Ghost Busters (1984)

dir. Ivan Reitman
writ. Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis (uncredited)
feat. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis, Annie Potts, William Atherton, Ernie Hudson, David Margulies

Ghost Busters is an astounding example of pitch perfect storytelling, a near miraculous balance of action, comedy, and pacing. The jokes fly wildly (not carelessly), moving with the story, never slowing it down for a slack jawed audience to obediently laugh before waiting for the next one. In early slower moments, the filmmakers wisely use Bill Murray to charm his way through character development. Exposition is revved up with the techno-geek patter of Aykroyd and Ramis, with Murray breaking it down for the layman with amusing interruptions.

And of course, there are ghosts, still fun and functional 25 years later, despite advances in special effects, thanks largely to the sharp decision not to make the appearance of the ghosts particularly important to the story. Also, when you climax with a giant, round, soft-edged marshmallow man, you make it easier for 80s effects wizards to create something both plausible and entertaining.

A few 80s songs off the soundtrack sting the ears, though the film largely escapes the worst pains of aging. This enduring success and survival is the result of Ghost Busters swift and limber pacing, a head of steam fueled by a terrific roster of top talent, in synch in tone and commitment to an energized, playful story.