Stars Ramis and Aykroyd wrote this comedy (Aykroyd originally wanted pal John Belushi to co-star, but he sadly died in 1982) about a trio of paranormal ‘experts’ (actually science professors, kicked off campus for their various antics) who set up a ghost-busting business in an old New York firehouse.
Ladies’ man Venkman (Murray), nerdy boffin Spengler (Ramis) and bumbling Stantz (Aykroyd) suddenly find business booming as ghosts pop up all over Manhattan, and things take a seriously spooky turn when one client, Dana Barrett (Weaver), turns into some sort of hound of the devil and a local accountant (Rick Moranis) turns out to be the key to a spectral bad guy turning up in town.
Packed with great special effects – including icky green ghost Slimer and the memorable giant Stay Puft marshmallow man who lumbers through the streets of the city (but shouldn’t scare smaller viewers, although the nasty hounds might) – this is a superb mix of ghostbusting and comedy, with Murray stealing the show as the sleazy but lovable Venkman. Not surprisingly, this became the most successful comedy of all time until the title was snatched six years later by Home Alone.
Is Ghostbusters (1984) suitable for kids? Here are our parents’ notes...
Younger viewers (under 8s) may find Slimer a bit scary when he appears in the library.
While the Stay Puft marshmallow man looks cute to begin with, his face changes and he becomes quite frightening towards the end.
The demon hounds are quite creepy, especially when they chase Rick Moranis’ Tully near the Tavern On The Green. Children under 8 will be scared.
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