SparkNotes Movie Club Presents: Ghostbusters

Welcome back to the SparkNotes Movie Club. To our new readers, this is how it works: At the beginning of each month, we’ll announce a film. Then you’ll have a few weeks to watch the film, or better yet, watch along with me as I liveblog it on Facebook and Twitter. And at the end of the month we’ll discuss the movie here, and you can share your thoughts, and yell at anyone that disagrees with you.

This month, we’re sticking with 80’s classics and demanding you watch Ghostbusters. The 1984 movie stars funnymen Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, and Dan Aykroyd as a team of down-on-their luck college professors who come up with a great business idea: Ghostbusting. Think of it as Paranormal Activity but less disappointing. (And to that guy who told me Paranormal Activity was good: You lied, sir. You lied.)

The movie is beyond hilarious, but what’s surprising is that the film doesn’t rely on slapstick humor. You’d think a movie about guys in jumpsuits trying to nab ghosts would involve lots and lots of falling down and sight gags. Instead, the humor comes from snappy dialogue and quirky characters. Just as you now reference The Princess Bride at all times, you’ll be quoting this movie for years and years, to the annoyance of your friends, family, and cat, who can secretly understand English.

Plus, this movie has impressive special effects for a comedy. Comedies usually don't have big budget effects. It would be like if The Hangover suddenly had a scene involving a giant man-eating goblin that shoots lighting from its ears. And for the record, the proton pack is the best movie weapon since the light saber. And the song? It’s pure pop magic. But you’ll see all that for yourself.

At the height of Ghostbusters' popularity in the late 80’s, there were cartoons, action figures, and even a delicious juice based on the movie. The trend died down a bit in the 90's (thanks to the disappointing Ghostbusters 2). But people who enjoy wonderful movies are rediscovering the brilliance of Ghostbusters. Last year a brand new Ghostbusters video game was released. And with rumors spreading that Ghostbusters 3 may (or may not) be in the works, now is the perfect time for you to see what all the fuss is about.

At the risk of sounding like a wuss, when I first saw the film back in the 80's, the scene in the library scared me so much I ran out of the room. You’ll watch this scene and probably just laugh, but even to this day, when I see a floating transparent librarian, a shiver runs up my back.

And as a kid, I made my own proton pack out of my backpack and a cardboard wrapping paper tube. I was adorable. Also friendless. But that’s beside the point.

Some Fun Facts about Ghostbusters:

• The green ghost named Slimer became a breakout star, even though his name is never mentioned in the movie. (The filmmakers called him Onionhead on the set, and he was given his new, more popular moniker for the cartoon series.)
• The movie was written with John Belushi in mind to play Peter Venkman. When Belushi passed away, Bill Murray stepped in to play the part. Dan Aykroyd, who also wrote the movie, said Slimer was an homage to the late great Belushi. (We totally see the resemblance.)
• Rumor has it that Eddie Murphy was offered the role of Winston, but turned it down.
• New York’s Columbia University was used as the set for the college where the Ghostbusters worked. So, if you’re looking for a good college to apply to...
• The movie was directed by Ivan Reitman, whose son has followed in his father’s footsteps and recently directed the Academy Award-nominated films Juno and Up in the Air.
• And lastly, the movie is amazing. This is a fact.

So find a copy of the movie between now and the end of the month. I’ll be watching on May 20th at 8:00 p.m. (EST) on Facebook and Twitter (let's hope this time Twitter isn’t being jerk). Watch along with me.

Until then, we’re still looking for more movie suggestions, so feel free to shout them out in the comments section. And talk about the movie as well, but keep spoilers to a minimum, since some folks haven’t seen it yet.

Now excuse me. I need to go tell a certain friend of mine that Paranormal Activity was about as frightening as a kitten and as boring as a cat.

How excited are you for Ghostbusters??

Related post: SparkNotes Movie Club: The Princess Bride