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.

The Science Behind Superheroes

The 10 scariest makeup effects in horror history

Horror films are all about their ability to frighten us from the safety of our warm, locked homes. But without the makeup departments on set, none of these things would be possible. Here’s a quick run-down of 10 great horror makeup moments. But beware, there are some shocking spoilers. (Click on the title to see the screenshot.)

10 – High Tension (2003)
2003’s High Tension brought plenty of choice horror moments, but few were finer than the moment Mère’s throat is slit wide open, sending blood shooting in every which way direction.

 9 – Hellraiser 
The now classic 1987 horror flick was home to plenty of very choice moments of practical effects, but nothing chills me more than Uncle Franks summoning of fish hooks to rip the skin from his face. A truly killer scene.

8 – Maniac (1980)
Tom Savini took the special makeup credit on this one, as well as the credit for the victim in one of the films most famous scenes, in which the unfortunate boyfriend of a soon to be victim of Zito is blasted directly in the face, blowing it in almost every direction.

7 – Day of the Dead (1985)
Another Tom Savini credit, another awesome moment as the cowardly Rhodes is incapacitated by Zombie turned Smart-Zombie Bub, only to be ripped apart by a room full of flesh hungry zombies in this George Romero classic.

 6 – Scanners (1981)
What kind of makeup moment list would be complete without a nod towards David Cronenberg’s very excellent 1981 flick Scanners? A poor one, that’s what. Even still, Chris Walas’ and Tom Shwartz work on the exploding head scene is the thing of legend.

5 – Alien (1979) 
A film so great, it’s not only one of the best horror films, but also sci-fi and action films as well. The chest-bursting scene is now so famous it’s hard to imagine the flick without it, but Pat Hay’s work here is superb. Famously, the actors (other than Hurt) were unaware as to what was about to happen, so the terrified screams audible in the film are genuine.

4 - The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a great film, but even more impressive is Dorothy Pearl’s makeup work on Leatherface, it’s incredibly unsettling.

 3 - Dead Alive (1992)
Peter Jackson before he became widely known for The Lord of the Rings movies was something a horror nut, with gruesome comedies like Bad Taste and yes, the incredible Dead Alive. Our pick is the infamous lawnmower scene, a bloody, gory free for all of the best sort. Great work, Marjory Hamlin

2 - The Elephant Man (1980)
Whilst it might not strictly be a horror movie, John Hurt’s makeup in The Elephant man is just incredible to pass up mentioning, for simply being incredibly grotesque and yet completely believable. Bravo.

 1 - An American Werewolf in London (1981)
31 years ago, special effects weren’t what they were now. Indeed, we look back on most effects from the time and laugh at just how hokey they are in comparison to modern films. Not so with An American Werewolf in London’s transformation scene, which is still horrifying to behold even to this day. A true horror moment classic, and a deserved #1.

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Ninja Turtles Erupt From The Sewers On To London's Southbank

To launch the all-new series of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, artists have created the incredible illusion of Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo climbing out of the sewer on to the pavement of London's Southbank. Fans of the franchise posed with the artwork, helping Leonardo escape on to the iconic London backdrop. The fantastic 3D effect is created through to the power of ‘anamorphic art’ – 2D images that look 3D when painted on a surface.  

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will have their UK premiere in a one hour special television event on Monday 1st October at 5pm only on Nickelodeon. The all-star cast includes Jason Biggs (American Pie) as Leonardo, Rob Paulsen (Planet Sheen) as Donatello, Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings) as Raphael and Greg Cipes (Teen Titans) as Michelangelo.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

With the Lord of the Rings being the sixth-highest grossing franchise ever, expectations are high ahead of the 14th December release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

Peter Jackson made a household name for himself directing, producing and co-writing the Lord of the Rings series and now he has returned to the story releasing the prequel, The Hobbit later this year. Martin Freeman has also made a return to the big screen playing Bilbo Baggins, after the success of the TV series, Sherlock. The Hobbit will be his first film appearance since offering his voice in last year’s animation, The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists.

Joining Freeman in the stellar cast of the first instalment is Elijah Wood, Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lilly, Andy Serkis, Christopher Lee, Ian McKellen and many others. Also making an appearance in the film is Freeman’s Sherlock co-star, Benedict Cumberbatch who is not playing one character, but two – The Necromancer (Sauron) and Smaug the dragon.

In a recent interview Cumberbatch fuelled further hype concerning the film’s release, telling MTV that ‘it’s going to be an amazing film’. “I was very lucky [to work] with Pete. As far as the experience, what an extraordinary one it was because at the time I was in my work; I was in isolation with him and this incredible tag team. And at the very cool place with that technology doing mo-cap for two characters, Smaug the dragon and another character, which will remain nameless, and it was an awful lot of fun.

“It’s a sort of wonderful ongoing process. I spent a lot of time recording voice as well as doing movements. So, it was sort of freeing; it was fun. It was like playing a game. It’s going to be an amazing film; it’s going to be a real treat. I watched ‘The Lord of the Rings’ again before I started working, and the way those films grow in depth of craft on every level are extraordinary. Their mark is for that.”

