I probably see this film at least twice a week. Gem has a tendency to put it (or its sequel) on while she’s doing her hair, making dinner or going to sleep. At first I thought this would dilute its awesomeness and I would become sick of it. However, it’s quite the opposite. It’s like having a pet around the house. Say, a hamster or a cat rather than a dog. There isn’t much effort required and you get used to its constant presence.
Anyway, it struck me recently that if Ghostbusters was made today, it would be awful. I’m not talking about a remake or Murray, Aykroyd and Ramis teaming up to make another movie.
I’m talking about the fact that Ghostbusters is the perfect blend of comedy, action, sci-fi and the supernatural. It’s perfect*. I love that the jokes aren’t forced - they’re hinted at. I love that the action isn’t bullet-time - it’s wonderfully lame. I love that the protagonists are accidental heroes and don’t even pretend to be the best of the best - they’re just the first.
If it were made today, Egon would have blown up a car with his proton pack in a “hilarious” slapstick comedy moment, Ray would be doing backflips in slow-motion to dodge ghosts and Dana Barrett would have been a ridiculously hot 21-year-old who took off her top every ten minutes.
This realisation promoted the movie’s status from pet to offspring. Rather than merely being used to its presence, I now look forward to certain moments and pay it more attention when it’s making noise. I’m not familiar with fatherhood - but I imagine it’s something like that.
Plus, Murray’s line, “Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together, mass hysteria!” is ace.
* Except for the “token black guy” thing.
Posted on 16th September 2008 at 2:43 pm