When someone asks you if you’re a god, you say yes! Well, you might not be a god, but if you’re a fan of the Ghostbusters films and animated series, you’re certainly part of a cultural phenomenon that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. From the moment the original movie hit theaters in 1984, the Ghostbusters franchise has become iconic, inspiring sequels, animated shows, and even a reboot. With its mix of comedy, horror, and sci-fi, Ghostbusters has carved out its own unique niche in the entertainment world.
But what is it that makes Ghostbusters so special? Is it the memorable characters, the ingenious gadgets, or the thrilling supernatural adventures? Perhaps it’s the catchy theme song that never fails to get stuck in your head. Or maybe it’s the combination of all these elements, masterfully blended together to create a franchise that has stood the test of time. Regardless of the reason, one thing is for certain: Ghostbusters has left an indelible mark on popular culture.
Join me as we embark on a spirited journey through the Ghostbusters films and animated series, delving into the stories, characters, and impact that this beloved franchise has had on the world. So, strap on your proton pack, and let’s get ready to bust some ghosts!
The Original Ghostbusters Film: A Breakdown
The film that started it all, Ghostbusters (1984) was directed by Ivan Reitman and written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. The movie stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson as the titular Ghostbusters, a team of eccentric parapsychologists who start a ghost-catching business in New York City. With their trusty proton packs and ghost traps, they set out to rid the city of its paranormal pests, eventually facing off against the ancient, malevolent deity Gozer the Gozerian.
The original Ghostbusters film is often praised for its perfect blend of humor, action, and spookiness. The witty banter between the characters, particularly Bill Murray’s Dr. Peter Venkman, adds levity to the supernatural proceedings, while the inventive ghost-catching technology and thrilling action sequences keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The film’s special effects, including the iconic Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, were groundbreaking for their time and still hold up remarkably well today.
One of the most memorable aspects of the original Ghostbusters film is its unforgettable theme song, penned and performed by Ray Parker Jr. With its catchy chorus of “Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!” and its funky, infectious melody, the song became an instant hit and remains synonymous with the franchise to this day. The movie’s success led to a sequel, animated series, and a lasting impact on popular culture that continues to resonate with fans old and new.
Ghostbusters II
Five years after the success of the first film, the original cast and crew reunited for Ghostbusters II (1989), once again directed by Ivan Reitman and written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. This time, the Ghostbusters are called back into action to save New York City from a new supernatural threat: an ancient, malevolent spirit named Vigo the Carpathian, who seeks to return to life by possessing the body of a human child.
While Ghostbusters II didn’t quite capture the same magic as the original, it still offered plenty of laughs, thrilling ghost-busting action, and memorable moments. One standout sequence involves the Ghostbusters using their proton packs to bring the Statue of Liberty to life, controlling it with an NES Advantage joystick in a bid to save the city from Vigo’s evil influence.
Though it received mixed reviews from critics and fans alike, Ghostbusters II remains a beloved part of the franchise’s history, serving as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Ghostbusters concept and characters. And, of course, it wouldn’t be the last time we’d see our favorite paranormal investigators in action.
The Animated Series
Capitalizing on the success of the first film, the Ghostbusters franchise expanded into the world of animation with the debut of The Real Ghostbusters in 1986. This animated series followed the continuing adventures of Dr. Peter Venkman, Dr. Raymond Stantz, Dr. Egon Spengler, and Winston Zeddemore as they battled ghosts and other supernatural entities in New York City and beyond. The show also introduced fan-favorite characters such as Slimer, the mischievous green ghost who becomes the mascot, and Janine Melnitz, the team’s sassy secretary.
The Real Ghostbusters was notable for its high-quality animation, engaging stories, and clever humor, which made it appealing to both children and adults. The show was so successful that it ran for seven seasons and spawned several comic book series, video games, and a vast array of merchandise. In 1997, the franchise returned to the small screen with Extreme Ghostbusters, a sequel series that introduced a new, younger team mentored by an older Egon Spengler. Though it only lasted for one season, Extreme Ghostbusters maintained the franchise’s tradition of great animation and entertaining storytelling.
