Iffy for 10+
Paranormal fun with some scares, innuendo.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this iconic '80s movie is pretty tame for it to be about catching scary ghosts (only a few are skeletal and scary) and the possible end of the world. The scariest part is probably the large dogs with glowing eyes that attack and possess two characters. Viewers will find some language that's strong for a PG ("s--t" a few times, for starters) and sexually charged scenes, one where a character fantasizes briefly about a ghost giving him oral pleasure, and another where a possessed woman writhes around and says "I want you inside me" to Peter, who laughs it off. Two Ghostbusters do a lot of smoking, often dangling a cigarette out of their mouths while trying to catch ghosts.
- Families can talk about what defines a hero. What other movies feature scientists and professors who save the day?
- Families can also talk about the scares mix with humor. For kids normally scared of things like ghosts, how did the humor help? How did seeing a creature like the 50-foot Stay Puft marshmallow man make you laugh, even while the Ghostbusters were in danger?
- Families can also discuss ghosts and the supernatural. Do you believe in ghosts, and why or why not?
The good stuff
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Messages: A rare movie where scientists save the day.
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Role models: Peter Venkman is shown as a bit of a womanizer for comic effect, but figures out he'll have more chances getting the girl through heroism. The Ghostbusters band together and trust each other in difficult situations.
What to watch for
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Violence: Plenty of blasting from special ghost-busting lasers. A hotel ballroom is destroyed and another building explodes with the main characters running for their lives. Ghosts take over NYC, some scary-looking (with decomposing skeletal appearances and wicked grins) some not (slimy green blobs who eat a lot). Two characters are possessed by large dog-like creatures. One has arms grab her through a chair and screams as she's hurled through the room. A building crumbles and pieces fall on a crowd below who also almost get smashed by a 50-foot walking marshmallow. Mentions of ancient god worship and sacrifices, as well as judgment day and what it meant according to the Bible and other traditions. A demi-god attacks with lightning bolts coming from her arms.
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Sex: A fantasy scene implies Ray receives oral pleasure from a ghost; you see his pants mysteriously unzipped down to his underwear and his eyes cross in pleasure. Dana makes bold sexual advances while possessed, writhing around, and showing lots of leg. She even says, "Do you want this body?" "Take me now" and "I want you inside me" to Peter who jokes that she already has more than one person inside her. Plus a few kisses and plenty of innuendo, including a joke about getting the Stay Puft Marshmallow "laid."
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Language: "S--t" is said three times, "bitch" once, "ass" and other versions a few times, "pissed," "hell," "mother puss bucket," and jokes about an EPA official having no "d--k."
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Consumerism: Coke is seen a few times, a Twinkie is used as a metaphor, and one of the Ghostbusters shouts, "it's Miller time." Cheese-Its and Budweiser are consumed. A montage shows the Ghostbusters on the cover of some prominent magazines like Time and The Atlantic with the voices of Casey Kasem and Larry King in the background.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Lots of smoking, mostly by Peter and Ray who often have a cigarette dangling from their lips while catching ghosts. They also share a bottle of hard alcohol after being fired from their jobs and are seen drinking beer a few times. A ghost chugs wine that goes right through him.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Please bring back classics more often!!!! by Mad Monkey
It was great seeing Ghostbusters in the theater again. I saw it 5 or 6 times in the theater back in 1984, and countless times on various video formats from Beta to Blu-ray, but nothing compares to seeing it in a huge darkened theater on a huge screen. I know AMC has brought a few other classic movies back for limited engagements, like Back to the Future, Sixteen Candles, Taxi Driver, and Top Gun. I was only able to see Back to the Future, because I never find out about them until it's too late. If I have one complaint it's that these are not advertised enough. Send me an email to let me know these are going on! I will see every one of these movies if I know they are out there!!!
5
GHOSTBUSTERS! GHOSTBUSTERS! GHOSTBUSTERS! by postalchris
I have seen this movie plenty of times and I am sure you have as well. I am not going to tell you about the movie. I am going to tell you how cool it was to take my son to see the movie in the theater. A film I was never able to see in the theater originally, but was given the chance to go now and it was even better than I was expecting. We had a blast and hope this stirs up the demand for a new Ghostbusters film.
5
Loved it all over again! by Mike_Maag
Awesome to see this classic comedy film in the theaters! My group of friends had a blast and would love to see more 80's comedies in the theater.
5
Bustin' makes me feel good
You could just buy the blu ray but seeing this classic on the big screen is an experience all its own, but seriously, buy the blu ray, it is one of the old films that has been done well in its conversion to hi def.
5
Who ya gonna call?!? by hoser24
I'll be the first to admit, the film quality might not have been the greatest. Some parts were a little fuzzy. But, it did not take away from the film at all. After years of only seeing Ghostbusters on tv I finally got to see how the film should be experienced...on the big screen! Being able to sit in a theater with other movie watchers taking in a classic like this is the way it should be. Watching Ghostbusters in the theater made the movie 10 times better, and it's already an awesome movie. I hope they do this again with other (good) movies!
5
My Favorite Movie of All Time by Benny Flicks
This is by far the best movie ever made! Brilliant original story, hilarious cast, filmed in New York City, amazing characters, beautiful score and soundtrack, heroes and villains, and it still holds up today even though it was made in 1984 - GO SEE THIS MOVIE IMMEDIATELY! I hope they make Ghostbusters III!!!
5
It's Ghostbusters by jmhull86
This movie is the best. THE BEST! I took someone who couldn't remember seeing it (which, I know, why was I even FRIENDS with this person) and we totally had a great time. A lot of people wearing shirts that obviously just came from their mom's basement. Could've lived without that.
5
A "must see" by Mawhinney
Our family have been a vans of Ghostbusters for years. My son even had his own Ghostbuster suit when he was 5 years old and still has it to this day. One of the best movies ever made. This movie is made for all ages. We were so excited to see it on the big screen. Ghostbusters in a must see whether it be on DVD, TV or the theater. Can't wait to see Ghostbusters 2 in the theater next! Love it!
4
Still Funny by Chachicola
Although a comedy classic, it did not hold up as well as I thought it would. However, Bill Murray is still hilarious and a comic genius. The other leads are great too.
5
Oldie but Goodie! by Melou
I've always loved this movie and missed it when it first played in the theatres. For me, this was amazing and as usual, had me laughing like crazy! Of course it wasn't as clear as the newer movies. However, the actors kept us laughing continually! The cast was great!