As the leaves gracefully fall from the trees and the air becomes crisp, it’s the perfect time to indulge in the best Halloween movies of the season. The choices are vast, but if you’re anything like me, your first stop is the movie section of your local library. As I embark on my search, experience has taught me to head straight to the “H” section. It’s there that I find classics like “Haunted Mansion,” “Hocus Pocus,” and “Halloweentown.” With optimism, I continue my search, hoping to uncover a few more titles for my week-long rental. My eyes drift further down the shelf and suddenly, I spot a gleaming green star amidst the other titles in the “G” section. Excitedly, I snatch the DVD, only to realize in disappointment that it’s not the one I was looking for. Where could it be? Right next to the gap I created on the shelf lies the true gem, shining even brighter due to its apparent lack of use: the 2016 “Ghostbusters” directed by Paul Feig (“Bridesmaids”).
The film follows four newly-minted ghostbusters as they embark on a mission to save New York from impending doom. This dynamic team is comprised of comedic powerhouses Kristen Wiig (“Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar”), Melissa McCarthy (“The Little Mermaid”), Kate McKinnon (“Barbie”), and Leslie Jones (“Coming 2 America”). While the film pays homage to the original 1984 “Ghostbusters” through cameos, it takes creative liberties to establish itself as a reboot rather than a sequel. The 2016 version charts its own course and as someone who never quite connected with the original, I find that the film flows more smoothly along this individual path. The world may not have been ready to embrace these new Ghostbusters, but they certainly deserved more appreciation for the sheer fun they brought to the screen.
Feig’s “Ghostbusters” is by no means flawless – the film bombards the audience with jokes in the hopes that some will land, but not all do. However, the online backlash that plagued the movie is largely unfounded. This doesn’t mean that all criticism of the film is invalid; The Michigan Daily provides an excellent review that effectively highlights the movie’s strengths and weaknesses. But in this spectral realm of the internet, I want to discuss why “Ghostbusters” is a guilty pleasure that deserves a spot in your annual Halloween movie marathon.
Another iconic Halloween activity is visiting haunted houses (trust me, there’s a connection to “Ghostbusters” here). After surviving the chilling terror, you and your friends are left delirious and overcome with laughter as you recount the ridiculous things you said and did. In that moment, you might entertain the thought, “Wow, the haunted house workers must have found us hilarious!” But truth be told, they were likely just waiting for their shifts to end. Watching “Ghostbusters” is akin to this experience – you can either fully embrace the group of unlikely heroes, sharing in their fear and laughter, or you can sit there like the haunted house worker, longing for the ordeal to be over. While some jokes may miss the mark, when you feel like you truly know these characters and can envision exploring a haunted house with them, you don’t mind because everything becomes hilariously enjoyable.
Most Halloween movies possess a comical absurdity that is cleverly balanced by an underlying heartfelt core. “Ghostbusters” amplifies the ludicrous elements of its ghost-infested plot. There are ghouls that resemble characters straight out of a Mucinex commercial, Bill Murray (“Groundhog Day”) being launched out of a window, and a food delivery guy who can’t seem to catch a break. Feig’s directorial choices further elevate the film’s uniqueness – when the characters are squashed under a colossal marshmallow ghost, the audience experiences it right alongside them through a personified camera angle.
Despite these moments of whimsy, one might assume that the story takes a backseat to the comedy and visual tricks. However, the film strikes a perfect balance by anchoring itself in the strong bond between the lead characters. The cast effectively blends the plot’s absurdity with shared laughter among the group, intertwining it with vulnerable moments that reveal their deep respect for one another. They may argue and bicker, but ultimately, they are willing to risk their lives for the sake of their friendship – a friendship that resonates with audiences and reminds us all of the bonds we cherish.
If you’re still undecided about whether or not to give “Ghostbusters” a chance, don’t be afraid to dive in. If you enter this ghostly universe with an open mind, ready to fully immerse yourself rather than impatiently await the end, you’ll be welcomed into the greatest friend group that the “G” shelf in the local library movie section has ever witnessed.
Daily Arts Contributor Gaby Cummings can be reached at [email protected].
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