Both The Real and Extreme Ghostbusters played a significant role in cementing the franchise’s place in popular culture, introducing the concept to a new generation of fans and keeping the ghost-catching spirit alive throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Reboot: The 2016 Film
In 2016, the franchise received a fresh start with a reboot directed by Paul Feig and starring an all-female team of Ghostbusters, played by Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones. This new film, simply titled Ghostbusters, offered a modern twist on the classic formula, with the new team facing off against a malevolent spirit named Rowan who sought to unleash a paranormal apocalypse on New York City.
Though the 2016 film received mixed reviews and sparked controversy among some fans, it nevertheless showcased the enduring appeal of the franchise’s core concept and introduced the world of ghost-catching to a new generation of viewers. The film also featured cameos from the original cast members, paying tribute to the franchise’s history while paving the way for a new era of supernatural adventures.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife – The Latest Installment
In 2021, the Ghostbusters legacy continued with the release of Ghostbusters: Afterlife, a direct sequel to the original two films. Directed by Jason Reitman, son of original Ghostbusters director Ivan Reitman, the film follows a new generation of characters as they discover their connection to the original team and face off against a new supernatural threat.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife has been praised for its nostalgic callbacks to the original films, as well as its heartfelt story and engaging characters. Featuring appearances from the surviving original cast members, the film serves as both a loving tribute to the franchise’s past and a promising new chapter in its ongoing story.
The Legacy of Ghostbusters Films and Animated Series
From the moment the original film burst onto the scene in 1984, the franchise has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide, spawning sequels, animated series, and even a reboot. The enduring appeal of the films and animated series lies in their unique blend of humor, horror, and sci-fi, as well as their memorable characters, inventive ghost-catching technology, and unforgettable theme song.
As we look back on the legacy of the Ghostbusters franchise, it’s clear that these paranormal investigators have left an indelible mark on popular culture, inspiring generations of fans to strap on their proton packs and join the fight against the supernatural. So, the next time you find yourself faced with a ghostly apparition, you know exactly who to call: Ghostbusters! The franchise has become a cultural phenomenon, with its memorable characters, gadgets, and supernatural adventures resonating with fans old and new. Whether you’re a fan of the original films, the animated series, or the recent reboot and sequel, there’s no denying the impact that Ghostbusters has had on popular culture.
With Ghostbusters: Afterlife released in 2021, there’s no telling where the franchise will go next. But one thing is for sure: the legacy of the Ghostbusters films and animated series will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come. Who knows? Maybe one day we’ll all have our own proton packs and be able to catch ghosts ourselves.
In conclusion, Ghostbusters is more than just a franchise. It’s a cultural touchstone that has inspired generations of fans and left an indelible mark on popular culture. From its iconic characters and gadgets to its memorable theme song and catchphrases, Ghostbusters has earned its place in the pantheon of great entertainment franchises. So, the next time you’re feeling spooked, just remember: Who you gonna call?
We have come now to the finale of season four of The Boys. And while it didn’t have the literal blood fireworks I wanted, someone did get ripped in half in the air. So, that’s pretty close.
As a note, I will try to avoid spoilers as much as possible. This ending was a hell of a gut punch that should be experienced as blindly as possible. That being said, I will not be able to avoid spoilers and still give a full legitimate review. Proceed at your own risk.
The story
The main storyline for this episode is the attempted assassination of President-Elect Robert Singer. The Boys join forces with the Secret Service to protect him. But, as we learned last episode, Annie has been replaced with a shapeshifter. A shapeshifter that was welcome not just into Hughie’s anus, but into the protective bunker in which the President-Elect is hiding.
What worked
The first thing I want to discuss about this episode is the ending. But we need to do this carefully.
The important thing here is that the ending breaks your heart on so many levels. So many terrible things are happening to characters that it’s almost hard to keep track. And each moment is significant to each character.
I cannot give a specific example. But no matter who your favorite character is, you’re going to weep for them.
Unless your favorite character is Sage. And this is the next thing that made this episode so fantastic.
I don’t think I’m spoiling anything to say that Sage’s plans worked out exactly as she wanted them to. And she got exactly what she wanted.
What she wanted wasn’t power. It wasn’t money or fame or vengeance. It wasn’t to win the love of anyone. She just wanted to see if she could do it.
That is a terrific, terrifying motivation! Because all she wants is to play a massive game of chess with people as pieces. She doesn’t care about anyone. She just wants to see how many people she can manipulate. She just wants to set things on fire to see if she can.
Fantastic. A plus villain work.
The next thing I want to discuss is a cornerstone of the whole series.
The morality of The Boys shifts through the series. While it’s very much a battle to save the world from overpowered super monsters, it’s also a battle for the souls of our real heroes. And in that battle, there are two warring factors. We have Hughie, always trying to bring everyone up to a better level. And we have Butcher, who has no problem at all hitting rock bottom with a shovel in hand to do some more digging.
In this episode, we saw almost every member of The Boys challenged. Will they rise to their higher angels, or sink with their demons?
On a similar note, I am so glad that the writers kind of addressed my issues with Annie. They did this by having the shapeshifter get right into her face and accuse her of thinking that she’s better than everyone.
While that was devastating for the character, it was a little cathartic for those of us who felt like Annie was a little too good of a good guy.
What didn’t work
This is a small matter, but it is an issue that I want to address. After Annie finds out that Hughie slept with her doppelganger, she is furious at him.
In addition to this being unfair, it’s also a very cliche element to add. In almost every instance of a lookalike in fiction, there’s a moment where the love interest of the victim is fooled. Or almost fooled. And it’s always the same fight. It’s just played out and predictable. I’m just glad that it didn’t last very long.
Now that we’ve come to the end of the season, I can officially say that it was amazing. The story was deep and rich. The special effects were a stomach-turning good time. The character development was spot-on and satisfying. And, of course, it left me just about gagging to see what happens next. Unfortunately, it looks like we’ll have a bit of a wait. Because as of right now, the fifth season isn’t expected until 2026.
(5 / 5)
We’ve reached the second to last episode of The Boys, season four. And, as is appropriate for the penultimate episode of any show, things have to get a lot worse before they can get better.
Let’s discuss.
The story
Christmas is coming, and the whole world is getting ready. Ryan, despite being very clear that he didn’t want to appear on any TV shows or movies, has been strong-armed into participating in a Vought puppet Christmas special. He draws the line, though, when asked to sing about turning one’s parents in if they start talking about woke things.
Meanwhile, The Boys are trying to keep each other together. Butcher decides to take Sameer to the rest of the team. He also gets Frenchie out of prison, hoping they can make the Sup virus necessary to finally take down Homelander. Instead, this decision means disaster for one member of the team.
What worked
I first want to talk about Ryan’s speech near the end of the episode. Because it was exactly the moral of this whole story.
Ryan’s dad is a monster. His stepdad is also kind of a monster. But Ryan is a good kid. He cares about people, about family. And while he loves Homelander and Butcher, he doesn’t want to be like them.
Even better, this speech sounded like something a kid would say. Ryan didn’t open his mouth and start sounding like a college student all of a sudden. He sounds like a kid who misses his mom and wants to live up to the good standards she set for him. And I think that’s terrific.
Speaking of Homelander, he shot himself in the foot in this episode. I said earlier in the season that his hubris was going to be his downfall, and I was right. Without Sage, he just has the same weaknesses he’s always had. He’s going to fail because he just isn’t clever enough or patient enough to succeed.
Without Sage, I think a win is in the bag for The Boys. This isn’t to say that Homelander by himself isn’t dangerous. It’s just that he’s more like a wildfire than a controlled burn. He’s going to cause a lot of damage, but not get anything he wants out of it.
More’s the pity for him and everyone else who has to share his world.
Finally, I am thrilled with A-Train’s redemption story. I love that he wants to be a good person not to save himself, but to be a good person. His honest, pure and warm reaction to that little kid smiling at him in the last episode was heartwarming. It changed him in a moment, bringing to light a goodness that he’s been keeping under wraps for a long time.
This, along with Ryan’s courageous speech, proves once again what The Boys does so well. Yes, it’s gruesome. Yes, there’s blood and balls and batshit events. Yes, someone occasionally gets ripped in half. But there is a true human goodness in the story. One that we catch glimpses of. There are good people among the monsters. There is hope for redemption.
What didn’t work
Of course, so few things in this life are perfect, and this episode was no exception. For instance, I was irritated by the insinuation that Butcher cheated on his wife.
That just doesn’t make any sense. We’ve seen flashbacks of Billy and Becca. They were happy. He was happy. He was head over heels for her. And I don’t think it’s realistic or necessary for the character to throw in that he cheated. It does nothing to add to the story, it’s just a weird and offputting moment.
Doesn’t Butcher have enough to hate about himself? Can’t we just give him that at least he was a good husband?
Finally, I kind of hate that we ended up with Annie being caught. It’s just cliche, which is something I don’t normally say about this show. It feels lazy unless they do something very clever with it in the last episode. Which, I suppose, they might.
Next up is the season finale. And with this season being as insane as it has been, I’m expecting nothing short of bloody fireworks. And I mean literal fireworks of blood. At this point, would it surprise anyone?
(4 / 5)
Episode six of The Boys was one of the most surprising episodes of the series so far. And that is certainly saying something. Because this season has so far been bonkers.
The story
Our episode today revolves around a party at Tek Knight’s lovely mansion. Yes, it does look just like Wayne Manor.
The Boys know that Tek Knight is working with Homelander on something, but they don’t know the details. So they decide to send Hughie in to bug the mansion.
Because that’s worked so well the other two times he’s tried to hide a bug!
It should surprise no one that this time goes no better. Hughie finds himself in Tek Knight’s basement. And by that I mean his BDSM dungeon.
Meanwhile, the party upstairs is no less disturbing. Homelander and Sage are trying to convince some well-off political donors to support a cue after the election. When pressed for details on his plan, Homelander freezes. He looks to Sage for help, but she wasn’t recently shot in the head and still in the junk food stage of her healing.
Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on your point of view, Neuman jumps in and saves the day.
What works
If I’m going to say one thing about this episode, it didn’t hold back at all. I didn’t expect them to show a character masturbating, sitting their bare behind on a cake, or spraying breastmilk into someone’s face. But every time I thought they’d cut the scene and let something be left to our imagination, they did not do that.
This is a dangerous move. Whenever you show the monster, you run the risk of them not being scary enough, or gross enough. As Stephen King says in Danse Macabre, to leave this sort of thing to the imagination if the reader makes things so much worse. So when they finally experience the monster, they might say that this isn’t so bad. It could have been so much worse.
But in this case, they managed to avoid that by making the scenes, especially the ones in Tek Knight’s dungeon, so much worse than I imagined it would be.
What doesn’t work
While this was a deeply disturbing episode in many ways, there was one really innocent and sweet moment.
And yes, I did have a problem with it.
Confronted by Firecracker, Annie decides to apologize for spreading rumors about her when they were kids. She tells her that she is genuinely sorry.
And I believe her. I don’t think Firecracker did, but I did.
So why is this an issue? Because I’m starting to think that Annie is maybe too nice. She is too good.
I know that Annie is our good guy. But every one of the other good guys has flaws. Hughie let his pride get in the way and took Temp V. MM hid himself from his daughter instead of teaching her to work through her emotions. Kimiko is far too closed off and has a hard time trusting others. Frenchie numbs himself with drugs. And well, what hasn’t Butcher done?
It is unrealistic that Annie is just so kind and so flawless. We all have shadows in our personalities. We all have weaknesses, we all mess up. We all do things we wish we could take back. The fact that Annie doesn’t seem to have anything like that is not just unrealistic. It’s infantilizing.
Give her some deep dark secrets. Give her something real to regret.
This was a shocking episode, even for someone fairly jaded like me. I wasn’t expecting the sort of weird sexual depravity, though I guess maybe I should have seen it coming. It was dark, upsetting, tense, and funny as hell. And with just two episodes left in the season, I can imagine the stakes are only going to get higher.
(4 / 5)
By the way, if you like my writing you can get my short story, Man In The Woods, on Smashwords and Amazon.