Peter Jackson has decided to split the JRR Tolkien masterpiece into three parts with the last instalment set to be released in 2014. The first chapter of the trilogy entitled An Unexpected Journey will see the curious and lovable Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins venture to the Lonely Mountain, leaving Bag End behind for the first time. Armed with thirteen Dwarves Baggins sets out to reclaim treasure that was stolen by Smaug the dragon.  Combating trolls, engaging with Elves and fighting alongside Gandalf is all part of his adventure, but it isn’t until he discovers a mysterious gold ring when the story beings to unfold.

The Hobbit is expected to be just a successful if not more than the Lord of the Rings trilogy as Peter Jackson has once again won over many critics with his re-imagined Middle Earth.  Going by the trailer and the hype that it has created audiences should be pleased with Jackson’s portrayal of this classic story.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey has been written by AFD one of the UK’s busiest fancy dress retailers who offer customers with a large range of costumes.

A Tribute to Tony Scott

As we mourn the passing of Tony Scott, I thought you might like to enjoy Tony being directed by his older brother Ridley in Boy And Bicycle, one of Ridley Scott’s first films.

Tony Scott (left) with brother Ridley

In this atmospheric film Tony stars as a schoolboy playing truant for the day in Hartlepool.

His bike trip takes him from the beach, to a funfair and to a deserted shack, as we listen to his random thoughts (everything from fish shops to women’s hairy legs).

Boy and Bicycle is truly a family affair, as Scott’s father drove the car used for the many tracking shots, while both of his parents make cameo appearances.

Made on an old 16mm spring-wound Bolex camera in 1962, the BFI provided Scott with post-production funding, and the film was finished with a score by John Barry.

You can watch Boy And Bicycle on The Space here.

New study: Boost your movie experience with FOOD

Movie fans might think that eye-popping 3D screens and crystal clear surround sound are all that are needed for a movie night in. However, while sight and sound are important, stimulating other senses makes watching a film even better. Findings out today from blinkbox, the UK’s leading online movie service, reveal that even what is on the end of your fork can influence your mood, enhancing the movie experience.

Shockingly, findings reveal that action fans should swap their popcorn for sun-dried tomatoes and that couples should eat a curry during a cosy night in with a touching romance. Further findings show that chilli can keep movie watchers focused during an intense drama, and coleslaw can give even more laughs during an off-the-wall comedy.

To promote its new ‘Movie & a Meal’ offer with supermarket Tesco, blinkbox has partnered with a top neuroscientist, Dr. Jack Lewis, to discover which foods will help film fans get the most from the on-screen action.

Jack Lewis (Ph.D.), looked for clues as to the foods that influence our moods. Using this knowledge, Dr. Jack Lewis identified the active chemical ingredients found in everyday foods that affect our brains and emotions, and that then deliver the best movie experience depending on what the viewer is watching. His findings gave blinkbox the perfect, if unusual, combinations for the ultimate movie night in:

• Romance – Curl up with a spicy curry to top up your libido-stoking testosterone levels 
• Action – Sun-dried tomatoes coated in cocoa powder will raise noradrenaline which is instrumental to sensations of excitement 
• Comedy – Fresh fish stuffed with beetroot and coleslaw to supplement the nitric oxide system and improve dopamine availability in the pleasure pathways of your brain 
• Drama – Chopped lemon, lime and mint sandwich drizzled with chilli sauce on whole wheat bread to trigger the RAS (reticular activating system) to remain alert and focused. 
• Horror – Chicken marinated in freshly brewed coffee will take you out of your comfort zone and raise levels of anxiety 

“Everyone knows that certain drugs can change the way you feel, but the chemicals we take into our bodies through our diet can also have an effect on our mood,” says Dr. Jack Lewis “Choosing to eat certain foods, whilst leaving others out, regulates the availability of ‘raw materials’ that the brain’s chemical messengers are created from. This means that you can tailor your meals to create the perfect mood for a movie night in, no matter what the genre.”

The Findings in Full 

Romance 

A spicy curry might not seem like the most romantic meal, but it turns out that the main ingredients such as cream, coriander and soya beans can help boost testosterone, an important sexual arousal hormone for both men and women.

Dr. Jack Lewis says: 
 “In order to get that “lovin’ feeling”, testosterone production requires a reasonable amount of fat in the diet together with zinc and magnesium. These form vital components of the enzymes that convert cholesterol into testosterone. Testosterone acts inside cells throughout the body and brain, strengthening muscles and stimulating brain areas involved in sexual arousal. So by dining on a meal rich in “good” cholesterol, zinc and magnesium, testosterone production can be maximised.”

Action 

Adrenaline junkies that want to up the ante during an action film should put down the popcorn and pick up some sundried tomatoes. The study identified that the dried tomatoes, as well as ingredients such as cocoa powder and dried basil, contain trace levels of copper which is required to convert dopamine into noradrenaline. Additionally, l-phenylalanine is the raw material from which excitement-generating noradrenaline is made from and is found in foods such as fish, beef and aspartame (found in most sugar free beverages).

