Ghostbusters
Where to Watch Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters is an iconic supernatural comedy film that has withstood the sands of time, thanks to its unique blend of humor, action, and special effects. Made in 1984, it was directed by Ivan Reitman and starred the talented trio of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis. Also joining the main cast were Sigourney Weaver and Rick Moranis, offering an extended range of comedic and dramatic performances.
The film puts a hilarious spin on the classic ghost story, combining clever dialogues with captivating special effects to create a movie that is as much a laugh-out-loud comedy as it is a thrilling supernatural adventure. It revolves around a group of eccentric scientists turned paranormal exterminators in New York City after their university funding is cut, prompting them to start a business dedicated to handling supernatural nuisances.
Bill Murray plays the role of Dr. Peter Venkman, a charming and sarcastic paranormal psychologist whose deadpan humor and casual attitude towards the supernatural provides many of the film's most memorable moments. Dan Aykroyd plays the part of enthusiastic and geeky Dr. Raymond Stantz, while Harold Ramis is cast as the stoic and dry-humored Dr. Egon Spengler. Together, they make an unlikely yet undeniably entertaining team of ghost exterminators.
The film opens with these three academics losing their research posts at a prestigious university due to their interest in what others perceive as pseudoscience. Not discouraged, they take the belief in their research to create their own business venture The Ghostbusters. Taking up residence in an old, abandoned fire station, the Ghostbusters now represent the only line of defense between the city and the escalating paranormal happenings.
Sigourney Weaver shines as Dana Barrett, a classy cellist who enlists the Ghostbusters' help after experiencing strange events in her apartment. Her originally skeptical view of the trio and her blossoming relationship with Murray's Dr. Venkman give the film an engaging romantic subplot.
Meanwhile, Rick Moranis portrays Dana's quirky neighbor, Louis Tully, who unwittingly becomes entangled in the supernatural disturbances affecting the apartment. Moranis' performance brings an extra layer of humor to the movie, perfectly balancing out the spooky action and the series of misadventures that the group finds itself in.
The Ghostbusters quickly gain fame as their success rate in managing the city's paranormal problem catches media attention, and their "call to action" commercial becomes popular on television. Each new case presents our heroes with a unique brand of comedic horror as they face off against a cast of strange and hilarious apparitions.
Director Ivan Reitman takes the reigns of the film with a masterful hand, maneuvering the diverse elements of comedy, action, and horror into a cohesive whole. Though the film was set in the 80s, Reitman's direction allows it to feel timeless, as the characters engage with their ghostly challenges in a way that sends a shiver up the spine while still drawing out a chuckle.
The genius of the film also lies in the writing. Aykroyd and Ramis, who co-wrote the screenplay, create a dashingly funny and exciting journey into the supernatural. Their clever dialogue is packed with quick-witted humor, irony, and hilarious banter that beautifully contrasts the spooky ghost hunting scenes.
The special effects of the movie were groundbreaking for its time. The film’s spectral villains, and the iconic ghost-hunting equipment are as impressive today as they were in 1984. Not to mention the iconic Ghostbusters logo that became a piece of pop culture legend and the cool, converted 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance that they use as their mode of transport, famously known as Ecto-1.
Complementing the visuals is an unforgettable soundtrack, headlined by the catchy, chart-topping theme song by Ray Parker Jr., "Ghostbusters". The soundtrack perfectly sets the mood in every scene, whether it be humor, action, or suspense.
Ghostbusters remains a flag-bearer in pop culture even decades after its release, leaving a huge impact on its genre. This inventive and hilarious film is a stunning mix of comedy, adventure, and fantasy that ingeniously mocks its spooky premise while reveling in it at the same time. Ghostbusters from 1984 is an unforgettable romp into the world of supernatural fun, demonstrating the fascinating things that can happen when humor and horror go hand in hand.
Ghostbusters is a Comedy, Fantasy movie released in 1984. It has a runtime of 107 minutes Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 7.8. It also holds a MetaScore of 71.
How to Watch Ghostbusters
Where can I stream Ghostbusters movie online? Ghostbusters is available to watch and stream, buy on demand, download at Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Apple TV Channels, Starz, Peacock Premium, The Roku Channel, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Ghostbusters for a limited time or purchase the movie for downloading.