#treating this as a fame DR mixed with a superhero DR is the best thing I've ever done

[itsangelicasworld]

One of my absolute favorite scenarios in my Teen Titans DR is me wearing an "I ♥︎ Robin" shirt in public. The fandom goes insane. Speculations are off the charts. Everyone thinks this is either a declaration of love or some type of meta commentary. In reality, I saw the shirt at my local mall and thought "lmao this is so funny everyone's gonna get a kick out of this"

[justanothercinemaniac]

Epic Movie (Re)Watch #220 - Ghostbusters (1984)

Spoilers Below

Have I seen it before: Yes

Did I like it then: Yes.

Do I remember it: Yes.

Did I see it in theaters: Yes.

Was it a movie I saw since August 22nd, 2009: Yes, #314.

Format: Blu-ray

1) The prologue of this film puts tone before comedy.

Set by Elmer Bernstein’s richly spooky score, the scene of the librarian encountering a ghost is not played for laughs which is why it (and, to a larger degree, the film) works so well. There is an ominous setting to the library and a genuinely tense tone. From the very start the film establishes that the danger/stakes of dealing with ghosts is VERY real (as opposed to ghosts just wanting to steal the world’s cats or something silly like that).

2) “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr.

I think the reason this tune has stood the test of time as well as it has is because its just fun. Its simple, energetic, and entertaining. Sure, maybe it ripped off Huey Lewis & The New’s “I Want a New Drug”, but it’s an infectious tune.

3) The ESP Test.

Beyond anything else, this scene introduces us to two important (yet similar) elements of the film: the comedy and Dr. Pete Venkman. You have to be good at balancing the spooky scenes with the comedy scenes, and this scene doesn’t go too heavy with the comedy too fast. It gives us just enough to know its okay to laugh while also giving us our first taste of Venkman as a character. Namely, it shows that he’s a bit of an asshole. But more on that right now.

4) Bill Murray as Pete Venkman.

Murray MAKES the part of Venkman. I don’t think Pete Venkman would be as an endearing character today if it weren’t for Murray’s performance. It’s natural, you have trouble seeing the line which divides performer from character (which I think is in part due to the heavy amount of improv Murray brought to the part). This means the character is naturally funny, fun, and (as mentioned above) a bit of an ass. But Murray does well of making Venkman an ass you are rooting for and losing the jerky qualities organically as the film progresses. Venkman is the doubter, the goofball (as Ray observes, he’s, “never been out of college!”), and at first is more concerned about the money than the science of ghosts. But as the film continues he maintains his trademark humor but the desire for money is replaced as a top priority with his care for Dana. One of the reasons the part is so interesting throughout the film is because there is development while the character is consistent. Constituency without boredom, supported by Murray’s acting chops.

5) Dan Aykroyd as Ray Stantz.

I will likely  mention this a few times, but this is a film which is elevated by the strength of its ensemble cast. The main trio of Murray, Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis are able to be totally unique while also playing off each other beautifully. Ray is a VERY different character from any of his friends. He is enthusiastic, largely innocent, but never naive. Aykroyd is able to mix those qualities with Ray’s intelligence beautifully, making him a dork but never an idiot. Ray is funny in a way different than Venkman. He doesn’t say funny things so much, he’s not a wise ass, but his enthusiasm is filled with humor and holds the audience interest wonderfully.

6) Harold Ramis as Egon Spengler.

In essence, Egon is the straight man of the group. But that doesn’t mean he’s any less funny. Ramis is in many ways chameleonic, allowing Egon’s eccentric personality to be exaggerated but never spoofed. His seriousness about everything is what makes him so interesting. He’s very rarely phased and when he is its all the more entertaining. More than anything else though he works with the rest of the cast perfectly. Its a perfect recipe for great characters, with the ensemble supporting and never overshadowing each other. I love it.

7) There are so many freaking iconic lines in this film I don’t think there’s any possibility I can jot them all down. Even if they’re not all as iconic as, “He slimed me,” they all stand out.

Venkman: “You’re right, no human being would stack books like this.”

Ray: “Listen. Do you smell something?”

8) The Library Ghost.

The Library Ghost is our first real example of ghosts in this world, and the key part of this introduction is its transformation. For one thing, the second form of the Library Ghost is frightening and shows that this film isn’t afraid to play with horror elements. But more than that it shows the audience we should never get too comfortable with what we’re seeing. Things are not as they appear in this world, things are always changing and the most mundane of things can become terrifying. The ghosts always have a trick up their sleeves, which will become very important towards the end of this film.

9) This entire monologue by Dean Jaeger to the trio of scientists which starts with, “Doctor Venkman,” and ends with calling them hacks is an important illustration of the elitist bullshit the Ghostbusters will put up with. From the Dean, from Walter Peck, from some members of the media. They’re constantly being questioned, doubted, dismissed, and disrespected because in essence they’re working stiffs. They don’t ACT like scientists even though they are crazy smart, so they won’t be treated with respect. It’s an interesting and all too real human conflict which helps the film.

10) Sigourney Weaver as Dana.

