Episode 41. Ghost Girls: Ghostbusters (2016)

After some spectacular “pre-lash” (preemptive backlash) from the online community, Paul Feig’s all-women Ghostbusters has finally hit the screens. Alex and Andrea take a break from their summer sabbaticals to reflect on their love of the original films, what this reboot means to them in terms of representation and why safety lights are for dudes. REQUIRED READING Ghostbusters. Dir. Paul Feig, 2016. Ghostbusters. Dir. Ivan Reitman, 1984. Ghostbusters II. Dir. Ivan Reitman, 1989. EXTRA CREDIT Reminders That Representation Really Is Important – A handy, dandy visual guide to the argument for representation.   Was ‘Ghostbusters‘ Too Expensive to Launch a New Franchise? Variety’s article on Ghostbusters‘ budget. Why Being Honest about Ghostbusters is Important – Comic Book Girl 19‘s theory on Sony’s strategic marketing of the film. Your Face is Tanking – An examination of the reporting of Ghostbusters box office numbers versus other tentpole offerings. COURSE NOTES  Intro song: Nail Ballet from Nightmare Picture Theatre, courtesy of James Zirco Fisher. LISTEN Right click or option-click here and choose “Save Target As…” to download the mp3.