“Call it... fate, call it luck, call it karma, I believe everything happens for a reason.” When I heard those lines on a new movie trailer last year, I have to admit it gave me goose bumps. Normally when I hear about a new version or sequel to one of my all time favourite films I get worried. History hasn't been kind to many attempts to redo a classic, for example go back and watch the new Total Recall and it doesn't come close to the impact of the the original, seeing blue skies on Mars can't really be replaced. I didn't hate the reimagining of Ghostbusters that was released in 2016; but, what missed the mark was that they tried to start it again. Not acknowledging what had happened before really hurt the film and it didn't recover from that. So, when I read that the new release is going to be a direct sequel to the original two films, and the original cast is coming back to play a part, this filled me with hope and excitement. Adding to the cast the ever young Paul Rudd, plus Finn Wolfhard from Stranger Things and IT, brings a freshness and also fits into the feel of the original films. Jason Reitman is directing this time around and again this is exciting as he is son of original director Ivan Reitman, giving it a family feel. I will be first in queue to see the film when it is released, hopefully this year! This is definitely a big movie feel so needs to be seen on the big screen. I was too young to see the original Ghostbusters on the big screen but I do remember watching it on TV and I instantly fell in love with the movie. To this day it is still in my top 5 films of all time.

I recently re-watched Ghostbusters, and it still has its charm and character. The special effects in parts don't hold up that well, but the performances from the cast are still amazing. They bring life into what could have been a cheesy and forgettable movie. There is a great show on Netflix called "The Movies That Made Us", and one episode goes into great detail on how Ghostbusters got made. It's so interesting watching the process of Ghostbusters becoming the movie we ended up with. One of the things I noticed from the re-watch was that if you removed all the jokes, and comedy aspect of the movie, then you would be left with a really scary flick. The library scenes are terrifying, I don't think I have ever met anyone that didn't jump when the ghost changes, or feel uneasy when the books float across the room behind the librarian. The demon dogs and the possession of Rick Moranis and Sigourney Weaver is what gave me nightmares as a kid, and even the Staypuft Marshmallow Man has a scary aspect to it. I did read that Dan Aykroyd had a fascination with the occult in his private life. So, he did bring a sense of authenticity to the film that could have gone down a different route if he wasnt involved in the writing process. I also love how Dan Aykroyd wanted his best friend John Belushi in the film so much, that even though he unfortunately passed away before the movie started, they created a ghost in his vision. That ghost became one of the most memorable elements of Ghostbusters. He was that popular he turned up in the sequel and was even given a recurring role in the Ghostbusters cartoon. That ghost was Slimer, and a very fitting tribute to the comedian and actor. Harold Ramis plays the straight man to other actors and is the perfect foil to Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray. It's a sad fact that he passed away in 2014, but his character Egon Spengler is going to be central to the new film "Ghostbusters: Afterlife", where it is strongly hinted that it will be Egon's family finding and taking up the Ghostbusters mantel. The last member of the team joins half way through Ghostbusters; Ernie Hudson as Winston Zeddmore brings the working class element to the movie where the other members of the team are scientists he is just an everyday working Joe looking for a new job, and brings a lot more texture to the film.

The film is a lot fun and silliness at its core. Not many films can pull off a giant monster made from marshmallow and make it seem like a real threat. I'm glad this film was made at a time when the industry used practical effects rather than excessive CGI. Now, I don't hate CGI but it has its place in films, I think modern movies over-use it as a cheaper option. I love the stiffness of the Staypuft Marshmallow Man, as it has a more realistic and menacing look and feel. Each of the cast brings a mixture of depth and character to the film. I couldn't imagine anyone else playing each of the Ghostbusters and it's crazy to think they weren't even the original line up. John Belushi was meant to be Peter Venkman and Eddie Murphy was the actor that the film was going to be centered around. This would have been a very different film if it had gone ahead as originally planned. Bill Murray was cast and that helped the studio get on board to bank roll the film. The film will be something I will go back to whenever I need a laugh and want to just get lost in a movie.

We all learnt important lesson from Ghostbusters; never cross the streams and, more importantly, if an immortal being asks you if you are a God? Always say "yes", or else you could be chased down the street by a giant mascot from your childhood. The film also adds one of the most catchy songs to any movie or TV show ever made, in my opinion. Ray Parker Jr's hit song captures the fun and vibrancy of the film and makes sure you to know who to call. GHOSTBUSTERS!

Thanks for reading :)

Paul