In lesser hands, the potential for Dana to just become a stereotype are boundless. She could’ve just been “Peter’s Girlfriend” or the “Girl in Trouble”, but through the direction of Ivan Reitman and Weaver’s performance she is elevated. Weaver gives Dana her intelligence, integrity, fear without cowardice, limitations (both with ghosts and with others), and heart. She is as integral a part of the film as anyone else and I think that is largely because of Weaver’s performance.

11) Annie Potts as Janine.

Potts makes Janine a wonderfully fun character, turning what could’ve been a dull secretary role into something wildly fun. Potts steals most of the scenes she’s in with heavy hitters like Bill Murray as her acting partners, a result of her handling of the role and the fact she carries herself in such a wonderful way. The voice, the mannerisms, its all wonderful. Potts MAKE Janine, I think, and I’m forever grateful for her part in this film.

12) I ship Janine and Egon, just saying.

13)

Dana [after Ray & Egon list possibilities for her apartment haunting]: “I’m sorry, I don’t believe any of these things.”

Then…why are you there?

14) Returning to Dana’s apartment.

Bill Murray makes Pete out as such a wonderfully lovable dumbass (for the most part) in this scene, which serves as the best early example of the chemistry he has with Sigourney Weaver. As of right now its a bickering chemistry but it’ll grow soon. There is a wonderful mix of humor and tension in the scene, combining the comedy and horror elements which have been introduced thus far.

15) Remember how I said this film had so many great lines?

Dana: “Either I have a monster in my kitchen or I’m completely crazy.”

Venkman: “I don’t think you’re crazy.”

Dana [after a beat]: “That makes me feel so much better.”

16) I appreciate Dana pushing Venkman out of her apartment because it is ALL acting in that scene. I bet you none of what they said was scripted but instead the director just said to Weaver, “You have to get him out of the apartment,” and to Murray, “You have to convince her of your feelings,” so they just took off from there. It’s great!

17) Everything in the Sedgwick Hotel scene shows off every element of the film at its best and gets to the heart of why this film holds up: it’s freaking fun! The near bumbling around the team does while on their first real mission is just wildly entertaining, mainly because of the mistakes they make and then how those mistakes are handled.

18) Slimer is this film’s most iconic ghost.

Lovingly referred to as the ghost of John Belushi, the gross out factor is key to the character’s design. It’s the design that really made him into a marketing machine, because you understand he’s a ghostly figure. You understand he’s not friendly but the character is still very VERY fun. By far the most iconic ghost of the franchise, Slimer is a lot of fun.

19) The ballroom scene.

The ballroom scene provides the audience with their first real taste of the film’s action. While it may not be super flashy martial arts or superhero action, it is still crazy fun. The stakes and goal are very simple: capture the ghost. This is the first time we’re seeing them actually CATCH a ghost so that right there means its interesting. The way the team goes about it is entertaining and has the audience 100% invested in what’s going on. All in all, it just works.

20) Choke this up to another great line.

Ray: “Don’t look directly at the trap.”

[Ray opens the trap]

Egon: “I looked at the trap, Ray.”

21) The following montage.

The key thing about this montage is that it covers an important aspect of the film’s story (the team’s rise to fame and the public’s reaction) in a sleek, fun, tight, and energetic way. Supported by strong editing, great music, fun visuals and cutaways, as well as the result of some deleted scenes being used in the final cut (like when Ray gets it one with a ghost girl), the montage just straight up works.

22) Ernie Hudson as Winston Zeddemore.

Winston gets a bad wrap for being the “weak link” in the group, but I think he still works. He mixes very well with the already established trio and Hudson plays him as he should be: an everyman. He’s not the super smart scientist, he’s the average joe being thrown into this very strange world. It’s easy to invest/get behind in him. Occasionally I think the film TRIES to make Winston come off as weasely (like when he wants his own lawyer after their arrest) but it doesn’t really work. Winston is a down to earth, likable character who still gets some pretty great lines (and one of my favorite scenes in the film). So I guess what I’m saying is, #StopBashingOnWinstons2k17

23) The fountain scene.

This is the key scene which helps to transition the chemistry Murray and Weaver have from a bickering one to a romantic one. You are able to get invested in their relationship because the pair treat each other not only kindly but in a caring way and - as Venkman observes - with respect.

Venkman: “I respect you. It’s corny but I respect you.”

It’s that moment that has me rooting for this pair to work out by film’s end.

24) There are a number of small moments in this film - like when Ray is showing Winston has to empty a ghost trap - which help with the world building. And I think that’s what has it stand up in the pantheon of pop culture. The world feels alive and unique through the way these ghosts are handled. I dig it.

25) William Atherton as Walter Peck.

Atherton plays Peck in a perfect way: as an elitist prick who is perfectly punchable. He’s the guy you LOVE to hate making him a great human villain. His shutting off of the power grid with literally NO understanding of how it works later in the movie shows how great his dumbassery can be when born out of fragile masculinity. There’s not much development to Peck’s character but there doesn’t have to be. Much like the dean mentioned in note #9, he represents the elitist shit the team has to deal with. Which makes it all the more satisfying when they triumph.

26) Winston still gets some great lines.

