Comedy Classic

Rating: 9/10 (6 December 2008)

The 1980s was a decade known for its variety of unique entertainment, especially in film. As a child, I was raised on these movies, but none stand out more than that of Ghostbusters (1984). While not the most sophisticated piece of cinema to come out of that decade, it still stands as one of the most iconic. From the jumpsuits to the sigma, Ghostbusters made a permanent mark on popular entertainment. What makes the movie a classic comedy are not the iconic costumes and props, but the interactions between the Ghostbusters themselves.
Each character has their own mold, which they fit into. Starting off, Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) portrays a typical scientist; dry, humorless and an avid collector of spores, molds and fungus. Although also highly intelligent, Ray Stantz (Dan Akroyd) plays the dimwit of the group with a major lack in common sense or just sense in general. This is blatantly apparent during the scene which he purchases a junker car that needs a plethora of tune-ups and replacements, but only cost them $4800. Peter Venkmen, played by Bill Murray, is a sarcastic quick-wit who plays off both Egon's seriousness and Ray's stupidity. Winston Zeddmore (Ernie Hudson) completes the Ghostbuster team by being the new guy with zero experience in paranormal investigation, yet still manages to fit in due to the remainder of the team's lack of professionalism.
Despite their unprofessional methods, the Ghostbusters still make good business and Venkmen is even able to get a date with customer Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver). Things go awry though when Barrett is possessed by the evil demons haunting her apartment and from here, the movie takes off into a hilarious yet apocalyptic direction. This in itself is another reason why Ghostbusters is such a good comedy.
Speaking for myself, when I hear terms such as "Armageddon" or "Judgment Day," hilarity usually does not ensue. However, these elements are very prevalent yet the movie still garners countless laughs. This occurs for two reasons. The first being the brilliant script written by Harold Ramis and Dan Akroyd who, as mentioned before, star in the film. The second can be accredited to Bill Murray's trademark smug, sarcastic persona. One moment which comes to mind when Murray portrays this ideally is when he shares quips with the demon possessed Barrett. Murray's acting and mannerisms supply the comedic lifeblood to the script like no other actor could.
As stated above, Ghostbusters is not the most serious of films, but during some parts it can be a little too corny. This is most apparent during the scene where the frightening demons are finally seen on screen in clay animation, also known as "claymation". I realize the film came out before movies featured giant spectacular effects; however I think by 1984 other options existed. Another minor gripe I have with the film is the acting done by Weaver during her demon possessed state. I really do not know how someone is supposed to act in such a state, but the entire scene where Dana, while being demon possessed, was talking to Ray felt a bit awkward. Her heavy panting came off as more of a person suffering from an asthma attack than a hellacious demon. However, do not let these two minor complaints stop you from enjoying this classic comedy.
Looking at the film with a realistic point of view, Ghostbusters is a movie about four men trying to prevent Judgment Day from occurring due to two people's demonic possessions. In actuality, the movie is based around four guys who enjoy their job and make light of even the grimmest of situations. For those who disagree with this; I have only one statement: "Stay Puft Marshmallow Man."