The Ghostbusters theme song has roots in Victorian England

Ray Parker, Jr.: Singer, songwriter ... fan of Victorian era literature?

Parker's hit 1984 song "Ghostbusters" for the film of the same name (which held the top slot on Billboard's Hot 100 chart for three weeks) is of course famous for its hook "I ain't afraid of no ghosts."

But the line actually has roots 96 years before "Ghostbusters."

In Ellen Price Wood's posthumous 1888 novel The Case of Charles Strange (also published in the Argosy magazine she owned), the ghost of Mr. Brightman just might be wreaking some havoc. Then again, it could be a hoax.

But one thing was for sure, the bold character of Hatch declared: "I'm not afraid of no ghostesses, not I."

The line, which almost seems handpicked and adapted by Parker, comes courtesy Price, known for the novel East Lynn, who was an international bestselling and wrote quite a bit of supernatural fiction (The Ghost (1862) Reality or Delusion? (1868)).

But wait, there's more.

Historian Craig Conley dug up this illustration from a 1892 issue of Thrilling Life Stories for the Masses, the one-penny per issue magazine filled with -- you guessed it, "thrilling" -- pulpy stories.

The illo. features the caption "'I'm not afraid of no old ghostesses,' said Harold."

Conley doesn't list which issue of Thrilling Life Stories this comes from, and I wasn't able to find it in the digital volume I own. Therefore I cannot speak to the plot and plight of young Harold, but I like to think his last name is Spengler.

So, here's the question: When did Ray Parker, Jr. get into Victorian lit? And does he owe any royalties to long-dead Victorian authors for borrowing the line? (Huey Lewis may have an opinion on this one.)

Finally, where else has this particular line emerged? I suspect two examples could be a coincidence, but it could have appeared elsewhere as a common phrase. If you see it in other Victorian examples, let me know!

And since you're here, you might as well watch the amazing Ghostbusters theme song video.

-Aaron Sagers

Ghostbusters' Dan Aykroyd on reality-TV ghost shows

BY AARON SAGERS

In case you hadn't noticed, a new "Ghostbusters" movies hit theaters yesterday, and early reviews and box office suggests that bustin' still makes some audiences feel good (though others opposed to the reboot think it's as bad as the coming of Gozer).

But  love it or hate it, the new film is connected to the original in many regards, perhaps none more so than the involvement of Dan Aykroyd. Co-writer of the original movie, and executive producer (and vocal cheerleader) of the new film, Aykroyd even returns for a cameo.

However, the erstwhile Ray Stantz enjoys a special connection to the spirit world. He was raised as a Spiritualist -- a belief system that communication between the living and dead is a positive thing -- and he also has an extensive interest in UFO activity. His father Peter, a renowned member within Spiritualism, wrote a book called "A History of Ghosts," for which Dan wrote the forward. And of course Dan Aykroyd's paranormal interest, and openness about them, extends to his Crystal Head Vodka -- a spirit of another sort that he says is made of pure Newfoundland deep aquifer vodka filtered through Herkimer Diamonds, or polished crystals that are supposed to emit positive energy.

With the opening of the "Ghostbusters" reboot, I wanted to revisit a conversation I had with Aykroyd some time back about the popularity of reality-TV ghosthunting shows -- which receives a little mocking in the new movie -- and how it was impacted by his 1984 film.

Even though he said there’s a big difference between mediums, channeling and other Spiritualist beliefs he holds and “ghost hunting,” Aykroyd thinks the overall effect of such shows is positive.

“I think it’s great that people are employed. It’s giving work to people, it’s enlightening the public and it’s opening the subject up to discussion and debate.” He also added there is a parallel between the current paranormal trend in the mainstream and how Spiritualism was especially en vogue in the late-19th and early-20th centuries.

“Well now, with the digital cameras and all the electronic voice phenomena (EVP), people now have a lot more tools to go out and hunt this stuff. You know, virtually every county in America has a ghost hunting society.”

“But you know, as my dad’s book points out, there’s always been an interest in it because … it’s always been a part of our existence.”

