Ghostbusters (1984)

Ghostbusters succeeds because it's charming in its own right, with sparky chemistry from Murray and Weaver, a constant stream of cracking one-liners and the appearance of the Marshmallow Man, which is as absurd as it is hilarious. A hugely entertaining reminder of how good blockbusters used to be that hits the target every single time and remains as entertaining today as it ever was, a classic to be treasured by all.

The film succeeds as both a special-effects blockbuster and a sly dialogue comedy where characters banter like smart graduate students in on the joke. It preserves its comic vision amid a big budget, with effects serving the actors rather than overwhelming them.

The often dazzling special effects-driven slapstick tends to overshadow some slyer, more sophisticated laughs in this blockbusting family comedy. Bill Murray is terrifically deadpan and sleazy as the dubious leader, with strong support from the cast and spectacular set pieces from director Ivan Reitman.

The critic highlights the film's deliberate gross-out humor and body-horror elements as central to its enduring appeal for young audiences, emphasizing its anarchic and repellent tone over easy sentimentality.

The critic finds the film holds up well for its genre-mashing comedy-horror blend, strong performances from Murray and Weaver, and clever lines, while noting some dated effects and underdeveloped characters as minor flaws.

The review highlights the film's satire of 1980s New York capitalism and class distinctions through the Ghostbusters' blue-collar hustle amid upscale settings. It notes how the movie captures the era's shift toward commercial optimism while delivering calculated consumer appeal.

The critic finds the film a relaxed, stylish ghost story mixing comedy, action, and effects from the Meatballs team. He praises the sustained pacing, inventive production design, and score while noting the primitive plotting is carried off with finesse.

The premise of unleashing Bill Murray in an Exorcist-like setting is promising but the film stays at the idea stage with wispy jokes, characters, and story. It is another messy near-miss from Murray, kept afloat mainly by his anarchic slob persona.

The critic finds the premise promising but faults the execution, noting that the script gives Murray strong lines while leaving the other leads underused and that Reitman’s direction feels amateurish and the images overly rigid. She singles out the logo and a few comic moments for praise amid broader disappointment.

The critics hail the film as an essential rewatchable classic whose world-building, sound design, score, and aesthetic details make it the most pleasing movie ever made. They single out its scrappy DIY ethos, memorable characters and names, and enduring immersive atmosphere for praise.

The piece celebrates Ghostbusters as a trailblazing, perfect movie that invented the expensive VFX-driven comedy blockbuster and remains a pop culture touchstone. It singles out the blend of Aykroyd and Ramis's script, the cast chemistry, and Reitman's direction for praise while noting its lasting influence on modern blockbusters.

The piece celebrates Ghostbusters as a landmark that successfully blended comedy, horror, and sci-fi elements in a way few films had before. It singles out the commercial and cultural impact of the proton packs, ghost traps, and the film's effects-driven humor as particularly innovative for its time.

The 1984 blockbuster remains a timeless classic that is still as funny, spooky and marvellous as ever upon its re-release. The critic singles out the winning camaraderie between Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis as the ghostbusting trio.

The critic finds the 1984 film boring and unfunny on a first viewing decades later, with a clunky script, underdeveloped characters, and a reliance on nostalgia that fails to engage. She singles out Rick Moranis's performance and the charming wonky special effects for praise amid the complaints.