Ghostbusters Review: Who You Gonna Call

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Ghostbusters is a classic Halloween movie, and if you haven’t seen it you are missing out. Once you are done here, let’s talk Ghostbusters 2!

What Happens in Ghostbusters?

After witnessing a ghost at a library and being fired from their university Dr. Peter Venkman, Dr. Ray Stantz, and Dr Egon Spengler decide to take their research and create the technology to capture ghosts. Once they find an office, they establish themselves as the Ghostbusters, the only paranormal exterminating company.

While at first their business is slow, they eventually begin to have customers start to call in, and they become quite the success story. Peter has a particular interest in their first client Dana Barrett, who has a problem with what seems to be a demon spirit in her apartment complex.  With business booming, the team begins to try to figure out why there has been so much paranormal activity in New York and what will come from all this ghostly mayhem.

Who Are The Characters In Ghostbusters?

Ghostbusters features three protagonists who fight the spectral threats that haunt their world. Peter Venkmen, Ph.D., is a scientist who conducts experiments at the university. Of the trio, he is the most socially adept. He chooses to spend most of his time flirting with any woman he sees, from a young college student to an older musician. Peter has no qualms with the women he attempts to swoon with his words.

Egon Spengler is the nerdiest man of the bunch. What he lacks in social settings, he makes up for in pure intelligence. He is a character that takes the two extremes to heart. Ray Stantz is the lovable goofball of the group. He brings joy and happiness when he’s on-screen that the others aren’t capable of showing.

Ghostbusters Review

Ghostbusters is a classic, creepy comedy film that has held up since its release. With its original premise, great cast of characters, and amazing humour, Ghostbusters is quite a good time.  The stand out of this movie is the cast and the chemistry on screen, whether it is Venkman trying to hit on Dana or the great dialogue between the Ghostbusters themselves. While Austin may rank this movie as the second-best Ghostbusters movie to date, this sits atop my Mount Rushmore.

The whole team is great, but if I had to pick out the best of the bunch, it would have to be Bill Murray as Peter Venkman. His deadpan delivery of his jokes and his cynical edge make him an enjoyable and hilarious character.

The other two main Ghostbusters are great too, whether it is Dan Aykroyd as Ray Stantz, the lovable goofball who is the heart of the team and his jokes come from being naïve especially when he is with Venkman, or the late Harold Ramis as Egon Spengler who is the nerd of nerds with his humour coming from his social awkwardness.

Dana Barrett, played by Sigourney Weaver, is not just a damsel in distress who comes to the Ghostbusters; she has a great personality. She constantly rejects Peter and stands toe to toe with his sarcastic remarks. While Ernie Hudson, who plays Winston Zeddemore, does not get a lot of time on screen as the newest Ghostbuster, he does have some great lines and he is a fantastic addition.

The plot is quite original with the idea of paranormal exterminators being quite intriguing with lots of unique ideas and visuals that fill the screen and you may find yourself wanting to suit up as a Ghostbuster by the end. Another great thing about the story and script of this movie is that the world and ideas may be fun for the kids, but the humour is aimed at the adults most of the time which makes it a good time for all.

This movie isn’t necessarily scary, although as someone who saw this when they were 7, I can say I was scared, but it does have creepy elements and a few creepy visuals that make it a great film for the Halloween season. 

I also love the world they create with this history about the ghosts and the spirit world that makes it feel like it could be real. The world has its own mythology and ideas like the equipment they use to catch the ghosts.

Also once you hear that fun song you might not be able to get it out of your head.  This movie is really quotable too with many iconic lines that you will remember for a while after watching the movie. The special effects are mostly 50/50 with the proton pack stuff looking good while some of the ghosts don’t hold up, but it doesn’t hurt the movie overall.

All in all, this is one of my favourites and an absolute classic. This is a great film for Halloween that can be viewed by most ages.  So if you are looking for a Halloween movie that is funny, creative and appeals to both kids and adults, Who you gonna call?