This blog is turning into a bit of an eighties movie nostalgia-fest this week – I’ve written about Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade (and, going back a bit, there are a bunch of Back to the Future posts); now it turns out that one the kings of eighties comedys is on its way back – yep, Ghostbusters is getting a re-release.
This is great news, as Ghostbusters is an undoubted classic. It’s one of those films that’s cast perfectly; the pairing of Bill Murray with Sigourney Weaver, while unlikely, doesn’t come across as completely impossible, and Dan Ackroyd’s puppy-dog enthusiasm does more to sell the plot than anything else (it’s also pretty obvious that Ray is the only reason Venkman ever made it through college). Throw in Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts and Rick Moranis and you’ve got something special (as well as the reason I’m terrified by all the rumours of a proposed sequel featuring a new team).
We can’t forget the writing either – after all, Ghostbusters has more quotable lines in one film than most modern blockbusters can manage across an entire franchise. They’re also life lessons! Don’t believe me? See below, the film has life lessons for every situation:
Signs of a crisis
“Human sacrifice, dogs and cats, living together… Mass hysteria!”
Health and Safety
“Don’t cross the streams.”
Religious Tolerance
“No-one steps on a church in my town!”
The Importance of remaining alert
“Listen… Do you smell something?”
Respect for rational enquiry
“Back off man, I’m a scientist!”
History
“During the rectification of the Vuldrini, the traveler came as a large and moving Torg! Then, during the third reconciliation of the last of the McKetrick supplicants, they chose a new form for him: that of a giant Slor! Many Shuvs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of the Slor that day, I can tell you.”
(Feel free to add your own in the comments section, hint hint.)
Long story short, assuming the rerelease makes it to the UK, I’ll be there on opening night, reciting the lines and singing the theme song – and, I bet, so will most of you. ‘cos when blockbusters are disappointing, when trips to the cinema seen perfunctionary…. Who ya gonna call?
Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth 
Ah, Ghostbusters – I’ve been reading your posts and traveling down nostalgia lane myself. A little newer is The Lion King, which also comes out soon (this Friday?).
Anyway, thanks for the quotes! I heard someone on the radio refer to the “dogs and cats” Bill Murray one the other day. That one always gets me.
There’s a fantastic moment in Doctor Who, when the lead character starts giving a great, impassioned speech to an army of invading aliens: “From the moment they arrive on this planet, and blinking, step into the… Wait, that’s The Lion King…” So that’s my favourite use of an out-of-context quote from the Disney classic!