A few years back, in 2010, things got pretty meta and mashed-up between real life ghost hunters and Aykroyd when the alter ego of the fictional Dr. Raymond Stantz joined his Spiritualist father on Larry King Live alongside busters Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson of "Ghost Hunters," and medium Chip Coffey.

Reflecting on that, Aykroyd said he sees a similarity between the gadgets, the special vehicles and the team dynamics of the reality-TV ghost shows and his own "Ghostbusters" characters.

“No doubt they’re inspired by us; I think so.” But as far as his own foray into the reality-TV ghost genre, Aykroyd will confine his work to fantasy, so there will be no guest spots on the shows.

Instead, you'll have to show up to the new "Ghostbusters" movie to see Aykroyd discussing strange happenings in the neighborhood.

Amy Bruni, a real Ghostbuster, weighs in on the all-female cast

BY AARON SAGERS

In a paranormal event to rival the Philadelphia mass turbulence of 1947, and the Gozer the Gozerian attack on New York City in 1984, a new Ghostbusters film is arriving in theaters on today. And this time, the bustin' will come courtesy of a cast of four women comedians.

After an incredibly long development process, director Paul Feig confirmed the date and appeared to announce his cast of previous collaborators Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids, The Heat), Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids) and Saturday Night Live castmates stars Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones.

The new movie has largely won over critics, despite some fan push back. But original Ghostbusters Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, and Ernie Hudson make cameos in the film, and have thrown their support behind it.

But if the female cast gets a thumbs-up from a ghostbuster, how does the idea strike a ghost hunter? I reached out to Amy Bruni, a paranormal investigator on Syfy's 10-year-old series Ghost Hunters to find out.

Debuting in 2005, Ghost Hunters introduced many reality-TV tropes surrounding the paranormal, and remains one of the most popular. Bruni retired from the show last year following six years and 112 episodes as one of the only female cast members, and is still listed as an active member of the series on its Syfy site. She has also been a longtime organizer of paranormal conventions and is the founder of the Strange Escapes event company.

Bruni joined me in the interview below to discuss what she's excited about, or concerned by, with the new cast of Ghostbusters. She also offers some advice on busting ghosts, and how to do deal with being women in a ghosty boys club.



What was your initial reaction when you heard there was going to be an all-female Ghostbusters cast?

I definitely thought it was a stunt. Then I thought about it more and realized it was perfect. There was really no way they could fill the shoes of the original cast, or re-cast them with younger actors because they were just too iconic.

Would you prefer seeing these women as characters existing in the same universe as the other Ghostbusters, or as original characters in an entirely fresh reboot?

I think what would work, and what is most believable, is if this cast is in the modern-day and that the past team still exists. Some crossover of characters would be amazing. I'd of course love to see some sort of dedication to Harold Ramis. [Ramis died Feb. 2014, and Bruni weighed in with Huffington Post with how his death impacted the paranormal community.]

What are you most excited to see from this new cast, and are you hoping for some paranormal investigative authenticity?

I think some people would be surprised to know how authentic the original Ghostbusters movies were when it came to ghostly legends and theories. It is also sort of like Star Trek in that some of the things they used actually sort of came into existence later. ("PKE" meters in Ghostbusters = our EMF meters.) I would love if they actually took some of the devices paranormal investigators use today and put them in the movie. Let's face it, things like the Spirit Box, the Ovilus, Thermal Imaging Cameras? That could all be comedy gold. We're very easy to make fun of.

As a paranormal investigator, how are women typically welcomed in the field? Is it an all boys club?

I would say the paranormal field strongly skews female. When you attend a paranormal convention, you've usually got 75 percent ladies to 25 percent men -- keep that in mind, all you single paranormal enthusiasts! However, on television, the field is strongly represented by men and frankly, it's just not accurate.

In the years since the first Ghostbusters, there have been a lot of paranormal reality shows about ghosts -- with your show arguably being the most successful one. Would you like to see that genre reflected in the movie?

