Ghostbusters (1984)
Three routinely underestimated parapsychologists save the world in a triumph of good over evil – what could be more uplifting than that? It works because it comes from the pen of Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, and boasts Ivan Reitman behind the camera. It also works because it showcases excellent performances from Aykroyd, Ramis and Bill Murray – as well as Rick Moranis, Sigourney Weaver and Annie Potts. It’s hilarious, gentle, and entirely unique – all of which lends itself to a positive viewing experience.
The real uplift comes from the premise, however. The Ghostbusters are battling evil – but that evil comes from the spectral plane, encouraged by creatures from another dimension, not from their fellow man. This is not a film about one group of people battling another, this is a film about one group of people battling the unknown forces of darkness. Sure, our heroes must confront bureaucrats intent on shutting down their operation, but that is simply symbolic of the consistent dismissal they have faced from hordes of sceptics. As they triumph over the real evil, they take comfort in the fact that they have proved all those sceptics wrong, saving the world in the process, while making us laugh.
When the 24 hour news cycle is filled with very real horror and chaos, who are you going to call? Ghostbusters.
