‘Ghostbusters’ Frightful, Hilarious

Mon., Dec. 18, 2000

Tyler Wilson Coeur D'Alene

In these days of bad teen-slasher movies and even worse teen comedies, it’s hard to recall a great film that mixed frights with true belly laughs.

But 1984’s “Ghostbusters” was just such a movie, blending a talented cast with what then were frighteningly real special effects.

Bill Murray, Dan Ackroyd and Harold Ramis star as three fledgling scientists who form a company that investigates paranormal activity and captures the perpetrators. Their workload continues to grow, ultimately leading to a duel with a deadly demon bent on destroying mankind. Though the plot is rarely seen outside the 1960s, “Ghostbusters” is full of amusing moments provided by Murray and Ackroyd, who are possibly the best comedic actors of the past 30 years.

The real reason for the film’s overwhelming appeal is its mix of comedy with an exciting, tense ghost story. There are as many comic-book frights as there are laughs. And with Sigourney Weaver and Rick Moranis in full throttle, there’s not much to dislike here.

“Ghostbusters” spawned a vast amount of merchandising and an equally fun sequel because of its sharp script and the feel of a good Saturday afternoon matinee.

There isn’t a better film in which to watch Murray and Ackroyd together - proving they have the versatility to match the best of today’s most entertaining comedians.

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