I feel they have to address the paranormal reality craze because it has become such a game changer in the field. I would love to poke fun at the TV investigator versus the die-hard old-school investigators. And they can poke fun at our equipment, or the fact that we pretty much never find ghosts. Like I said, we're easily mocked and if you're going to embrace the paranormal field, you sort of have to be ready to be made fun of. A lot.

Are there any changes you'd like to see made to iconic Ghostbusters imagery or, conversely, anything you fear (like pink jumpsuits)?

I love the Ghostbusters imagery. One of the first teams I was on actually used an old ambulance as our gear truck -- mostly because it worked so well for storing everything. I'm sure the jumpsuits will get a bit of an update. I hope not pink! I mean, if we wanted to really mock the paranormal community, they could get matching t-shirts with a team acronym on them, right? [Bruni's investigative team on Ghost Hunters was The Atlantic Paranormal Society, or T.A.P.S.]

Do you know the work of these actors, and if so, what makes them suited for paranormal investigation?

I'm a huge Kristen Wiig fan and seeing her name is what really sold me on this idea. She has a dry comedic style that I think will work great. Also, if any of these ladies need to consult with a real life female paranormal investigator, I'm just saying, but I'm available!

What advice would you give to the women of Ghostbusters about entering the field of the paranormal?

Ladies, you've got big shoes to fill. Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis wrote the original Ghostbusters because Aykroyd has deep knowledge and respect for the paranormal, and it shows in the final product. Do your homework and joke about us, but get to know the reasons and theories behind our crazy hobby. I look forward to watching!

(A version of this post originally appeared in Jan 2015)

Four real-life Ghostbusters who appear in the new movie

BY JAMES DePAUL
IG: @smartestadvertising

From busting ghosts on TV, to ghostbusting at Comic-Cons, the following list all have a few things in common. The first is that all of them have been inspired by the original "Ghostbusters" films, and now they can all say they were on set as extras to shoot with the highly-anticipated reboot of this popular paranormal franchise. If you believe in the paranormal, you might say these are the ones you can call if there's something strange in your neighborhood.

Brian Cano

Location: Staten Island, NY

Best known from: "Haunted Collector" (Originally on SyFy, now on Destination America)

How I bust ghosts: I don't bust them, but rather, I share their stories when contact is made - often all they want is acknowledgement.

How long have I been…: I've been investigating the paranormal since 2002 (A short, fun Ghostbusters video I did)

Social media info: Website: www.neverstopsearching.com  Facebook: Brian J. Cano  Twitter: @brianjcano

How do I feel about being in the new movie:  I told Paul Feig this when I saw him on set: "I was ten when the original came out.  It inspired me and today I'm a parapsychologist.  Prepare to inspire a whole new generation with your film."  I gave him my card and invited him to contact me about fact checking and for the word from the actual field.  I'm certain I was not the first to do so…

My favorite piece of equipment: Until a proton pack is invented for real, it would have to be my digital audio recorder.  EVPs have become my specialty

What part did you play in the new movie? In this film, I found myself
in the audience at the "Rock Revenge Fest," where the 'Busters make their first catch. It was a long, but fun, two days on the set. I'm going to have a hard time finding myself in the crowd, since I was put in five different positions, ranging from the balcony to the pit. It'll be like a paranormal, "Where's Waldo?"

How did Ghostbusters impact you? The original "Ghostbusters" inspired me to do what I do today and if you had told me back in 1984 that, not only would I be a parapsychologist investigating life after death when I grew up, but that I'd also be IN a Ghostbusters movie…that 10-year-old kid would have lost his mind! As an adult, I even worked within view of the firehouse used in the original movie and I always maintained, "If they ever do another one, I'm going to be a part of it." Mission accomplished.

At the end of my two days on set, I got a chance to briefly meet the cast and exchange a few words with Paul Feig. At first, I thought it best not to bother him, but when would I have an opportunity like this again? I told him that the first movie inspired me and is a big part of my life. "I am who I am today because of that movie, " I said, "Your movie is going to inspire the next generation. I hope you're prepared for that…" I then gave him my card and told him to feel free to contact me for any insight on actual paranormal investigations or for fact-checking on details to make it ring truer for a community that will be eyeing the film very carefully. He never reached out to me but he was very gracious about it and he seems a very nice man.

Rachel Hoffman

Location: Boston, MA 

How do you bust ghosts?:  I am the lead paranormal investigator for an all female trio is based out of Boston, travelling across America in search of ghosts. We pride ourselves in using new age and old age equipment to seek out proof of the spiritual world.

How long have you been busting ghosts?:

I've been busting ghosts all my life, but I made it official in 2010 when I created an all-female crew to up the game in the paranormal. We bring a totally different approach in a predominantly all male field, which is why the new all-female Ghostbusters is my dream come to life.

Favorite Piece of Equipment: The Ovilus 4, programmed with phonetics, and the English and Spanish dictionary..but that doesn't stop the spirits from coming through in Latin or other old age languages. We are also in tuned with our spiritual side and as a Native American, I have made it a ritual to close every investigation with sage and prayers.
How do you feel about being in the new movie?

It is a huge honor to be a part of this legend because after all I was deeply inspired to be a badass ghostbusters from the moment I saw the first movie. 

Social media: #PXP @ParanormalXpeditions, IG: @RachelHoffman916
Anything else you'd like to add?

We are currently working on a true crime series, "True Crime Paranormal," where we seek out ghosts that have been murdered and try to locate missing people by letting the victims guide us to their resting place.

Tina Storer

Location: Boston, MA

How do you bust ghosts?: My team, Paranormal Xpeditions, likes to use a mixture of new scientific equipment and old age techniques (pendulums, dowsing rods, sage, stones) to bring forth the best paranormal evidence. We love to learn the history of each location and use it to our advantage to really connect with those on the other side. As women, we bring the softness and spirituality back to the investigation. We are able to capture some of the most highly credible paranormal evidence there is out there.

How long have you been busting ghosts?

I've had contact with the other realm my whole life, but I've been "professionally" busting ghosts since Paranormal Xpeditions was formed six years ago in 2010.

Favorite Piece of Equipment: My Pendulum. Nothing makes the hair on the back on my neck stand up more than when I ask a question and get a real response in real time. To know that someone on the other side is communicating with you is an indescribable feeling. My second favorite, and probably the most unusual, is my voice. I like to sing on investigations and we get some amazing responses! I'll sing traditional hymns in chapels, old jazz standards at clubs that once hosted the greats like Billie Holiday, lullabies in nurseries, and our equipment goes crazy! Music is timeless and universal.

Social media info:

Instagram & Twitter: @tinastorer

Facebook.com/tinastorer

How do you feel about being in the new movie?

Being in the new movie is like a dream come true! Just to be part of the history that is "Ghostbusters" is truly an honor. How cool is it to be able to say that a real female ghostbuster is in the new female "Ghostbusters?!" I'm so excited to see a group of strong, diverse women kick serious butt and be represented as the leading roles. I can't wait to see that girlpower on the big screen!

Anything else you'd like to add?

When I'm not out busting ghostly activity, I'm out singing with my band, Super Fly, all over Massachusetts and working on recording music, vegan recipes, and makeup tutorials for my social media accounts.

Luna X Mars

Location: New York City
How do you bust ghosts?: Pizza traps for a Class V Full Roaming Vapor.
How long have you been busting ghosts?: 3 years

Favorite Piece of Equipment: My proton pack; It took me 2 years to build. It's my pride and joy! 
Social media info: @lunaxmars on Twitter and Instagram, www.facebook.com/lunaxmars
How do you feel about being in the new movie?: I think being in a Ghostbusters film is the highest honor I could hope to achieve. Being a part of "Ghostbusters" history is bananas. I'm so excited to share the fun we all had making the movie and I hope people have a good time watching it.
Anything else you'd like to add?: I've been invited to the Hollywood premiere of the film! I'm over the moon to be on the red carpet for the first time ever. It's nerve wracking and mind blowing, all at the same time.

New "Ghostbusters" Trailer Breaks a YouTube Record

Paul Feig's upcoming "Ghostbusters" movie has broken a YouTube record; officially becoming the most DISLIKED movie trailer in the history of the website. Released in March, the trailer currently has over 30 million views.

However, the video has received nearly 700,000 dislikes to a disproportionate (and paltry in comparison) 227,455 likes. It's by no means the most disliked video on YouTube, however. It currently sits at the 18th most disliked video overall. The first place honor belongs to Justin Beiber's tune, "Baby."

If you think that the trailer is only disliked by die-hard "Ghostbusters" fans, mansplainers or...me, you would be mistaken. Star of the film, Melissa McCarthy, isn't a fan of the trailer either.

"It's a reboot. It's weird that they said the '30 years ago' because in the movie the first ["Ghostbusters"] didn't happen. [...]The trailer said 30 years later, which I didn't get myself...believe me, the question was asked. I was like 'I think that's very confusing,' but then everyone said 'we don't care what you think,'" the actress stated on JohnJay and Rich.

So, fellow nerds, if you have watched the trailer, do you think it deserves its spot in the top 20 most disliked YouTube videos? If you haven't seen it yet, check it out and let us know what you think!

-Nowal Massari

First Full Trailer for This Summer's 'Ghostbusters'

That's a Class Four apparition. 

That's okay she seems...peaceful.

It's hereeeeee! Wait...wrong ghost film. Anyway, the first full trailer for the new "Ghostbusters" movie is here and we want to know your thoughts. The film has been surrounded by some controversy and has definitely irked many film purists who think reboots should never be unleashed upon the universe.

The film is based on a screenplay by Katie Dippold and Paul Feig and centers around four women (Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones) out to save us from a diabolical fiend (is there any other kind?) who's generating paranormal activity. Who that fiend is? We don't know. Maybe he/she wants his own reality show?

The film hits theaters on July 15. Will you be going?



-Larissa Mrykalo

Is Ecto-Cooler Making a Come Back?

If you grew up in the late 80s/early 90s, getting a box of Hi-C Ecto-Cooler in your lunchbox alongside your Doritos was pretty much the best thing in the entire world. The acid slime green, orange-tangerine flavored "juice" was originally released in 1987 as a tie-in to "The Real Ghostbusters," a cartoon spin-off of the 1984 hit film. Even though the cartoon went off the air in 1991, Coca-Cola changed the name (Shoutin' Orange TangerGreen, then Crazy Citrus Cooler, boo) and kept the popular drink on the shelves until 2001. In 2007, after waning interest, the sugary drink was discontinued entirely.

In a case of "You don't know what you've got til it's gone," the adults who enjoyed the beverage as kids began coming up with their own recipes to recreate the citrusy drink. (I've tried a couple, but my favorite will die with me!) Soon after, merchandise began popping up. From sweatshirts to candles (which I own), Ecto-Cooler mania was in full effect. Ardmore's Tired Hands Brewing even released the NectoCooler Beer in August. Unsurprisingly, it sold out almost immediately, which was a huge disappointment to West Coast fans of both Ecto-Cooler AND booze. I am still incredibly disappointed in my hometown (Portland, OR aka BeerSnoblandia) for not doing this first. ONE JOB GUYS, COME ON.

Get your own at Horror Decor. Smells like Slimer. Probably.

Social media accounts, hashtags, etc have all been pushing for the return of the original Ghostbusters beverage and now...this is not a drill...that could very well become reality. Coca-Cola, parent company to EC's Minute Maid, recently filed a trademark for the Ecto-Cooler. While it's not much info, it's pretty exciting. With a Ghostbuster remake coming out in July of 2016, this could be a pretty smart tie-in to the new movie. Which, if it's true, is the best thing that will come from the Feigbusters, if you ask me. (You didn't, but there you have it.)

Keep checking back here for all of the latest info! Until then, we'll be sipping on our fake out coolers and sniffing this candle. We've waited eight years for this...we can wait a little while longer.

