SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:05 Min.
Released in 1984, Ray Parker Jr.’s MTV music video proved hugely influential in selling Ghostbusters to younger fans. In addition to Parker Jr. working tongue-in-cheek with unidentified actors performing the song, the music video incorporate movie clips and a collection of celebrity cameos lip-synching back-up vocals.
The celebrities consist of: Irene Cara; John Candy; Melissa Gilbert; Chevy Chase; Teri Garr; Peter Falk; Jeffrey Tambor; George Wendt; Al Franken; Carly Simon; Rick James; and Danny DeVito. More so, in a rare instance back then of movie actors appearing in music videos, the Ghostbusters themselves (Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, Harold Ramis, & Dan Aykroyd) finish strutting the song’s last moments with Parker Jr.
REVIEW:
Effectively advertising Ghostbusters, Parker Jr.’s energetic music video is something of a mid-80’s pop culture pioneer. Recruiting plenty of star power (a rarity back then), the song’s chorus will be left stuck in the brains of viewers afterwards.
The only caveat for kids is that, upon being ‘woken up’ from bed, an unnamed actress in a skimpy nightie runs around with Parker for part of the video. Considering that child actors are employed earlier in the video, this contrast between potential audiences is a bit awkward. Still, for what this cheesy video altogether acccomplishes, it’s well-played.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
