...Slimer Green "My Fantastic, Nostalgic 'Ghostbusters' Binge"

I’ve officially slid down the fire pole, strapped on my proton pack, and grouchily muttered in my best NYC-Annie Potts, “Ghostbusters, whaddaya want?!”  Yup, all hail the four-film “Ghostbusters” franchise.  We’re travelin’ back in time to 1984, 1989, and more recently, to 2021, and 2024.  I’m showin’ love to the original blockbuster “Ghostbusters” (1984), its sequel sibling of “Ghostbusters 2” (1989), and then dreamy new millennium-era “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” (2021), and finally, the chilly finale flick “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” (2024).  Or, is the fourth installment really the final movie?  Hmmm.  Anyway, this October, instead of that cute little muddy rabbit hole, I’ve shot myself down that slippery fire pole a la legendary Ghostbuster Dan Aykroyd, happily exclaiming – “This place is great!”

Never did I think revisiting a fan-favorite plotline, cast of characters, and beloved city setting could be so much fun.  And, I can’t forget those two iconic songs.  Thank you, Ray Parker Jr. and Bobby Brown!  "Who am I gonna call?"  And, "Who’s too hot to handle, too cold to hold?"  Of course, “They’re called the Ghostbusters and they’re in control.”  I digress.

So, I remember watching the first two "Ghostbusters" movies in theaters back in the 1980s.  I believe I went with my older sisters.  And even then, I remember my kid brain understanding the magic of these films.  This "Ghostbusters" deuce bestowed its audience with a unique blend of comedy-horror.  It was legit funny, but also, really and truly, scary.  Scene by scene, it knew just how far to push, and then pivot.  Skillful. 

Now while speaking of funny, anyone alive during the 1980s knew just how big comedians were.  They were considered our rock stars.  So, the casting of "SNL" (Saturday Night Live) TV comedy greats of Dan Aykroyd (who also co-wrote the first two "Ghostbusters" films) and Bill Murray (who went on to have a highly acclaimed film career and Oscar nomination for 2003’s “Lost in Translation”) is nothing short of brilliant. 

Then, add in acting, directing, and screenwriting hipster Harold Ramis. He co-wrote the first two "Ghostbusters" films alongside Dan Aykroyd, and was further known for his directing of the smash hit “National Lampoon’s vacation” in 1983, among other comedy films.  Finally, add lovable newbie Ernie Hudson, whose Ghostbuster character admittedly hopped into that iconic white, siren-screaming ghostmobile solely for its steady paycheck.  But, who could blame him?  Anyway, he would go on to film and TV success in movies like "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle" in 1992 and TV shows such as "Oz" from 1997 to 2003.  Put them all together, and this Ghostbuster quartet was a shimmery, bona fide streak of no-holds-barred “lightning in a bottle.”  No match for that roly-poly lime green Slimer, right?!

But not to be outdone by its brilliant cast, the setting of New York City as the ultimate haunted house where the Ghostbusters must do their dirty work, is a welcome treasure.  I mean, seriously, New York City is like our modern-day Rome.  And in the 1980s, it was particularly flashy, glossy, and over-the-top.  I mean, where better to stage the ultimate battle between earthly good vs. ectoplasmic evil?  Sidebar – imagine my surprise to learn, upon moving to NYC for college in 1994, that I was living just a few blocks away from the infamous “spook central” Central Park West building featured in the first film.  Hey, hey sultry red-dressed Gatekeeper, Ms. Sigourney Weaver.  So cool!  I walked right past the building for four years straight.  Now did I hum that lovely little earworm theme song?  You bet! 

Anyway, having a proper binge-watch of these four films this October was something I didn’t expect.  But, I’m so glad I went for it.  It had been decades since I’d watched the first two films from start to finish.  (I’d seen random fragments on TV here and there over the years.)  I had then watched the 2021 film a few years ago, and I liked it.  So, revisiting these first three films, and then finishing with a first-time watch of the 2024 film (which I absolutely loved!) was a treat. 

As mentioned, I love the “lightning in a bottle” quality of the first two 1980s films.  Like other blockbuster film franchises of the decade, such as "Indiana Jones" and "Back to the Future," the early "Ghostbusters" franchise had such a colorful 1980s Hollywood sparkle.  They were unapologetic emblems of the 1980s “decade of excess.”  They were sugary, bubble gum slices of entertainment, and they ultimately became part of our pop culture consciousness.

And as for the two new millennium-era installments?  I applaud the connective thread "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" successfully uses to resurrect the franchise after a whopping 32 years.  Not an easy task.  I bet all involved were holding their breath for this film.  I have to admit, even I was skeptical going in.  A hot, dusty Oklahoma setting?  I’m not sure I get it. 

But I ended up really enjoying the Egon Spengler plotline (the reclusive Ghostbuster character who dies out west), although I was saddened to learn that this plotline came out of the real-life death of Harold Ramis.  No!  A legendary Ghostbuster has passed!  On that note, whose heart doesn’t melt with the whole daughter and granddaughter piece?  Little Phoebe’s punky hair and glasses even match her dead grandpa’s.  How touching!  Then, to see the three Ghostbusters returning to zap that evil Gozer once again (dang, that prehistoric ghost is persistent) is beyond heartwarming.  Dan, Bill, and Ernie, you might look older, but seriously, you still got it!

And of course I loved the whole “return to New York City” of the fourth film.  I dare say "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" is my second favorite of the bunch after the original.  The nostalgia is full-on amped up here, and I’m all for it.  I love that the new Spengler brood has moved into the iconic NYC firehouse.  I love that the three Ghostbusters come back, and both their characters and performances feel believable.  I actually got teary-eyed a few times.  “Mem’ries!” 

I also adored the whole “let’s freeze the city.”  The finale with that cold, mammoth black villain towering down, and its spindly black limbs, was so impressive.  Breathtaking!  I get nervous with a lot of CGI (computer generated imagery).  I find that movies nowadays rely too much on it, and lots of times you can tell that the visuals are fake.  The CGI doesn’t achieve that coveted cinematic “suspension of disbelief.”  But, I really appreciate the CGI used in both the third and fourth "Ghostbusters" movies.  To me, they enhance, instead of overwhelm and distract.  So, thank you, dear filmmakers.  Giving a special shout-out on the CGI. 

All told, yours truly has become a huge "Ghostbusters" fan.  Give me cute actor Rick Moranis turning into a vicious prehistoric canine any night of the week. (Wait no – be careful what you wish for.  That dog was really frightening, right?!)  Or better yet, add to cart a lil’ bag of Stay Puft marshmallows.  Yummy.  My next grocery delivery’s gonna be mint!

To everyone involved in the "Blockbusters" franchise, thank you for this great entertainment.  I have loved watching these films, and I love celebrating all of you in this blog post.  Now seriously.  Who am I going to call the next time I “experience feelings of dread in my basement or attic?”  Um, the Ghostbusters. Like a total '80s "Duhhh." Stay ghost-free, everyone, and Happy Halloween!!!