Ghostbusters (1984), directed by Ivan Reitman, stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Rick Moranis, Annie Potts, and William Atherton. The film follows a group of paranormal investigators in New York City after they open a business that specializes in the removal of otherworldly entities. Calling themselves “The Ghostbusters,” the group finds quick success. Who knew there would be so many ghosts in NYC? When a threat larger than any they’ve handled rears its ugly head, the group’s paranormal hijinks quickly threaten the lives of all of New York. It’s up to the Ghostbusters to buck up and save the day even if that means destroying the city in the process.

What carries the film more than anything else is the chemistry between the four Ghostbusters. Bill Murray is an absolute riot as Peter Venkman, the immature ladies man of the group. The character may come off as a bit creepy to modern audiences but his actions are mostly harmless enough to ignore. Even if someone sees his horniness as a bit inappropriate/overboard, he remains laugh-out-loud funny. This immaturity is precisely the element that often makes him so dangerously funny. Likewise, when push comes to shove, he always makes the admirable/moral decision. Murray was known for implementing a lot of improv in this role and it’s no wonder the character has some of the film’s best one-liners. Sigourney Weaver’s character at one point describes him as akin to a game show host. I don’t think another description of the character could be more accurate.

Dan Aykroyd plays Ray Stanz, the de facto leader of the group, with a fun amount of nervous energy. He talks fast and is clearly the biggest coward. The leader is the biggest coward? These characters are designed to lead us to funny situations. On the other hand, Harold Ramis as Egon Spengler, the resident Einstein of the group, plays the role with a hilariously dry delivery. There’s zero emotion in just about everything he says and delivers some of the most absurd exposition as if he’s explaining how to do taxes. The character is balanced by giving him some human details such as his subtle love for junk food and his implied romance with the group’s secretary, Janine (Potts). The final Ghostbuster, Winston, is played to perfection by Ernie Hudson. He’s the only member of the group that a normal person wouldn’t consider a total wacko and plays the role with a hilarious “I’m just here to get paid” attitude. He’s the necessary “straight man” that helps bolster the group’s hilarious dynamic. No matter what 2-man combinations are made, they all work as effective foils to one another. 

Other supporting roles that stand out are Annie Potts as Janine, Rick Moranis as Louis, Sigourney Weaver as Dana, and William Atherton as Walter Peck. Potts has a deadpan, no-nonsense delivery that implies she sees her employers as no different than children. Moranis plays a nervous, dorky accountant who gets caught up in all the supernatural madness. He may just be one of the most pitifully sympathetic characters that I’ve ever experienced. Weaver plays Murray’s love interest and the character at the center of the film’s supernatural plot. And lastly, William Atherton plays the film’s human villain and may just be one of the most palpably infuriating characters in all of cinema. He is the epitome of what the internet would refer to as a “Karen, Kyle, Chad, or Kevin.” Even the smallest roles receive a nice amount of characterization which is impressive in a film that’s usually so focused on delivering laughs.

Although the film is primarily a comedy, it features some decently strong horror elements. As an adult, I can’t say I ever felt even a second of fear. That being said, I watched this film countless times during my youth and can attest to its effectiveness for younger viewers. It was one of the first films that piqued my interest in the supernatural. The film is genius in the sense it can appeal to all ages. The adults stay for the jokes and the kids stay for the sci-fi and light horror elements. And that’s not saying one can’t enjoy both, there’s just a clear difference in its effect depending on your age. 

The spooky score helps the horror elements but is balanced by the iconic and more fun-loving “Ghostbusters” theme song. The ways in which the film is able to soften these horror elements are creative and fun. For example, some may criticize the film’s acting in certain scenes due to how people scream when they see a ghost. Each scream is a bit awkward and silly, barely giving us the feeling that these people are actually afraid. To make sure our emotions don’t stray too far into fear, we’re reminded by the silly screams that we’re never supposed to take the horror too seriously. Likewise, no one ever dies or takes any real physical damage. If they did, the stakes would be too high and therefore undermine the film’s silly tone and more nonchalant comedy. Another way the film balances its horror is in the designs of the ghosts. For example, the film often goes for making the ghosts look cartoonish as opposed to realistic. Granted, there’s a big difference in the design of ghosts like Slimer and ghosts like Gozer (the main villain). Even when the designs are a bit more intense, the Ghostbusters eliminate a good amount of fear through their sarcastic observations/one-liners.

Where the movie stumbles is its extremely dated CGI and somewhat occasionally sexist sensibilities/comedy. I don’t think the more masculine attitude ruins the film in any way, it’s just clearly from a time that has passed by. On rewatch, It makes the intentions behind the 2016 all-female remake a lot clearer. The comedy is often crude, and although it is still absurdly funny, it feels a bit dated at points. 

Overall, this is one of my favorite comedies of all time and is one of those rare films that can appeal to the vast majority of audiences. It holds up as a comedy because instead of relying on a simple setup and punchline structure, it relies on its characters and the interactions that are caused by their clashing personalities. It’s perfectly structured and paced while seamlessly mixing two unlike genres. And at the end of the day, it’s just an endless amount of fun. Even with its few flaws, this is one of my favorite movies of all time. A-