I feel for every critic out there who is tasked with reviewing 2016’s remake of the 1980’s classic Ghostbusters. The toxicity surrounding the film, sprouting from the massive amounts of hate that came when the first trailer was released, must make it fairly difficult to look at the film objectively. I know I will find it quite hard to detach the film from the polarizing media storm that has erupted in the past few months, but I know that I, too, have formed a few opinions about the film that may not be fully justified. These opinions, however, have little to do with the casting choices (which seem to be the crux of much of the film’s controversy), but with the adage of the modern remake. Remakes are not a new concept, but it seems like studios are more and more eager to milk the success of older, popular films by adding a modern spin that really makes me wish I was watching the original. So, before the new Ghostbusters movie premieres this week, I figured it would be good to look back at the original two films and see what this one has to live up to.
Ghostbusters
The original Ghostbusters film is not only one of my favorite comedies of all time, but one that truly captures the tone and feel of 1980’s comedy. The movie follows the Ghostbusters, three scientists (Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis) and an average New Yorker (Ernie Hudson) who start a business capturing ghosts in New York City. As they begin to make a name for themselves, however, they uncover a wave of paranormal activity that could reach apocalyptic levels.
When I think about why I love this movie so much, the first thing that come to mind is the chemistry between the four Ghostbusting characters. Murray, Aykroyd, Ramis and Hudson work off of each other flawlessly, but also have excellent chemistry with the side characters played by Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis and Annie Pots. Aykroyd and Ramis’s writing perfectly suits each of the actor’s comedic deliveries and style, and it makes every joke in the movie land perfectly. The slower pace of 1980’s comedies is present here as well, allowing the movie to take its time and let the more subtle jokes sink in.
The special effects in the movie are also reflective of the time the movie was released, an age where practical effects were king. While I don’t mind CGI when it is used properly and in moderation, practical effects have a weight that is unparalleled. Having a model or puppet to represent the object which is created in post gives it shape and weight that feel more realistic that creatures that are all computer generated. And, while this aspect may seem fairly minor, it adds to the feel of Ghostbusters which makes the film so unique and classic.
Grade: A
When I think about why I love this movie so much, the first thing that come to mind is the chemistry between the four Ghostbusting characters. Murray, Aykroyd, Ramis and Hudson work off of each other flawlessly, but also have excellent chemistry with the side characters played by Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis and Annie Pots. Aykroyd and Ramis’s writing perfectly suits each of the actor’s comedic deliveries and style, and it makes every joke in the movie land perfectly. The slower pace of 1980’s comedies is present here as well, allowing the movie to take its time and let the more subtle jokes sink in.
The special effects in the movie are also reflective of the time the movie was released, an age where practical effects were king. While I don’t mind CGI when it is used properly and in moderation, practical effects have a weight that is unparalleled. Having a model or puppet to represent the object which is created in post gives it shape and weight that feel more realistic that creatures that are all computer generated. And, while this aspect may seem fairly minor, it adds to the feel of Ghostbusters which makes the film so unique and classic.
Grade: A
Ghostbusters 2
With the huge success of the first film, it’s not surprising that a second movie starring the same characters from the original was created. And while the second movie has some of the elements that made the first one successful, it fails to capture the same wit of the original. A few years after the events of the original film, the Ghostbusters are seeing a low-point in their business, with little-to-no spectral activity occurring in New York City. However, once the team discovers a river of ectoplasm in the city’s sewers, they realize a new threat is about to emerge and potentially destroy the world.
Though the movie fails to live up to the original in many aspects, the charisma that the Ghostbusters have and their ability to work off each other is still present, if not as good. Not all of the jokes land as well as they do in the original, with many of the gags seeming somewhat forced. For example, at the beginning of the film, we see that the Ghostbusters are relegated to performing at children’s birthday parties. There aren’t really any clever jokes that come out of this idea, and it falls pretty flat. However, some of the humor from the original movie remains, thanks to the brilliant performances from all the returning members of the cast.
What really makes the movie feel lackluster when compared to the original is the general absurdity of its plot. Though the first movie centers on catching ghosts and features a giant man made out of marshmallows, it manages to seem very down-to-earth. Not only do the characters speak and act like real people, but the absurdity of the ghost catching is nicely balanced with reactions that feel realistic. Ghostbusters II feels far more nonsensical when compared to the original, with the evil ghost using the anger and hate of the people of New York to power itself up. I don’t doubt that there is a lot of anger amongst New Yorkers (as there would be in any city), but it is the way that the heroes combat that hate that is so perplexing. I won’t get into extreme detail, but it involves the Statue of Liberty. And an NES controller. It’s so bizarre that it immediately takes you out of the movie, feeling as forced as some of the jokes in the film. And, in the end, the sequel itself feels just that: forced. It’s not the worst sequel I’ve ever seen, but it’s nowhere near the best.
Grade: C+
Though the movie fails to live up to the original in many aspects, the charisma that the Ghostbusters have and their ability to work off each other is still present, if not as good. Not all of the jokes land as well as they do in the original, with many of the gags seeming somewhat forced. For example, at the beginning of the film, we see that the Ghostbusters are relegated to performing at children’s birthday parties. There aren’t really any clever jokes that come out of this idea, and it falls pretty flat. However, some of the humor from the original movie remains, thanks to the brilliant performances from all the returning members of the cast.
What really makes the movie feel lackluster when compared to the original is the general absurdity of its plot. Though the first movie centers on catching ghosts and features a giant man made out of marshmallows, it manages to seem very down-to-earth. Not only do the characters speak and act like real people, but the absurdity of the ghost catching is nicely balanced with reactions that feel realistic. Ghostbusters II feels far more nonsensical when compared to the original, with the evil ghost using the anger and hate of the people of New York to power itself up. I don’t doubt that there is a lot of anger amongst New Yorkers (as there would be in any city), but it is the way that the heroes combat that hate that is so perplexing. I won’t get into extreme detail, but it involves the Statue of Liberty. And an NES controller. It’s so bizarre that it immediately takes you out of the movie, feeling as forced as some of the jokes in the film. And, in the end, the sequel itself feels just that: forced. It’s not the worst sequel I’ve ever seen, but it’s nowhere near the best.
Grade: C+
Check back every Wednesday for another installment of This Week in Movies!
Last week examined the films of Illumination Entertainment to prepare for the release of The Secret Life of Pets.
Last week examined the films of Illumination Entertainment to prepare for the release of The Secret Life of Pets.
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