What was it we all loved about the Ghostbusters?

Everybody in the world will have heard of Ghostbusters either by name or by first-hand experience. The question is what did the general public love about it so much for it to become an instant classic?

(L to R): Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Harold Ramis

When Ghostbusters was released in 1984 starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis & Sigourney Weaver, it had been made on a relatively small $30 million budget. By the time it had left cinemas, it had picked up $238 million and lots of critical and commercial praise. But what made the public fall in love with the Ghostbusters in the first place?

Well, aside from the obvious comedic talent of all involved (Bill Murray is simple hilarious!), the Ghostbusters are heroes. They were dopey but you could always count on them to save the day and protect the innocent from evil spirits. The same can be said for any security force; their simple presence warms us and reminds us that everything will be okay. In a pretty obvious metaphor, the ghosts in Ghostbusters are broad representations of our everyday struggles, as well as the things that scare us in life. We are they, fighting these problems together. 

This might sound like I’m getting a little heavy, but this really is the key to it, behind that smart, funny cinema blend (directed by cinematic legend Ivan Reitman) is a human heart, one that fears, panics but ultimately finds the strength to pull through and save the day. 1989 found the gang back together once more for what seems like their final adventure, once again saving New York from the perils of spectral activity. 

Ultimately, the sequel Ghostbusters II picked up 20 million fewer dollars than its predecessor upon leaving the cinema, and a good deal less critical acclaim, but that doesn’t change the fact that the Ghostbusters are just the kind of heroes we want and need in a world which scares us; human and brave, yes, but equally brave and selfless. 

This article was contributed by Custodian Guards , a leading provider of Security Services in its sector.