Fascinating and comical at times, the Documentary Cleaning Up the Town: “Remembering Ghostbusters” will be in select theaters on October 1st and then moves to VOD on October 5. This is not the full original movie, but a history of the making of the film, including how it all came about. The film was made in 1984 and ended up as the number one box office winner amassing over $220 million beating out the likes of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Gremlins and Star Trek III: In Search of Spock. But it wasn’t even considered to be a blockbuster and that’s what makes this film a “one of a kind”.
Most of the main cast speaks out, producer/director Ivan Reitman and of course Dan Aykroyd and Herald Ramis that not only starred in the film but wrote the initial script. However, for some reason Bill Murray only shows up in some archive footage as well as Rick Moranis. Here’s what the makers of this documentary have to say about it:
“Twelve years in the making and with over forty cast and crew interviews Cleanin’ Up The Town: Remembering Ghostbusters is the definitive documentary that charts how Ghostbusters came to fruition and how the film was made by the people that made them. Interviews include actors in the film Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver Annie Potts, David Margulies, William Atherton, Director Ivan Reitman, Producer Michael C. Gross, Visual Effects crew including Richard Edlund, Terry Windell, and Steve Johnson, musicians Ray Parker Jr and The Bus Boys”. Filmmakers.
The film shows a number of clips from the film in key scenes as the makers talk them. A lot of technical information is shared that should be a delight of the budding filmmakers. What was really interesting is the connection to the past that Dan Aykroyd brought to the film. Surprising is how the special effects were put together and the how the animation came together to make the ghosts look realistic.
The film is definitely a lot of fun to watch, especially for those who have seen Ghostbusters. I like the old photos taken during the shootings including rehearsals of the cast during saved out-takes. Casting was fun seeing the young stars trying to fit into their roles. And of course how the unforgettable, sticks in your head, theme song came about.
The film is not rated but think PG+ due to some language and suggestive material. The film is best for those interested in filmmaking, upcoming directors, and viewers who have seen the film. For this target audience it’s a must see.
Additional Film Information:
Directed and co-written by: Anthony Bueno
Genre: Documentary
MPAA Rating: Not rated, includes some language and suggestive material
Running Time: 2 hrs. 8 min.
Opening Date: October 5, 2021
Distributed by: Screen Media
Released in: Select Theaters October 1, and VOD on October 5.
