Hello everyone! 🙂

Welcome to ‘Bradley’s Basement’ blog and I’m Tim Bradley!

Last month, I checked out the recent ‘Ghostbusters’ film at the cinema called ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’. Thus, it made sense for me to check out the original 1984 film ‘Ghostbusters’, starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson. I’m very pleased I’ve seen this film at last. 🙂

I saw ‘Ghostbusters’ on BBC iPlayer. It’s fascinating that this supernatural comedy film won over many people, and it started a franchise that no-one could have conceived being a reality. I found myself laughing at quite a lot of comedic moments. There’s a good mix of comedy-horror in the film.

The film was directed by the late Ivan Reitman. The film’s script is by Dan Aykroyd and the late Harold Ramis who appear in the film. It tells the story about three eccentric scientists who start a ghost-catching business in New York City. They’re joined by a fourth member once in big demand. 🙂

What I appreciate about this film is how it’s able to balance comedy, horror and drama in a satisfying mix. You’re able to take the situation of a ghost-catching business seriously whilst enjoying the comedic and horrific moments. The four main leads are also likeable when you’re watching the film.

Bill Murray plays Peter Venkham, who’s quite a snarky person when partaking in the Ghostbusters business. Then again, Bill Murray does have a reputation of playing snarky characters, as demonstrated in ‘Groundhog Day’. 😀 His performance as Peter Venkham is very enjoyable to watch.

Dan Aykroyd plays Ray Stantz, who’s a pretty enthusiastic Ghostbuster, even though he can bumble the job at times, especially when suggesting they “Get her!” once tackling their first ghost. Harold Ramis as Egon Spengler is the serious Ghostbuster as he sprouts scientific ghostbusting knowledge. 🙂

Ernie Hudson as Winston Zeddemore appears rather late in the film when he’s hired to be the fourth member and take off some of the pressure of the other three Ghostbusters. He’s a very willing believer in that ghosts exist, as he supports the Ghostbusters’ case to the Mayor of New York City. 🙂

There’s also Sigourney Weaver as Dana Barrett, who I suppose you could say is Bill Murray/Peter Venkham’s love interest in the film. Whilst they share a kiss at the end of the film, I can’t say there’s much of a romance going on between the two, especially with the Ghostbusting business happening.

Rick Moranis stars as Louis Tully, a neighbour of Dana’s in their New York block of apartments. I’ve seen Rick Moranis in ‘Honey, I Shrunk the Kids’ and ‘Honey, I Blew Up The Kid’. It was very unfortunate Dana and Louis ended up being the hosts for the ghosts that served Gozer the Gozerian.

Annie Potts stars as Janine Melnitz, the Ghostbusters’ secretary who wears big glasses. 😀 To think Annie Potts went on to voice Bo Peep in the ‘Toy Story’ film series. 🙂 There’s also William Atherton as Walter Peck, who’s a bit of an idiot when he attempts to go against and expose the Ghostbusters.

I mean, he insisted that the Ghostbusters’ containment unit be shut down even when the Ghostbusters told him not to have the order carried out. In all fairness, it was Walter Peck’s fault for the disaster that occurred in the film’s climax. Then again, he’s a non-believer in the supernatural. 😐

There are plenty of memorable moments to take away from this film like the Slimer ghost, who’s become a memorable character in the franchise. There’s the confrontation with Gozer, played by Slavitza Jovan and voiced by Paddi Edwards, and there’s the gigantic Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. 🙂

All in all, the original ‘Ghostbusters’ film was a worthwhile experience. I’m glad I saw it on BBC iPlayer recently and it’s easy to see why it became popular and spawned a franchise since its release in 1984. I enjoyed the balance of comedy, drama and horror featured throughout this special film. 🙂

And of course, the ‘Ghostbusters’ song by Ray Parker Jr. is incredible! The first tie I heard it was in ‘The Real Ghostbusters’ cartoon TV show. It’s very catchy and memorable to sing to! 🙂

I’ve discovered ‘Ghostbusters II’ is currently available on BBC iPlayer. Will I be watching that next? 😀

Thanks for reading!

Bye for now!

Tim 🙂