Who Do We REALLY Want to Call?

Ghostbusters III. There's buzz. It's out there. With the recent success of Ghostbusters: The Game, there's renewed interest in the franchise we all love. Rumors swirl about the script, a new team of ghostbusters, and the ever-reluctant Bill Murray's role. I won't address those here. What I intend to address is this question: what are we really looking for from Ghostbusters III?

I loved Ghostbusters: The Game, and I anticipated something of a revival for the franchise when it sold well, but I didn't do so with relish. Of late, we have seen a cavalcade of reboots and remakes tromping through theaters, with original properties being buried beneath other directors' visions for films, many of which were already classics and just fine as they were, and the longer this trend has gone on the less money I have wanted to spend at the movies. Films, it seems, are being cranked out not because they are based on novel ideas and not even because of overwhelming demand, but because of earning potential. Alvin and the Chipmunks, Herbie, The A-Team, The Smurfs, even my beloved Transformers have been resurrected on the altar of the almighty dollar, not to mention Yogi Bear, which stars Dan Aykroyd (who should really know better). Is this what we want for Ghostbusters?

It wasn't because of the fact that it was tied to any preexisting property that the first Ghostbusters was so wildly successful. The film had magic. It had a great cast, it was written well, paced well, and well-directed. It also came along during a period of time when creativity was being, in large part, celebrated by audiences and the film industry alike - a time when a comedy could get by on its intellectual merits and didn't have to wallow in vulgarity or appeal to the lowest common denominator to find an audience. It also happened at a time when the principal stars were still up-and-coming to some degree and of a different mindset. The film was untrod land, new comedic territory for a talent like Bill Murray to explore. Now, I'm sorry to say, it's old. There are hallmarks, familiar beats to hit, an established style to attempt to adhere to. Any attempt at making a sequel necessitates a reinterpretation of certain elements of a film's style that arose organically, without any constraints on how they could be defined. This is exquisitely difficult, and it is why sequels fail so often. Add to this the current climate, in which art is looked at askance by those who think so little of the moviegoing audience that they think it much safer to pander to them. In brief: do we want Ghostbusters III to be another Blues Brothers 2000?

I want more Ghostbusters, there's no doubting it. But I can no more doubt that than I can the fact that the first Ghostbusters film is unlikely ever to be surpassed by a sequel, even if all the same pieces are put into place. Ghostbusters, like Queen or the Beatles, was a bolt of lightning, and the process of trying to recreate it may turn out something exciting and fun, but I maintain that this will always feel shallow when we watch the original. I want more Ghostbusters, but I don't want that franchise dragged into the modern era, which has no respect for such artful films.

Ghostbusters has what we're looking for, and it wasn't given those things by people who were trying to build on something that already worked once. So who do we really want to call? Ghostbusters, of course. And, if it happens to be on AMC some night, maybe Ghostbusters 2.

Bring Me The Wookie!

So, i'm John, new guy to this site. So who's ready for Pats-Jets 2010 2? Am I the only Patriots fan here? Rex Ryan says to bring him Solo and the Wookie (Tom Brady). He's gonna get beat down like the Death Star. The rebels shall win!

PKE Meter Launching?!

This Wednesday, December 1, 2010, Matty launches the first of the Ghostbuster movie prop replicas. The PKE Meter. True to scale and with fancy lights, this gadget is perfect for anyone looking for a holiday gift for themselves.

The Real GhostBoxers

Hero here. Not much on the UK side of things to report as far as Ghostbuster goings on, but I did find these on my travels.

Available at Primark stores for £5 (approx $8.01 USD). As you can also see, they have other boxer shorts decorated in 80's iconography.

Halloween Costume!

Very cool Halloween costume here! http://www.instructables.com/id/Ghostbusters-Halloween-Costume/ 

Enough said. ;)

Live Coverage From NYC Comic Con!!!

New York Comic Con Day 1

Nothing major to report so far. But then again, it is only Friday and I’m not really preparing myself for big interviews today. If anything, I’m more or less just focusing in on getting the quick scope of the layout and figure out where I want to be tomorrow (Saturday) so that the real Convolution can begin.