-Nowal Massari

The Old and New 'Ghostbusters' Meet in This 'Mashed' Animated Short

The peeps over at Mashed recently smooshed together the original four Ghostbusters with the "sexy, new, young, beautiful" Ghostbusters in this three-minute animated short. "Channing Tatum" leads the new crew and pranks the original team by calling them in to investigate a spooky, old orphanage.

Douchtastic Tatum uses terms such as "bro," "kegger" and "butthole" and he's just awful. The pranks include scaring the old guys with a Xenomorph from "Alien," sewing the three living Ghostbusters together ala "The Human Centipede" and scaring ghost-Egon with the Billy puppet from "Saw." Who wants to join me in kicking this new team's ass?

It's all in good fun, right? Check it out and let us know what you think. I kind of like how they're making fun of the future reboots but damn it, leave the fab four alone!

-Larissa Mrykalo

TV Ghost Hunter Amy Bruni Talks Ghostbusters All-female Cast

BY AARON SAGERS

In a paranormal event to rival the Philadelphia mass turbulence of 1947, and the Gozer the Gozerian attack on New York City in 1984, a new Ghostbusters film is arriving in theaters on July 22, 2016. And this time, the bustin' will come courtesy of a cast of four women comedians.

After an incredibly long development process, director Paul Feig confirmed the date and appeared to announce his cast of previous collaborators Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids, The Heat), Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids) and Saturday Night Live castmates stars Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones.

Although The Hollywood Reporter says the negotiations are "ongoing," this looks like a pretty done deal. Interestingly enough, both Wiig and McCarthy were two actors that original ghostbuster Bill Murray suggested for the job when asked by the Toronto Star last September (where he also suggested they all-female cast would have better outfits).

But if the female cast gets a thumbs-up from a ghostbuster, how does the idea strike a ghost hunter? I reached out to Amy Bruni, a paranormal investigator on Syfy's 10-year-old series Ghost Hunters to find out.

Debuting in 2005, Ghost Hunters introduced many reality-TV tropes surrounding the paranormal, and remains one of the most popular. Bruni retired from the show last year following six years and 112 episodes as one of the only female cast members, and is still listed as an active member of the series on its Syfy site. She has also been a longtime organizer of paranormal conventions and is the founder of the Strange Escapes event company.

Bruni joined me in the interview below to discuss what she's excited about, or concerned by, with the new cast of Ghostbusters. She also offers some advice on busting ghosts, and how to do deal with being women in a ghosty boys club.



What was your initial reaction when you heard there was going to be an all-female Ghostbusters cast?

I definitely thought it was a stunt. Then I thought about it more and realized it was perfect. There was really no way they could fill the shoes of the original cast, or re-cast them with younger actors because they were just too iconic.

Would you prefer seeing these women as characters existing in the same universe as the other Ghostbusters, or as original characters in an entirely fresh reboot?

I think what would work, and what is most believable, is if this cast is in the modern-day and that the past team still exists. Some crossover of characters would be amazing. I'd of course love to see some sort of dedication to Harold Ramis. [Ramis died Feb. 2014, and Bruni weighed in with Huffington Post with how his death impacted the paranormal community.]

What are you most excited to see from this new cast, and are you hoping for some paranormal investigative authenticity?

I think some people would be surprised to know how authentic the original Ghostbusters movies were when it came to ghostly legends and theories. It is also sort of like Star Trek in that some of the things they used actually sort of came into existence later. ("PKE" meters in Ghostbusters = our EMF meters.) I would love if they actually took some of the devices paranormal investigators use today and put them in the movie. Let's face it, things like the Spirit Box, the Ovilus, Thermal Imaging Cameras? That could all be comedy gold. We're very easy to make fun of.

As a paranormal investigator, how are women typically welcomed in the field? Is it an all boys club?

I would say the paranormal field strongly skews female. When you attend a paranormal convention, you've usually got 75 percent ladies to 25 percent men -- keep that in mind, all you single paranormal enthusiasts! However, on television, the field is strongly represented by men and frankly, it's just not accurate.

