Ghostbusters 2016: My Review

It seems that my thoughts on the latest “Ghostbusters” movie has been waited on with bated breath! I will also say that this is one of the rare times that I have made an effort to see a movie on opening weekend. I did this mainly for the fact that I didn’t want to wait to see the movie, and the two “Ghostbusters” movies are my absolute favorites. In other words, I’m a “Ghostbusters” fan girl. Yes, I’m a paranormal investigator and I love “Ghostbusters.”

First, are any of the “Ghostbusters” movies true to actual paranormal investigating? Of course not. There are a few nods to the actual practice of ghost hunting, but it’s an exaggerated portrayal to what we actually do. No, there are no proton packs. No, we can’t actually contain a real ghost. No, we don’t have the uniforms. We have t-shirts, but not the suits.

"Ghostbusters" 2016 - Columbia Pictures
“Ghostbusters” 2016 – Columbia Pictures

Okay, now that we have that out-of-the-way, I want to say this: THIS MOVIE IS AWESOME! When it was first announced that there would be a reboot of the classic movie with an all-female Ghostbusters team, there was massive skepticism. I will admit that I was uneasy about the idea. After I saw the trailer, which featured a lot of slapstick comedy, I became a little more excited, but I was still worried that the movie wouldn’t meet my expectations. Already, women in the paranormal field have a really hard time, and female-driven movies have a hard time in the entertainment industry as it is.

Let me tell you that this movie is fantastic. While it is a reboot, it is unique all on its own. There are cameos from the original “Ghostbusters” cast, and there are enough nods to the original that satisfied my inner fan girl. I got a little choked up seeing Egon’s cameo, but I won’t spoil it for anyone. It was refreshing to see Melissa McCarthy in this strong lead, as well as see Kristen Wiig and Leslie Jones. But the standout star to me was Kate McKinnon, who was the perfect blend of Egon and Venkman. I can’t forget Chris Hemsworth as the HILARIOUS receptionist who isn’t the brightest crayon in the box, but he is so adorable and endearing that you can’t help but love him.

In other words, go see this movie! It is worth your ticket price and your time. Whether you like the paranormal or not, you will be entertained and talking about the movie long after you come home from the theater.

Also, make sure you stay through to the end of the credits. There is an end credits scene that will make any longtime Ghostbusters fan squeal with delight!

What did you think of the movie? Let me know in the comments and vote in the poll!

[polldaddy poll=9472690]

The Creative World That Surrounds Me

First of all, many apologies for not keeping up with this blog.  I’ve had lots of exciting things come my way the last few months and I’ve gotten wrapped up in the whirlwind of the awesomeness.  Is that a word?  If not, I don’t care.  I’m still using it.

Recently I’ve taken notice of all the wonderful and creative people in my life.  Being involved in theatre has meant that I’ve taken for granted the fantastic creativity that my friends exhibit to the world around them.  They inspire me.  Until now, I hadn’t stopped and smelled the roses.  I stopped and really thought about and took in the fact that I’m surrounded by artistic creativity.  It’s not exclusive to just my theatre friends.  Even my non-theatre friends have some amazing creative projects happening in their lives where I just kind of stand there with my jaw dropped in awe.

Sometimes, I feel like creativity is put into a category or a bubble of sorts.  Only reserved for the artists, actors, singers, musicians, etc.  But believe it or not, there is creativity happening all around us where we least expect it.  Creativity has led to technological and scientific breakthroughs.  Creativity has provided a form of catharsis for those who think they aren’t creative.  Accept it or not, but our lives revolve around either our own creativity, or the creativity of others.  When we listen to music, read a book, look at graffiti, go to the movies, watch TV…it’s all from someone’s creative (and sometime’s corporate-centric) mind.  I meet so many people who say, “Oh I’m not creative like you.”  Or, “It’s dangerous to have a career solely based on creativity.”  I disagree and yet, agree.

“It’s dangerous to have a career solely based on creativity.”

I agree with this statement.  It is dangerous.  It’s a shame to admit it, but it is dangerous to have a career that completely depends on the quality of your talent and creativity.  It’s easy to put your creativity aside to provide for yourself and a family.  It’s necessary at that point.  Unless you’re very talented, meaning that people will pay big bucks for your work, hear you talk, and see you perform…it’s a good idea to have a plan B career so that your job can supplement your passions.  It’s partly what I do.  But I manage to find work that is relevant to my degree in a world that perceives itself as not creative.  Schools are cutting the arts program first, and it’s sad because creativity is needed for human survival.  Otherwise, people would be walking around like robots following the status quo and unable to think for themselves, let alone think outside the box.  I try to find creativity in all aspects of life, even in the science and mathematics departments (even though I’m terrible at it).  It took someone thinking outside the box, especially to come up with the scientific name, Ytu brutus.  It makes you wonder…how much creativity is out there and we haven’t take a moment to notice it?

“Oh I’m not creative like you.”

Well, have you ever tried?  I truly believe that everyone has a creative side that they can tap into.  It’s all about having the bravery to give it a shot, and the sense of humor to laugh at yourself if you think you look totally ridiculous.  I’m not good at painting at all, but I do it anyway…for myself.  My paintings probably won’t ever be seen by others except myself, and I’m okay with that.  Tapping into my creative side is theraputic for me.  I work through stress and emotions by singing, writing, painting, and moving my body to music (I don’t call it dancing).  I can say that I’m not as good as others when it comes to certain artistic venues, but I do have my strengths.  But there’s always going to be someone out there better than me.  And whether they are famous for their work or not, there’s always someone out there whose put in more effort and work than I have.  And you know what?  That’s okay.  I know many white collars who work corporate life by day, but then by night they put on the torn-sleeve shirts, ripped jeans, and go to band practice and write music.  The secret agents of creativity are probably my favorites.  You wouldn’t think they had this creative side until you get to know them.  It’s like meeting a superhero…I’ll admit it.  I get excited when I find out people’s creative passions and I always want to talk more to them about it.

My advice to anyone reading this:  Take a moment right now.  Yes, right now.  And think about all the people in your life.  Got it?  Okay.  Now pick a person.  Think about their creative side.  Think about what they do.  Think about how their creative work has influenced and/or inspired you.  Now, move on to another person.  Before you stop, think about yourself.  Think about what you do that is creative.  What is your creative outlet?  What do you do that you are passionate about?  What helps you escape the stresses of life?  What helps your mind to get moving?

There is creativity all around us.  We just have to remind ourselves to take a moment and enjoy the fact that we are so lucky to have a left brain and a right brain to keep ourselves creatively logical.

Till next time…