Dan Aykroyd Praises The New 'Ghostbusters' As Melissa McCarthy Responds To Backlash

We're just a month and a half away from seeing if director Paul Feig can deliver an entertaining reboot of the classic Ghostbusters. Many have already written off the film while others are holding out hope that the film is much better than the early trailers have indicated. From my perspective, the broad style of comedy is a little worrisome, but the film also has a lot of style and cool visuals. But I'm still hoping for the best.

Now that hope has been bolstered somewhat thanks to original Ghostbusters creator and star Dan Aykroyd taking the time to praise the film following a test screening. In fact, he even says that it one-ups the original in some regards. Read the Dan Aykroyd Ghostbusters reaction after the jump along with Melissa McCarthy's reaction to the ongoing backlash the film is facing from fans.

Dan Aykroyd posted this quick Ghostbusters reaction to Facebook:

As originator of the original: Saw test screening of new movie. Apart from brilliant, genuine performances from the cast both female and male, it has more laughs and more scares than the first 2 films plus Bill Murray is in it! As one of millions of man-fans and Ray Stantz, I'm paying to see that and bringing all my friends!

Some people are assuming that "more laughs and more scares" means that Aykroyd is saying the reboot is better than the original. But the movie can have more jokes and scarier ghosts without the film being better overall. Even though the original Ghostbusters was a sci-fi comedy, this reboot certainly looks like they're hitting the comedy buttons a little harder, which could end up being part of the problem.

Some of the more cynical fans out there can't help but point out that Aykroyd is clearly just being a shill for the movie. After all, he has a cameo in it and he's an executive producer. Plus, having him praise the movie would certainly help the studio battle any backlash from the more passionate fans. While that's certainly possible, it doesn't mean Aykroyd said nice things because he had to. He could just as easily kept his mouth shut. So I just hope Aykroyd's praise is genuine and true.

Meanwhile, Melissa McCarthy was recently asked by The Guardian how she feels about the backlash against the movie. Here's what the actress had to say:

All those comments – 'You're ruining my childhood!' I mean, really. Four women doing any movie on earth will destroy your childhood? I have a visual of those people not having a Ben [Falcone, McCarthy's husband], not having friends, so they're just sitting there and spewing hate into this fake world of the internet. I just hope they find a friend.

It's not exactly four women doing any movie that fans claim is destroying their childhood, but specifically Ghostbusters being rebooted in general. Still, that's no excuse for people to start slinging vile insults and vitriol around to a respectable filmmaker like Paul Feig and four funny women like Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones.

As a huge Ghostbusters fan, I have plenty of nostalgia and love for the original. But a reboot isn't going to taint that movie or ruin it for me. If I don't like the new Ghostbusters after I see it, I don't have to watch it again. It doesn't replace the copy of the original Ghostbusters I have on my shelf. Clinging to nostalgia won't stop Hollywood from updating your favorite properties and being bitter about it will just make you sad. And honestly, if remaking a movie you loved as a kid ruins your childhood, maybe it wasn't that great of a period in your life to begin with. Give the reboot a chance, and if you don't like it, move on with your life.