In the years since the first Ghostbusters, there have been a lot of paranormal reality shows about ghosts -- with your show arguably being the most successful one. Would you like to see that genre reflected in the movie?

I feel they have to address the paranormal reality craze because it has become such a game changer in the field. I would love to poke fun at the TV investigator versus the die-hard old-school investigators. And they can poke fun at our equipment, or the fact that we pretty much never find ghosts. Like I said, we're easily mocked and if you're going to embrace the paranormal field, you sort of have to be ready to be made fun of. A lot.

Are there any changes you'd like to see made to iconic Ghostbusters imagery or, conversely, anything you fear (like pink jumpsuits)?

I love the Ghostbusters imagery. One of the first teams I was on actually used an old ambulance as our gear truck -- mostly because it worked so well for storing everything. I'm sure the jumpsuits will get a bit of an update. I hope not pink! I mean, if we wanted to really mock the paranormal community, they could get matching t-shirts with a team acronym on them, right? [Bruni's investigative team on Ghost Hunters was The Atlantic Paranormal Society, or T.A.P.S.]

Do you know the work of these actors, and if so, what makes them suited for paranormal investigation?

I'm a huge Kristen Wiig fan and seeing her name is what really sold me on this idea. She has a dry comedic style that I think will work great. Also, if any of these ladies need to consult with a real life female paranormal investigator, I'm just saying, but I'm available!

What advice would you give to the women of Ghostbusters about entering the field of the paranormal?

Ladies, you've got big shoes to fill. Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis wrote the original Ghostbusters because Aykroyd has deep knowledge and respect for the paranormal, and it shows in the final product. Do your homework and joke about us, but get to know the reasons and theories behind our crazy hobby. I look forward to watching!

Female Leads for 'Ghostbusters' Announced Plus Release Date

Our New Ghostbusters (courtesy Paul Feig's Twitter)

Sorry, Chris Pratt. Your rumored news about being cast as Indiana Jones might be overshadowed by this reveal. Or maybe not? According to Paul Feig on that marvelous social media site, Twitter and The Hollywood Reporter, we know who's in negotiations to be cast as the four female Ghostbusters. There are a couple surprises and a couple of duhs.

According to THR, "Melissa McCarthy, who was already in talks for one of the leads, has signed on for the Paul Feig-directed reboot, and the studio is now negotiating with Kristen Wiig, as well as Saturday Night Live players Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon." They added, "Negotiations are ongoing but the quartet are expected to sign on as the specter-seeking, poltergeist-punishing and phantom-phollowing foursome in the reboot, which is eyeing a summer shoot in New York."

Obviously there's been a lot of controversy surrounding how this whole thing will pan out and Feig reassured us fans that he won't do us wrong. I like these ladies and hope for the best. What say you? It's scheduled to be in theaters July 22, 2016 so we'll be talking about this for a while. Yay?

-Larissa Mrykalo

Sony Hacking Scandal Reveals 'Ghostbusters' Reboot News

The recent Sony hacking scandal is certainly revealing lots of shocking Hollywood details and despite its seediness, we're getting info on some projects we've been wondering about. Namely, the Ghostbusters reboot.

Over at the Daily Beast, they reveal the (alleged) content of emails between Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment and original Ghostbusters director/producer, Ivan Reitman regarding casting considerations for the reboot.

Also, there's a more yucky-feeling email from David Steinberg, head of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s legal department, to Leah Weil, SPE’s general counsel. This particular one from October 31, 2013 reveals potential legal action against Bill Murray due to his reluctance to star in the female-centric film. Because of course he's totally obligated to be in that film, right? No.

Here is the content of the Bill Murray email:

Epic Rap Battles of History: Ghostbusters vs Mythbusters

In the latest Epic Rap Battles of History, NicePeter and Epic LLOYD are back for a fourth season and it kicks off with the Ghostbusters taking on the Mythbusters. Obviously some major verbal ass-kicking ensues when Ray Stantz, Egon Spengler,  Peter Venkman, and Winston Zeddemore,  take on Jamie Hyneman, Adam Savage and the "B" team .

