, using his talented timing and smart deadpan expressions to win over the audience. Aykroyd also brings that zany element to his Doctor as well, and Weaver rounds it off nicely with a temptress that will please any older male viewer. Dana's hard to get nature is wonderfully comic but insanely romantic also.
The plot can occasionally wave with some loopholes in the context of the finale and the fact that the events seem limited in a small space may raise eyebrows. But the humour and sheer brilliance of the encoded fantasy will delight viewers of any age and with comic legends Murray and Aykroyd you can't do much better in a fantasy comedy.