MIDDLE-AGED MATINEE! #6 - 'Ghostbusters'

'Ghostbusters' (1984)

On March 22, we’ll receive the fourth Ghostbusters film when “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” comes to a theater near you. With this in mind, I decided to revisit one of my favorite comedies for the latest “Middle-Aged Matinee!” review, the series where I take a look at films that came out in the year of my birthday, 1984!

When it was released in ‘84, “Ghostbusters” became the most successful film of the year in America and became a bona fide blockbuster sensation. This was truly exceptional at the time due to the fact that comedies were not considered mega money makers. They were usually good for a quick profit like the horror films of the day.

In fact, taking on a big special-effects comedy featuring some of the most prominent, and therefore more expensive, comedians at the time was a bit of a financial risk for Columbia Pictures at the time. But it definitely paid off!

One of the reasons it was a hit, though, is that while the movie deservedly falls under the umbrella of the comedy genre, one of the reasons for its success has to do with its blending of genres. Yes, it is a comedy, but it is also an action packed supernatural/sci-fi extravaganza with plenty of special-effects that still hold up even to today’s standards.

Egon, Ray, Peter, and Winston are ready for anything!

For anyone living under a rock, three scientists named Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stanz (Dan Aykroyd), and Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) decide to open up a business when they discover that not only are ghosts real, but that they can potentially be trapped. Their business takes off when supernatural happenings around New York City pick up dramatically. Eventually, Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) is hired and the team is complete along with their ever suffering secretary, Janine Melnitz (Annie Potts).

The Ghostbusters’ main plot in the movie is to try and discover why a demigod is occupying the apartment of Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver), a musician who eventually becomes the love interest for Venkman. They must also contend with an angry EPA agent named Walter Peck (William Atherton) who aims to shut them down once and for all because he thinks they’re a bunch of snake oil salesmen that put on a bunch of light shows in order to dupe the city into believing them.

The first thing to note is the amazing chemistry between the Ghostbusters. Murray, Aykroyd, and Ramis were at the top of their game at the time of the movie’s release and worked extremely well together. Hudson is another great addition to the team, though I do hate that his character’s role was cut down so we don’t get to see as much of him in the movie as I’d like.

In addition to the Ghostbusters, both Murray and Weaver also have an amazing chemistry with each other and are genuine love interests. Yes, Dana acts like she is put off by Venkman’s childish behavior, but you can also tell that she kind of likes his flirtatious behavior as well. You actually find that you want to cheer for this couple and it raises the stakes when Dana is threatened by the main antagonist of the movie.

As I said before, though, this movie also succeeds because it is not just a comedy. The movie contains genuinely fun action sequences as the Ghostbusters do their thing and the climactic battle at the end stands up to most other genuine action films. Also, with the addition of the nuclear proton packs and the various ghosts, the movie more than belongs to both the paranormal and science-fiction genres.

This movie is one of those rare movies where all the right elements seemed to have come together. It is a rare movie where you’re entertained whether you’re watching it for the first time or the 100th time. “Ghostbusters” was, is, and always will be one of the greatest comedies of all time!

'Ghostbusters' has earned its place as one of the best comedies of all time!