Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Ghostbusters’ (1984)

3/18/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Harold Ramis, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, and Ernie Hudson as Dr. Egon Spengler, Dr. Ray Stantz, Dr. Peter Venkman, and Winston Zeddemore in ‘Ghostbusters’. (Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures.)

One common thought about cinema in this modern era, is that original ideas and fresh franchises have simply gone the way of the dodo. For every story has been told, and every franchise is a cash cow instead of a loving saga of storytelling, and there is some merit to that line of thinking. Since now making hundreds of millions of dollars can be a disappointment at the box office and yes, sequels and reboots are indeed part of the landscape. But that particular perception just isn’t wholly correct. Because for every tent pole, there are still plenty of modern stories that are indeed original and gave life to franchises that fans adore and still hang onto, one of which… came forth in the early 1980s.

For back then, a bevy of comedic and creative geniuses came together to ask what would happen if by chance ghosts were real in the world, and their answer to that refreshing and unique question gave rise to an iconic franchise that is now generational in nature and about to celebrate its fourth canonic entry into the franchise and fifth overall subject related story and well, that’s why we here at NTG are eager to celebrate the Ghostbusters franchise this week. To properly reflect upon the wonder of this dynamic and bold franchise, one that does indeed try to stay original and fresh at every turn and it makes sense as to why. Because the original film really is… one of the most original films to hit the modern era, and one cannot break from that.

Especially when you’re dealing with a film that is incredibly intelligent from a plot perspective. After all, this is a film where scientists basically discover that yes, ghosts are real. That there is an afterlife, and rather than take this to the masses… they make money off it. Which is genius and so of the modern times, since these days we believe firmly in the almighty dollar and making cash off of new ideas and that alone makes this a relevant film, one that is unlike anything else on the market. But its wonder and staying power goes far beyond its refreshing plot and overall concept, this is a story that also feels… shockingly real in a way.

Courtesy of the technology that’s present in this story. For the Ghostbusters’ proton packs and traps and even the grand containment unit, are so well grounded in basic science concepts, you don’t think twice about it. It all just immerses you into the film further and the realism doesn’t there. Because the special effects are simply flawless and sell the ghosts in a manner that is seamless and equally as real. Because Slimer and so many more spooks resemble beings that are between worlds, but also feel feasible in nature. As though we could run into them, or run from them, and really, these elements would be enough to justify this film’s iconic status. But there are so many more reasons it needs to be celebrated and acknowledged as a game-changing feature.

For this movie also blends together horror and comedy, seamlessly. Which is no easy feat that only a handful of franchises have accomplished, and this is of course… one of them. Because truly there are moments that are eerie and genuinely spooky and unsettling. But they don’t overwhelm or terrify because Pete Venkman has an amazing one-liner to fire off. Plus, there’s no real sense of horror regarding Stay Puft once we see him in his all his fluffy glory and learn how he really came to be. Not to mention the ghosts even find ways to keep things light since the Librarian knows exactly how the lighten the mood with a well-placed hush and Slimer is just hilarious, period, with his endless hunger.

But yet… there’s still more to celebrate. For none of this works without amazing acting, since you must sell the realism and the cast does that. For everyone puts in the work and gives us something special on screen. Not to mention there’s action and adventure, big moments and fun to be had because this is a perfect motion picture. One that is original, one that is dynamic and beloved. To the point where legions of cosplayers have their own firehouse where they meet and dress up and entertain the kids, all because of a truly magnificent feature that proves… there’s real gems out there. Franchises that do different things and make bold choices, the kind we are going to explore in detail as we inch toward the release of what looks to be the boldest entry in the franchise to date, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.

Watch ‘Ghostbusters’ (1984)

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