The film focuses on 3 men who are also professors at Columbia University. Their names are Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, and Egon Spengler.

At the New York Public Library, a librarian encounters a ghost and runs. Luckily, the 3 guys save her with their special ghost-defeating weapons.

However, the dean is unable to accept that they were doing paranormal-focused research. Thus, he fires them.

Yet they have a new plan. They decide to start a group amongst each other and call themselves “Ghostbusters.” So far, though, progress is a little slow for them.

Meanwhile, a woman named Dana Barrett turns on her TV in her apartment. She discovers the Ghostbusters and eventually meets them. Ray develops feelings for her.

Later, at the Sedgewick Hotel, the Ghostbusters find a ghost in a ballroom and try to capture it—only to cause a huge mess and disaster. Even police are investigating the interior.

Yet the Ghostbusters are starting to succeed. All over New York City, people are cheering for their heroism.

But there is one person who is against the ghostbusters’ mission. That is Environmental Protection Agency inspector Walter Peck.

Sometime later, Peck is in the former firehouse where they secure all the ghosts and other supernatural energy. Peck, along with some law enforcement, force the Ghostbusters to shut off their system, despite the dangers it’ll cause. After several attempts to resist, though, the trio listens to Peck—causing peril and monsters to be all over the city.

What is going to happen next?

I will admit that the plot was a little hard to follow. I used Wikipedia to help me narrate the first part of this post. Of course, all words are my own.

I also thought Ray and Peter looked a little too similar. But I could easily recognize Bill Murray’s voice when he portrayed Peter. I also thought Harold Ramis, who depicted Egon, looked and sounded like Ray Romano.

Regardless of the flaws, I did see a lot of strengths in this movie. Aside from the awesome and catchy theme song, I thought the main characters made a great ghost-hunting trio. I also admired Ray’s romance toward Dana, in spite of how minor it was.

There was also another character, Louis, who was likable and relatable, even though he also had a small role. He enjoyed parties and helping his customers. He was also played by Rick Moranis, who portrayed Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors 2 years later. I could hear that Seymour in him.

I also admired how the ghosts had different forms. But there were other monsters, as well, such as some roaring beasts and a wicked goddess. This increased the tension levels.

That being said, I did find some of the CGI and special effects to appear naïve and weak. But then again, this came out in the 80s. And I would imagine that that type of technology and effects were considered advanced during that time.

Another thing to note is that although this movie is rated PG, it’s not really suitable for kids. It has some swearing and intimacy moments. It would probably be PG-13 if it came out today.

Overall, I thought Ghostbusters was decent. Even though the pacing was quick and certain parts made me laugh, I wish I had an easier time understanding the plot.

I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars.