In 1984, Ghostbusters hit theatres and captivated a generation with its signature charm and humor that would be considered iconic in the years to come. Starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson as the main cast's fantastic four, the film is regarded as a timeless classic today.
1989 would bring the release of the slightly-inferior Ghostbusters 2, which featured more misadventures from our favorite unlikely heroes. Both Ghostbusters films are undoubtedly classics, but one thing that ages them terribly is Annie Potts's role.
Potts portrays Janine Melnitz, who serves at the gang's secretary. She definitely put on an unforgettable performance, but the position of the character contributed to tired and toxic stereotypes nonetheless. This is where the magic of the highly underrated 2016 reboot of Ghostbusters comes in.
This era is chock-full of very unnecessary remakes and reboots, but Ghostbusters (2016) stands apart. The reboot was empowering, replacing a primarily male cast with women, and of course, replacing Potts with Chris Hemsworth. Ghostbusters (2016) definitely deserves more appreciation than it gets, so let's take a look at some of the reasons why.
A New Cast
Ghostbusters is primarily famous for the fact that it replaced the four male leads with four female leads. The film cast Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones. Besides featuring some cameo appearance by original actors such as Dan Aykroyd, the only male lead in the film was Chris Hemsworth.
Ghostbusters' original cast was undoubtedly lovable, but the female cast brought with them a sense of empowerment.
CHRIS HEMSWORTH
Chris Hemsworth slipped into the role of the secretary in the 2016 reboot, with his character, Kevin, serving as one of the main sources of comic relief throughout the film. The portrayal of Hemsworth's character could have easily been handled terribly in any other film, but Ghostbusters knocked this one out of the park.
Kevin was undeniably one of the funniest, most memorable characters in the entire film. Whether he was answering the phone incorrectly, trying and failing to help the ladies, or even being possessed by a malicious ghost, Kevin was iconic.
PORTRAYAL OF WOMEN
Sigourney Weaver's Dana Barrett was an iconic character in the original Ghostbusters films. She will forever hold a special place in movie history, and Weaver's portrayal was captivating, mesmerizing, and unforgettable.
However, the 2016 Ghostbusters has the originals beat in this category, because the film opted to showcase some of the best female comedians in the business. The lead characters were authentic, hilarious, and did not succumb to overused stereotypes.
EMPOWERMENT
Ghostbusters (2016) was an empowering thrill ride for so many reasons, and one of them being how inspiring it truly was. Jillian, Abby, Erin, and Patty are the undeniable stars of the film, and their journeys are so much fun to watch.
For a comedy film that got bashed on for latching onto the trend of remakes and reboots, Ghostbusters absolutely surpassed expectations and is definitely the most empowering of the entire franchise.
FRIENDSHIPS
The friendships between the four main characters are always a major part of every Ghostbusters film. Their dynamics are incredibly important, as the bonds between the characters are something that all films hinge on significantly.
The foursome of the original films are hilarious and lovable, but Ghostbusters (2016) portrays the friendships between the leading ladies in such a real, heartwarming, and often hilarious light, that it manages to be completely awesome in a completely different way.
A Different (But Similar) Sense Of Humor
You could debate all day about which of the three Ghostbusters movies is the funniest, and the answer is, of course, always going to be different depending on the fan. All the Ghostbusters films approach comedy in a very similar manner.
The movies are unashamed in their wackiness, and that's a big reason why so many people love them. The comedy and humor in Ghostbusters (2016) definitely pays homage to the original films, but with a more modern take on the jokes.
THE GHOSTS
The ghosts are another aspect of the franchise that all the films portray similarly. They are not supposed to be scary, they're supposed to be hilarious and live on in your memory long after the credits have rolled. It's undeniable that all the Ghostbusters films managed to achieve this.
In Ghostbusters (2016), the filmmakers utilized the art of modern technology and effects to create iconic ghosts that were unique in their own right and managed to pay tribute to the source material in a very respectful, often humorous way. 1984's Ghostbusters benefits greatly from utilizing practical effects, but 2016's version also boasts memorable ghosts.
BALANCE
The Ghostbusters films are best known and loved for the fact that they are completely, unapologetically silly. They don't take themselves too seriously, and that's why they are so beloved. It's refreshing to see films execute silliness in a way that doesn't feel artificial and overdone.
Ghostbusters (2016) excels in this department because it manages to achieve a balance between comedy and drama, containing scenes that also convey some genuinely emotional and compelling moments.
SELF-AWARENESS
One of the things people love most about the Ghostbusters films is the fact that they are completely aware of how silly and ridiculous their concepts are, and that works to make them completely iconic. All the Ghostbusters films are self-aware.
Ghostbusters (2016), having been created decades after the first two movies, shows a lot more self-awareness than the original films, which makes it all the more hilarious.
LOVABLE CHARACTERS
The cast of the 2016 Ghostbusters is utterly captivating and charming, which works to make their characters all the more lovable. Ghostbusters' original gang is undeniably memorable and completely lovable, but the cast of the 2016 reboot brought refreshingly different qualities.
Abby, Jillian, Erin, and Patty were as hilarious as they were empowering, and they will continue to be loved, cherished, and quoted for years to come.