The original Ghostbusters (1984) is a timeless comedy that perfectly balances humor, adventure, and supernatural elements. The story follows a group of eccentric scientists who turn to ghost-catching after losing their academic jobs. As they face off against otherworldly threats haunting New York City, they discover an impending catastrophe that only they can prevent.

What makes the first Ghostbusters so iconic—and why sequels have struggled to recapture its magic—is the incredible chemistry between the cast. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson bring a sense of natural camaraderie and wit that feels both genuine and endlessly entertaining. Their distinct personalities blend together, creating a team dynamic that grounds the supernatural storyline and makes it relatable.

The movie’s impact goes beyond its cast. The music, including Ray Parker Jr.'s unforgettable theme song, amplifies the film's energy, setting the tone for a story that's both spooky and fun. And then there’s New York City itself. The film captures the grit, character, and charm of 1980s NYC, transforming the city into a character all its own. Every street corner, landmark, and ghostly encounter pulls audiences into a lively, supernatural New York that’s thrilling to watch.

While recent sequels have added new technology, characters, and modern humor, they’ve been unable to replicate the authentic charm and effortless humor of the original. The first Ghostbusters stands out as a true classic, seamlessly blending horror, comedy, and adventure in a way that feels fresh, funny, and utterly unique.

Stick around until the end of the discussion and join us for a round of Movie 20 Questions.

Who you gonna call? The Nomads!

Tokyo Vampire Hotel Review: A Fang-tastic Flop That’s Hard to Sink Your Teeth Into

When you check into Tokyo Vampire Hotel, you might expect a thrilling, blood-soaked horror fest that lives up to its dramatic name. Instead, you’ll find a chaotic, over-the-top mess that’s more draining than it is exciting. Directed by Sion Sono, known for his daring and unique style, this series somehow manages to be both visually striking and narratively disappointing. Despite its flashes of brilliance, Tokyo Vampire Hotel fails to deliver a cohesive or engaging story, leaving viewers lost in a labyrinth of uninteresting plotlines and hollow characters.

The Story: A Chaotic Bite

Tokyo Vampire Hotel centers around a battle between two ancient vampire clans, with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance. The concept had potential, especially with the eerie, gothic atmosphere that the series tries to cultivate. Unfortunately, the execution falls flat. The plot quickly becomes a confusing jumble of subplots, time jumps, and dramatic set pieces that fail to connect. Instead of a compelling narrative, viewers are served a chaotic buffet of violence, gore, and supernatural theatrics, none of which feel earned or meaningful. The series never quite decides whether it wants to be a dark fantasy, a survival thriller, or an action horror, resulting in a tonal mess.

Uninteresting Protagonists: All Bite, No Charm

One of the most significant weaknesses of Tokyo Vampire Hotel is its lackluster characters. Despite strong performances from the cast, particularly Ami Tomite as Manami and Kaho as the enigmatic K, the protagonists feel more like props than people. Their motivations are murky, and their development is practically nonexistent, making it hard for viewers to care about their fates. Shinnosuke Mitsushima and Megumi Kagurazaka bring intensity to their roles, but the script gives them little to work with. Even in the midst of chaos, the characters’ reactions feel strangely muted, as if they’re going through the motions rather than truly living in this world.

Visually Striking, But Style Over Substance

Credit where it’s due: Sion Sono brings his signature style to the series, filling it with bold, colorful visuals and moments of surreal beauty. The set design of the hotel, with its gothic grandeur and claustrophobic corridors, creates a sense of dread that almost makes you want to see what’s around the next corner. Yet, this aesthetic flair can’t hide the lack of substance underneath. The endless stylized violence and frantic editing become exhausting rather than thrilling, and the series often feels like it’s trying too hard to shock rather than to tell a coherent story.

Verdict: Not Worth the Stay

Tokyo Vampire Hotel could have been a stylish, adrenaline-pumping addition to the vampire genre. Instead, it ends up feeling like a missed opportunity—a series with a striking visual palette but no real heart. With a convoluted story, uninteresting protagonists, and a style that prioritizes spectacle over storytelling, it’s a show that ultimately bites off more than it can chew. Unless you’re a die-hard Sion Sono fan or in desperate need of something to watch, this is one hotel you might want to skip.

Stick around until the end for a round of Movie 20 Questions!

Safe travels, nomads.

We're back Nomads! Welcome to our monthly catch-up episode for September of 2024! Grab your rake and get some yard work done while listening to Brandon, Eric and Dave talk about all of the video games, tv shows, movies, books and board games that they have been checking out this month. We hope you enjoy and as always, safe travels Nomads!

• Astro Bot
• Rings of Power - Season 2
• LotR: Return to Moria
• Robocop: Rogue City
• Tiny Terry's Turbo Trip
• Buckshot Roulette
• Call of Duty - Black Ops 6 Beta
• Control
• Superhot
• Mafia
• Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
• The Plucky Squire
• Riders Republic
• Balatro: Mobile
• Halloween Grab Bag: Resident Evil 3 Remake, Dead Island 2
• Age of Mythology
• Doom 2 Multiplayer
• Ted Lasso

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