Ghostbuster's Daughter

For a compelling read (and we have plenty of time for that right now), check out "Ghostuster's Daughter" by Violet Ramis Stiel. Most of us know Harold Ramis as the writer, director and actor who brought warmth and humor to the big screen in classics like Animal House, Caddyshack, National Lampoon's Vacation and Groundhog Day.

To his daughter, Violet, he was an amazing father, confidante and friend. In her book, she reflects on his life and legacy, providing readers with a candid and insightful look into one of the people who helped shape modern American comedy. But enough blathering: here is a list of her reflections on my favorite Harold Ramis movies.

Animal House: "Watching the film now, I find it fascinating how quickly culture can change. What seemed innocently edgy then is borderline horrifying now. Would anyone laugh today at a thirteen-year-old girl getting dead drunk at a frat party and being returned home, naked, in a shopping cart?" (In a word, "no.")

Caddyshack: "It came on the heels of the success of Animal House and offered my dad and Doug Kenney another chance at developing their natural brand of what my dad called institutional comedy -- basically youth revolting against the establishment. After Animal House, Dad and Doug expected Caddyshack to be a hit, which it wasn't."

Stripes: "Russell Ziskey (Ramis) is my personal favorite of all my dad's on-screen roles, because I can really see him acting. Even though he is playing Bill's reasonable sidekick, he is clearly doing his version of 'cool.' Next time you watch Stripes, notice all the head bobbing, sly glances and the many small gestures and expressions."

Ghostbusters: "Such an iconic movie, it created an enormous and passionate fan base. My dad received ardent letters from awkward brainy people (and those who loved them) from all over the world. Even years later, Ghostbusters was the thing that my dad was most often recognized for and asked about."

Groundhog Day: "Groundhog Day is probably the most widely loved and respected film of my father's career. It makes every list of great movies and was embraced by religious leaders of all stripes. The film broke the friendship between my dad and Bill Murray. Bill, to his credit, eventually did come around toward the end.