HALLOWEEN REVIEW OF THE DAY: Ghostbusters (1984)

I would not much consider Ghostbusters to be a horror classic, it isn't that scary, it doesn't play with the audiences mind like great horror films, and it doesn't have any nightmarish ideas. But what I can say is that it is definitely a comedy classic and one great movie! The only reason I'm reviewing it for Halloween is that, well it has ghosts in it, the word is even the title. For a concept so silly,over the top, outrageous, and probably would not see the light of day if pitched  today (well you never know), writers and cast members of the film Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis wrote a masterpiece including unforgettable and likeable characters, unforgettable and likeable jokes, unforgettable and likeable moments, and most importantly an unforgettable and likeable story. The story follows three paranormal scientists Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray (Dan Aykroyd), and Egon (Harold Ramis) as they start their own ghost extermination service called "Ghostbusters" in New York City, and they also hire a man named Winston (Ernie Hudson) along for the ride. What can be said what has not been said about this film before? Again, this film has such genius writing and some genius comedic timing that works to its advantage when coming up with these unforgettable jokes. I love films like this, especially comedies, where it features a group of great characters with different personalities, and you get to witness the fun the film has writing for these characters and the ways they each work off each other. The lines from this movie are practically quotable they are so good. The tone is great, ranging from comedic and over the top to sometimes dark. While you enjoy the comedic scenes and one liners are heroes have, there are also the surprisingly well done ghost scenes with Zuul and Vinz Clortho, although it is hard to take Sigourney Weaver and Rick Moranis seriously when their characters are possessed by "The Gatekeeper" and "The Keymaster". Get it? Little crude joke for you. That's the genius of this movie. But what I think I probably like the most about the movie, or as equal to the jokes and characters, is the absurd setting and totally bizarre story. Like why do ghosts exists in this world, how does a typical New York building connect to another dimension, where did the Ghostbusters get their proton packs, is there a such thing as a paranormal scientist, and how come The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man is so comedically anti-climatic. Things like that do not matter in this film because this is the world that Aykroyd and Ramis created for us, a world where anything is possible including the existence of ghosts. I really love films that go out there to create a unique and fun reality far from ours and back it up with a great and fun characters with a great and fun story. Mix in great writing, and enjoyable story, a creative concept, fun characters, hilarious jokes, and a fun, thrilling, and over the top climax and your solution is Ghostbusters. If you need a movie to just to have a one heck of a time...who are ya gonna call? Grade: E