So far, I have managed to not spend too much scratch. I picked up a Spawn figure on impulse but there is something to be said about those old McFarlane sculpts since they blend in oh-so-well with most of the current toy lines. I snagged a MIB Viking Spawn for a $1 from the Fifth Series run so it’s circa 1996. I know at one point, I did manage to see a Frankenstein figure from the Wetworks that would make for another perfect random ghoul to the Matty Collector’s Ghostbusters line but I decided to exercise a bit more control. I was able to get a Sam Hain figure from The Extreme Ghostbusters line for only a couple dollars. To be honest, the Trendmasters figure is rather lacking; as Sam Hain does NOT resemble as that much like his cartoon rendition. I’m kind of sad but I always wanted this figure so I guess I’ll pay the piper because I went for it. I also picked up some of the random ghosts that my collection is lacking. After my touring of the floor, though, I’m convinced that my spending is definitely at an end.

The game plan for tomorrow is to do as many random fan interviews as possible. I’m going to attempt to collect as many free items as I can carry so I can give away from the site. But I don’t really feel like paying for shipping. Even on free junk. Oh well.

It’s about a half hour before my interview with Image about some comic book that I’m not too familiar with. Time to go do what Ghostheads do best…

Big Apple Con Recap!

Amazingly, we were press passed for this event so of course, we had to go to this event. And I'm glad I went.

The video, while short and choppy, does explain how great Big Apple Con is. The celebrities were in a smaller room than I expected and it was difficult to move around in; compared to the previous years but it was still nice to see people, like say, Kevin Nash (Pro-Wrestler/Actor) who portrayed Super Shredder.

Kevin Nash

The Friendly Michael Wilkins and his Astonishing Proton Pack

The only issue I had really encountered was the fact that when I was interviewing Michael, the background noise kind of reduced the quality of the interview. If I'm able to catch up with him at Comic Con next week, I'd like to ask him some more questions. Judging by how awesome his personality is, I'm sure I can easily get that secured.

I also want to thank Jerry Milani of Wizard Entertainment for his help in this event. I'm looking forward to the next Big Apple Con in May 2011 already.

Also, as a NJ resident, I cannot wait to find out what is going on with NJ Comic Con... HINT HINT! For the article, check here: http://www.ghostbusting.net/Ghostbusting.net/Events/Entries/2010/10/1_Going_TO_NYC_Comic_Con_2.html 

More Updates!

• Ghostoberfest kicks off soon! 
• Second AND Third batch of custom Ghostbusting.net equipment arrives today! 
• Comic Book Conventions GALORE starts this weekend.

MORE TO COME SOON!

UPDATES!

So it may look like we haven't been too active, right? Well, we

Ghostbusting.net will be attending Big Apple Con this weekend! Contact me for info if you are looking to be interviewed. ;) 

GHOSTOBERFEST kicks off right before Big Apple Con... LITERALLY.

We have new Staff added to the site. Let's welcome Dave and Melissa!

Comic Con is NEXT Weekend.

Online FedEx Tracking - 722836589825209

This is a FedEx package I'm waiting for from Hot Topic. It's a Ghostbuster messenger bag.

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Thanks!

Today I turned 26. I have some awesome friends and family.

My friend, Bryan, is amazing.

Birthday cake.

Random finds!

So right now we have a Dr. Ray Stantz being shipped and our VistaPrint already shipped (should be arriving tomorrow) but no exciting news for the moment. So sit back and read these two GQ articles:

2009 interview with Harold Ramis: http://www.gq.com/entertainment/movies-and-tv/200906/harold-ramis-director-animal-house-ghostbusters-groundhog-day?currentPage=1

2010 interview with Billy Murray: http://www.gq.com/entertainment/celebrities/201008/bill-murray-dan-fierman-gq-interview

Teaser For Up Coming Project!

So this weekend, I'm going to NYC and going to be working on some possible upcoming projects. But we also are going to be starting the new relaunch with some other ideas. Just sit back and enjoy the show! 

Last Day For Ecto-1 Membership!

At around 4 PM, the last sign up for Club Ecto-1 will be allowed by Mattel!  That's right! Click here for your subscription details! http://www.mattycollector.com/store/matty/en_US/DisplayProductDetailsPage/productID.202606600

I actually signed up though I am not too keen on the whole commitment process to Mattel's sign up. I might not want all the 2011 figures but, eh. It might be worth it in the long run. Hopefully next sign up, we get an exciting figure.

Who's going to NYC Comic Con 2010?

Apparently we are! Well, at least me for the starters part. I've managed to secure ONE press pass for myself for going to the convention. I will be doing some interviews and handouts while I am there. We're going to be at least presented for a day. Perhaps two?

Stay tuned!