Winston [after Egon compares paranormal activity to a Twinkie and how much paranormal activity there has been lately]: “That’s a big Twinkie.”

Winston [after Peter shows up, to Egon]: “Tell him about the Twinkie.”

Peter: “What about the Twinkie?”

Also I love how freaking serious Venkman is. He needs no explanation. He knows what the Twinkie means.

27) Rick Moranis as Louis.

While the role was originally meant for the late John Candy, Moraines steals as many scenes as he’s in. Louis is - on paper - a small role. Dana’s nosy/nerdy neighbor who gets possessed by a ghost. But Moranis (much like Annie Potts) makes the part totally unique. The way he carries himself, his voice, what I’m sure have to be improvised moments, all make Louis totally unique to himself in a way only Moraines could do. I’ve said this about Weaver before, but Moranis is as memorable part of this film as the rest of it.

28) The scene where Dana gets attacked by her chair is the closest this film gets to pure horror. It is a genuinely tense and frightening scene which benefits from a slow build and the audience having information the characters don’t. Also, Weaver’s scream is incredible.

29) The dog demon attacking Louis right after the scene with Dana shows how the film is able to successfully switch from horror to comedy. It could’ve been jarring, the humor in that scene after such a frightening one, but it works. Totally and completely, even infusing some of its own scares when Louis finds himself at Tavern on the Green.

30) Weaver’s otherworldly performance as Zuul (especially juxtaposed against her more down to earth Dana) shows off her incredible range. Zuul can be crazy funny but never played as dumb, while Weaver just goes all out with the weirdness of the part. Rick Moranis does a similarly excellent job when Louis is possessed by Vinz Clortho.

31) So Venkman shows up this date with Dana and after finding she’s possessed tells Egon, “I just whacked her up with about 300cc’s of Thorazine.” Why did he bring Thorazine on his date?

(GIF originally posted by @heyman-cornettos)

32) I absolutely LOVE the scene where Ray and Winston are talking about judgment day.

It’s my favorite scene in the film which features a great discussion between the two characters. There’s this sense of darkness to it which is defining. It’s so ominous and kinda scary when they consider the fact they’re basically fighting the apocalypse. I just really love it.

33) FYI, this would totally be me if cops showed up to my place.

Janine: “Oh no, hold on, I’ve seen TV! I know you can’t come in here without a warrant or a writ or something!”

34) I love all the little Stay Puft ads you notice with a rewatch of this film.

35) Hey, that’s Reginald VelJohnson!

36) It too me way too many years to understand this joke.

Louis: “I am the Key Master.”

Dana: “I am the Gatekeeper.”

[They have sex]

37) The Mayor’s Office.

The moment of the film when you are most rooting for the team, this single scene as some of the most iconic lines of the film.

Venkman: “yes it’s true. This man has no dick.”

Venkman: “Dogs and cats living together! Mass hysteria!”

The scene is just crazy entertaining and sets up the climactic stakes of the film incredibly well. It’s just really freaking fun to watch (like the rest of this film).

38) There’s a small bit before the climactic encounter with Gozer when the Ghostbusters fall into  the street and the audience thinks for a second they might be dead. Only, there’s no way they would be. That ending would monumentally suck. It just messes up the pacing. It’s the one thing I have a big issue with in this film.

39) This is me whenever I try to work out.

Venkman [out of breathe, climbing stairs]: “Where are we?”

Ray [also out of breathe]: “Looks like we’re in the…teens, somewhere”

Venkman: “Okay. When we get to twenty tell me. I’m gonna throw up.”

40) Okay so, Zuul and Vinz have to have sex to awaken Gozer and then turned back into dogs right away. Only now do I realize…we never get an explanation for this. At all. Why sex? Why does that bring back Gozer? Of ALL things, THAT brings back this ghost?

41) Another crazy quotable line.

Gozer: “Are you a god?”

Ray [after a while]: “No.”

Gozer: “Then DIE!”

[Gozer attacks and nearly kills the Ghostbusters]

Winston: “Ray, when someone asks you if you’re a good you say YES!”

42) The climax of this film is incredible for a number of reasons. There is an incredible sense of threat and danger to it, endlessly quotable dialogue, and the constant surprises we keep getting thrown our way. It is this last idea that leads to the most brilliant part of this film.

42) The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.

film has been building up to this. The suspension of disbelief which has been born out of everything changing. Ever since the Library Ghost suddenly became a scary monster this film has been pulling the carpet out from under us and changing the rules. And the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man - this wonderfully random and genius climactic monster - is the result of that. It’s absolutely beautiful and just gets me every time.

43) Defeating the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man by crossing the streams feeds into an idea I love in storytelling: if you have a rule, BREAK IT.

44) There is a nice question to whether or not Dana and Louis survived their encounter with Gozer and company. Meaning their survival is all the more satisfying.

45) I like the epilogue that plays out with the credits. It’s a nice touch to see these guys have their moment of victory.

Ghostbusters is a classic of American cinema primarily because it’s so freaking fun. The cast is A+, totally perfect in their individual roles and working off each other. The ghostly elements are great, you’re rooting for them the whole time, and it’s just...what else can I say? It’s Ghostbusters! Go watch it! :D