My vote goes to the Ghostbusters on this one but of course, you decide for yourself.

-Larissa Mrykalo

'Ghostbusters 3' Love It or Leave It Alone: One Fan's Opinion

BY LARISSA MRYKALO

The summer of 1984 was pretty damn awesome for movies and as a 13-year-old movie lover (now you know my age), I was in my glory. I'm about to sound cliché here, but seeing Ghostbusters pretty much made my summer and to this day, has influenced me in some way or another. Hell, I write for a site called Paranormal Pop Culture and I'm going on a ghost hunt this weekend. I even took my son to see the theatrical re-release of this film and I cried when it began. So here's the deal, I have strong opinions on the making of a third Ghostbusters movie and based on private discussions, I'm not alone in my thinking.

The possibility of a third Ghostbusters film has been tossed around for years now and pretty much right off the bat, Bill Murray said he did not want to be a part of the film. We may never know exactly why but good for him on standing his ground. With passing of Harold Ramis (Egon) and the subsequent distancing of Ivan Reitman from the project, it looked like this film may not come to fruition. I was fine with this possibility. A third Ghostbusters is not only unnecessary in a day and age where we are bombarded with shows about "busting" ghosts, but it is not a Ghostbusters film if there is an all-new cast and premise -- it is a "ghost hunting" film. That is fine! Go for it -- good luck with people paying to see it when they could just turn on their TV for free. There is even funny ghost hunting programming out there you can enjoy if you want a laugh; case in point: Jack Black's "Ghost Ghirls."

New 'Ghostbusters' Honest Trailer and Theatrical Re-Release Starting August 29

To get you pumped for the 30th Anniversary re-release of "Ghostbusters" this weekend, check out this hilarious new Honest Trailer (courtesy of Screen Junkies) that will definitely make you look at the film in a new way. This 1984 classic that kids as well as adults loved so dearly features cursing, smoking, bewb grabbing and ghost head...because kids films in the 80s were so much cooler than they are today. Well, that's just a sampling of what you'll see in this nerdgasm below. We defy you not to genuinely LOL.

Check it out and let us know what you think and also if you're heading to theaters this weekend. The film runs in 700 theaters starting on August 29 for one week.



-Larissa Mrykalo

Celebrate the 'Ghostbusters' 30th Anniversary with a New Trailer

Courtesy "Ghostbusters" Facebook

Last month, we reported that in honor of its 30th anniversary, "Ghostbusters" would be returning to theaters for one week starting on August 29. A trailer to celebrate the occasion has just been released thanks to Sony Pictures Entertainment and now we're even more excited. It'll probably be the biggest (and best) hit of this summer!

Here are the details we had shared from Entertainment Weekly, including the info on the Blu-ray release:

"The theatrical re-release is the centerpiece of a 'Ghostbusters’ anniversary celebration that will also include special events, collectible merchandise, and a new home-entertainment release. The 'Ghostbusters 30th Anniversary Edition' Blu-ray, as well as the 'Ghostbusters II' 25th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray will be available on Sept. 16. It’s the first time the 1989 sequel has been released on blu-ray, and the editions’ special features include new conversations with director Ivan Reitman and Aykroyd, as well as deleted scenes from the sequel."

Will it be mass hysteria in the theaters? Will you go and see and will it kick ass? We predict...YES!



-Larissa Mrykalo

Bustin' Still Makes Us Feel Good: The 'Ghostbusters' Legacy 30 Years Later

 BY RICK CORNERSTONE

Thirty years later, even with its aged special effects and goofy plot, "Ghostbusters" continues to make audiences laugh. The movie that steadily holds a 97% "fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes has established itself as a comedy classic ever since its release in 1984.

Part of the reason the franchise is so successful is because they've managed to stay relevant over time, consistently appealing to new generations as the years pass. So just how did they manage to achieve what every other film franchise dreams of doing? By producing a quality film in addition to some fruitful marketing moves.