Dr. Jack Lewis says: 
“Noradrenaline is vitally involved in the famous “fight-or-flight response. For instance, it’s noradrenaline that sets your heart racing when a sudden, unexpected twist occurs in the plot line of a movie such as a car chase, accident or fight.”

Comedy 

To get the most laughs while watching a comedy, the research reveals that you need to focus on foods that boost dopamine and nitric oxide release to enhance happiness.

Dr. Jack Lewis says: 
“Laughter causes a gas called nitric oxide (NO) to be released in the blood vessels of your body and brain which makes your body tingle so you feel the amusement more intensely. Nitrous oxide – more commonly known as laughing gas – is a closely related chemical. So to keep the laughs coming fast and thick, make sure you’re eating foods rich in nitrates such as beetroot, coleslaw and celery.”

 “Additionally, dopamine is a major neurotransmitter used in brain networks responsible for feelings of pleasure and happiness. To increase the availability of dopamine in the pleasure pathways of the brain you should be eating foods rich in l-phenylalanine like fish, beef, chicken, pork or even soy meat substitute.”

Drama 

When getting ready to delve into a gripping drama, it’s important to be able to focus. Ingredients such as whole wheat bread and strong smelling foods like chilli, citrus fruits and mint can all help keep you engaged through all of the plot twists and emotional ups and downs.

Dr. Jack Lewis says: 
“Eating a meal consisting of slow-release carbohydrates, such as whole grains and vegetables, will provide the brain with the consistent and gradual release of energy that is necessary for holding your attention for a long period of time.”

Additionally, the reticular activating system (RAS) is a part of the brainstem that responds to powerful stimuli and influences the overall level of activity across the brain. Consuming very pungent flavours will trigger the RAS to increase your focus.”

Horror 

If you’re a horror fiend, the study has uncovered that you should be focusing on high protein meals like chicken and salmon, while avoiding carbs which we all find so comforting and decrease your scare - ability!

Dr. Jack Lewis says: 
“To get your brain out of its “comfort zone” stay away from carb heavy meals that boost feelings of security. Instead, go for a meal that’s high in protein only, which has been observed to increase feelings of anxiety – perfect for getting in the mood for your favourite horror flick! Keeping carbs low all day ensures that the mood-stabilising chemical serotonin is low by the evening to maximise the horror.”

Great Summer Action Movies throughout History

Besides baseball, there's no better summer entertainment than the action movie. Walking away from explosions, cheesy one-liners, femme fatales, and spies with an apparent history as an X Games competitor – These are just some of the reasons why we love the summer action movie. So, throughout history, which action movies are best? The following is not meant to be a comprehensive list, but it should be able to get the conversation started.

• “Independence Day” – "All right, you alien assholes! In the words of my generation: Up yours!" So said Russell, the burnout conspiracist crop duster who went through life ridiculed because no one believed he was abducted by aliens in the past. As a fighter pilot in a summer action movie about to do something really cool, he, of course, has to take off the oxygen mask before flying his plane into the alien mother ship's "big laser weapon."
• “Back to the Future” – "1.21 Jiggawatts!" No, Doctor, plutonium is not available in every corner drugstore in 1985, so you and Marty would have still had to resort to the lightning bolt that was going to strike the clock tower at 10:04 next Saturday night. Flux capacitor for the win. Go to GuidetoOnlineSchools.com so you can learn the necessary science should you be trapped in the past. 
• “Jaws” – "You're gonna need a bigger boat." And you will need to stay away from any body of water larger than 16 ounces after watching this summer classic. Now, the shark looks fake, the injuries look fake, but when you are 8 years old, living in South Florida, and watching this on TV one summer Thursday afternoon, it’s bad news for future swimming endeavors.  
• “Jurassic Park” – "Clever girl." This is the most successful movie that features grunts, screams and roars more than coherent language, but still, if you think cool summer action movies, this is one of the best there ever was. Dinosaurs and Jeff Goldblum still carrying the torch for super-smart, Jewish underachievers saving the day with a sort of awkward and soft-spoken, er, charm (see “Independence Day” above as well). 
• “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope” "Aaaaaaaaarrrrrrggh!" Well, the more memorable quote is when Darth Vader tells Luke that he is Luke's father, but that doesn’t occur until the sequel, “Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.” However, Chewbacca the Wookiee's wail is way cooler, and everyone has tested out their Wookiee skills in private. In 1977, this movie was light years ahead of its time, and should always be included in any list of best movies, let alone best summer action movies. 
• “Die Hard” "Now I have a machine gun. Ho-Ho-Ho." Thankfully, Bruce Willis was put on the map by this Christmas classic (although it was in theaters July 1988). It is my second favorite Christmas movie (“Jingle All the Way” is clearly the best Christmas movie of all time), has amazing one-liners and also has explosions that are walked away from. This makes it a great summer action movie. Plus, the protagonist is a hard-hitting cop and there's no goofy forensic science montages, that real forensic scientists find so unrealistic.

Sources

IMDb (2012)
Discovery (2012)