Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis capitalize on the traditions set by The Rocky Horror Picture Show and the zany antics of Young Frankenstein in the writing of Ghostbusters. Here the crossroads between horror and humor is a busy intersection.
When three scholars specializing in parapsychology are thrown out of the halls of academe because of their questionable scientific methodology, they set up a ghostbusting business in an abandoned Manhattan firehouse. The trio — Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis — are ready, willing and able to take on any devils, demons, ghosts or bogeymen that may be troubling New Yorkers.
Among their unusual challenges are a ghost who's messing up the card catalogues at the 42nd Street Public Library, a green gremlin who's bloating itself at a luxurious hotel, and a party of malevolent spirits who have congregated at an apartment building on Central Park West. Murray is stunned to find out that Sigourney Weaver — his client and the object of his amorous intentions — has been possessed by a lewd demon!
Ghostbusters is a screwy and mischievous movie fueled by endless reserves of comic energy. Murray's deadpan style, Aykroyd's wit, and Ramis' seriousness make them a triple threat. Adding to the hilarious proceedings are William Atherton as a hard-nosed inspector from the Environmental Protection Agency and Rick Moranis as Weaver's doltish neighbor.