Iffy effects, good comedy, great Murray  probably remembered as being better than it is

Rating: Null/10 (19 September 2002)

Three scientists at Columbia University lose their funding and are kicked out of their premises. A contact with a ghost puts them onto a business idea of operating as `ghost busters' in new York. They make the equipment and set up shop in an old firestation. With their first customer comes fame and roaring business. However one of their customers is reporting something about Gorzer and the group realise that she may be the focus of a bigger supernatural phenomenon.
Everyone who saw this when it came out will have fond memories of it  be it the comedy, the `great' effects or just the cheesy wonderful theme song. It was a great blockbuster at the time but it hasn't dated that well in some respects. However overall it is still fun to watch. The plot is average at best but allows for plenty of comedy and action  which is all you want really isn't it?
The bits that have dated are naturally the effects  the beastly dogs are pretty ropy to say the least but are forgivable. This is more than made up for by the energy it has and the comedy. The film is simply fun to watch  it may not be a classic but it is enjoyable and will make you smile. Most of this is due to Murray (who replaced Belushi who the role was meant for). Murray has all the best lines and has the most fun character. Aykroyd is a close second but Ramis is much better behind the camera.
Support from Weaver, Moranis, Potts and Atherton are all good and the ghosts are enjoyable if a bit dodgy. Poor Hudson looks as out of place at times as he apparently felt. He isn't part of the trio and strugged off-screen to fit in, while onscreen his distance is evident with him slightly off to the side on many occasions.
Overall many remember it to be better than it is because we saw it as children. Revisiting it as an adult may bruise those memories but I was relived to find that it was still very enjoyable to watch despite being a bit more superficial than I noticed back in 84!