Sep 18 2008
The Return Of The Ghostbusters
The first Ghostbusters was a masterclass in comedy and chemistry between actors. Murray and Aykroyd stole the show and were ably backed up by a fantastic cast in Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver and Rick Moranis. Ivan Reitman directed a movie that was an instant comic classic.
Five years later, they followed it up with a hyper version of the original. A stronger script, better use of the supporting cast (Annie Potts as Janine and Peter MacNicol as Janosz are excellent). They even managed to top the marshmallow man finish of the original by bringing to life America’s greatest symbol of freedom, The Statue of Liberty. The movies, placed side by side, are perfect. They encapsulate all that was good about 80’s family cinema, without dipping into the schmaltzy Disney bucket of emotion.
So, twenty years on, they’ve finally announced plans to make the movie that has been sitting in development hell for, well, twenty years – Ghostbusters 3. Do we need it? No – the Ghostbusters box set sits proudly and complete on many a DVD shelf across the world. There will be few people crying into their pints if the movie goes unmade. Do we want it? Maybe – there’s a part of me that want to see those characters again, to hear some more of Peter Venkman’s wisecracks, to laugh at Ray Stantz doe-eyed expressions, but this is accompanied by a huge concern that they won’t get it right. Every fan has had two decades to imagine the return of the foursome and I doubt it’s possible to live up to expectations at this stage.
That said, it was always a pet project for Aykroyd and Ramis – so, if anyone could do justice to it, it would be them. They have had the same two decades to dream up the return of the Ghostbusters. This time around they’ll have a bigger budget, they’ll have CG at their disposal, they will undoubtedly be able to attract any actors of their choice into bit roles for the movie. There are a lot of pluses.
But there are still negatives. Ramis and Aykroyd are just producing the movie. Harold Ramis recently confirmed that, this time, the script is being handled by US Office writers, Gene Stupnisky and Lee Eisenberg. Also, the director of the first two, Ivan Reitman, is not yet fully on board. At present Ramis is the de facto director.
A huge part of me is excited about the return of the Ghostbusters, but the disappointment of Indiana Jones adds to my concerns that this will mar the earlier Ghostbusters movies for me, just as this year’s Crystal Skulls has taken something from the old Indy movies. Time will tell and I’ll be keeping an eye out for any news about this movie right up to its release.
They should definitely recreate that poster.
Bah – I enjoyed the Indy remake, despite it’s many (many) flaws.
This can only be a good thing. Can’t it??
I a hoping to be in communication with an actual ghostbuster later.
I definately can’t see it living up to expectations – nothing can match the nostalgia factor of watching them as a nipper.
Why won’t they just leave things alone? Ghostbusters 2 used to scare the SHIT out of me. I remember having nightmares about that painting and the baby.
What if you’d seen it when you were six, voodoolady? Or did you?
So are they going to be in it or not?
If not, they shouldn’t do it. What’s the point. If yes, well, I’d go and see it. If they made funny oldy jokes and didn’t pretend to still be youthful.
Though I have to say, my daughter absolutely ADORES the new cartoon, and they only guest in that. And it can be quite spooky…
to be honest, i’m more looking forward to the return of the kids from beverly hills 90210 🙂
Part of me wants it and part of me wants to kill them horribly for wanting to mess with what are two great films.
I dunno what age I was, definitely very young 🙂
@Lottie Yeah, it’s not bad is it.
@David I’m happy about it, just a little apprehensive though.
@RP How did it go?
@Sheepie That’s my worry.
@Voodoo I watched Childsplay, Children of the Corn, Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th, etc. at a very young age. Ghostbusters was a walk in the park.
@Jo They WILL be in it, but it seems in some kind of mentor role. I hope it’s more than just a few cheap cameos.
@Tina Please, please, please, please, let that be sarcasm?
@Maxi Yep – I’m with you on that.
I thought Murray refused to even entertain the idea of a third? Me is confused.
@Anto He’s one of the main reasons it’s taken so long to get off the ground. Apparently now he’s on board.
i think a 3rd movie would be great if thay can do it right and not screw it u pfor every one.
all the power to them