You know who to call. (Ghostbusters (DVD))

Member Name: Burning_Darkness

Product:	Ghostbusters (DVD)
Date:	18/10/09 (16 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: good casting and acting, great soundtrack, brilliant concept, funny and entertaining

Disadvantages: None

A 1984 sci-fi comedy about a group of academically-outcast scientists that set up a pest-control style agency to rid the people of the people of New York of their ghost problems, Ghostbusters is an original and and much-loved family film. Bill Murray is excellent as Peter Venkman, playing the role with his usual mix of deadpan wit and melancholy charm, contrasting nicely with Rick Moranis' enthusiastic but naive Dr Raymond Stanz.

The plot initially concerns the scientist's attempts to get their business venture off the ground and the difficulties they experience at the hands of the City Council, who are persistently trying to shut them down. Business is slow but steady for a while but then things take an apocalyptic turn as a 6000 year-old Sumerian god of destruction returns to earth, possessing the bodies of two innocent citiziens (Rick Moranis and Sigourney Weaver) to use them as 'gatekeeper' and 'keymaster' as part of a ploy to allow the ancient god to return to Earth.

The film has some great cartoonish stopmotion/animatronic special effects throughout, whilst the soundtrack and vintage ambulance turned Ghostbusters car (Ecto-1) are now utterly iconic. Its a funny and inventive film that frequently borders on the bizarre, with myriad memorable scenes, such as the one in which a giant skyscraper-tall Stay Puft Marshmallow man terrorises the city. A lighthearted and entertaining feel-good film suitable for the whole family.

Summary: A classic family film from the 80s