Retro 80's Movies Reviewed by The Drama Queen: Ghostbusters / Ghostbusters 2

Hi there! Drama Queen here.  In an effort to better understand my 80's obsessed (and forever quoting!) parents, I thought it might be fun to spend a chunk of my summer watching some of their favorite movies from the 80's. Not only do I get to spend some quality fun time with them (and contrary to popular teenage attitudes, I actually do like to spend time with them, because my parents are...what's the 80's phrase? Oh yeah...Totally Awesome!), but I also get to witness some good and bad 80's movies and see first hand where some of the things Mom and Dad constantly say/quote actually come from...

Remember the rating system?

Today I'll review Ghostbusters (1984) and Ghostbusters 2 (1989) in one ghost bustin' post.

Let me preface by letting you know something about my family. We love ghost stuff. Paranormal things are a part of daily life around here. Heck, Mom and Dad even have their own paranormal investigation team - S.P.I.R.I.T.  They take ghosts and the paranormal seriously, but that's not to say that they don't thoroughly enjoy the comedic end of it.  If a movie, television show, or book has to do with the paranormal, be it serious or funny, our whole family gets into it.  Ghostbusters is high on Mom and Dad's list of favorite movies. Needless to say, I already had a pretty good idea of what the whole Ghostbusters thing was all about.

Ghostbusters is an fun blend of special effects and comedy, featuring a hilarious deadpan performance from Bill Murray (who I love!). Whoever thought of having evil's final manifestation take the form of a 100-ft. marshmallow deserves eternal gratitude. I had a good giggle watching Ghostbusters, and I recommend checking it out for an evening of turn-your-brain-off entertainment.In this installment, I loved the character of Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) because I just like strong female leads.

Watch my favorite scene here! I loved this tidbit as it is really cheesy acting at it's finest.  I am a theatre student and am surrounded daily by actors and actresses who aren't even half that cheesy.  I am also partial to the scene where Ray (Dan Ackroyd) says, "Symmetrical book stacking. Just like the Philadelphia mass turbulence of 1947." To which Peter (Murray) replies, "You're right! No human being would stack books like this."  I loved this scene just because of the obvious factor made it all the more hilarious.  Bill Murray rocks. And I love when Ray says, "Listen...do you smell something?" My family and I say that every now and then when we hear something...classic.

Drama Queen Rating:  5

Ghostbusters 2 is good enough to put most post-millennial comedy to shame. It is almost as witty and sharp as the first film and it only suffers slightly from the oh-so-inevitable repetitions. Young kids will find the oozing slime and ghostly apparitions (Hello, Slimer!) to their liking, while the adults will enjoy the clever dialog, and of course, Mr. Murray.  In this film, my favorite character was Louis Tully (Rick Moranis) because the writers finally gave him his own meaty storyline within the story.  The randomness of the Twinkie scene is hilarious!

After watching Ghostbusters 2, I finally understand the "It is Vigo!" that Mom and Dad say all the time...and now... so do Little Lawyer and I.  I think in the 24 hours following the watching of this scene, the four of us must have said this line at least 30 times, cracking up each and every time because it just kept getting funnier.

Drama Queen Rating:  3

Wicked Chef says:
I love, love, LOVE Bill Murray. If a movie has Bill Murray in it...that's all I need to know to see it and enjoy it. Ghostbusters still holds up today more than any other comedy I can think of. I still find myself laughing out loud every time I see it. It is one of those movies that when you run across it while flipping channels, you simply have to watch it.  Ghostbusters 2... not so much. Although it was funny, sequels are very, very rarely ever as great as the first. I did enjoy it, but not quite so much as the first one.  In some cases, I think sequels should be against the law, but not necessarily for this series.  Peter MacNicol was hilarious as Dr. Janosz Poha. Drama Queen has heard Papa Bear and I say "It is Vigo!!" about a million times in her lifetime. It just never gets old...

I think I will put Vigo's words of wisdom on my tombstone... "Death is but a doorway...time is but a window. I'll be back."  That'll freak the crap out of a lot of people!



Here is a great quick and easy snack to enjoy while watching Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters 2:

Fried Ravioli with Jalapeno Cheddar Dip

1 package of fresh ravioli (like Butoni*), any variety you like
Oil for frying
Heluva Good Jalapeno Cheddar Dip* (or any dip your prefer)

Pour enough oil into a frying pan to reach a depth of about 1 inch. Heat over medium heat until temperature reaches 325.

When the oil is hot, fry the ravioli in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried ravioli to paper towels to drain.

Sprinkle with salt and serve with dip.

Warning: These are highly, highly addictive snacks. Consider yourself warned. Don't blame me.

*I recommend using Butoni Three Cheese Ravioletti. They fry up quick and if you slightly burn them, it's okay! They taste like Ritz Bits when on the burned side.  I love the Heluva Good dips and could drink the jalapeno cheddar with a straw - it's that good.  I recommend these simply because I use and like them, not because I was asked to by anyone or compensated in any way.