Family movies seem to focus more on the concepts of heroes rather than the cult of the celebrity.  The concepts of heroes are those which serve to inspire us to strive to become more successful and are created by us to serve as role models we can identify with more easily.  In other words we can through hard work and focus, become more like them and be more successful.  They are role models for what we may become spiritually and physically.

            The movie, The Ghostbusters, is a good example of supplying us with role models of ordinary people, who together can accomplish extraordinary things.  The heroes are able to effectively work together as a team, communicate knowledge and ideas and become over-whelmingly successful.  They do work to contain the supernatural and save the city from the forces of evil, thereby reinforcing our belief that good conquers evil.  The movie serves as both an escape from reality and the characters as effective role models in teamwork, shared knowledge and good communication to achieve success.

            The role model theory is best described with the three main characters, who have created the business of Ghostbusters, Inc.  These three men are normal, down to earth individuals, some of who have geek characteristics and with which most of the audience can identify.  From a spiritual aspect, they have faith in each other’s abilities and their own so they may effectively use good to defeat evil.  The theory of achievement of success applies as well.  The three men lost their jobs in the beginning of the movie and yet were able to team up and establish their own business and achieve success.  They pooled their resources and worked together to establish an excellent reputation as reliable, professional, business men.  The characters also exercised combined “powers” to defeat the evil forces threatening to take over and destroy the city.  This enactment appeals to the “escape from reality” aspect we like to see.

            The insight I have gained by applying these theories to family movies is I see a definite trend to provide positive role models, easily identified with, who are able to accomplish whatever they set their minds to and be successful.  Often teamwork is also involved as well as the spiritual belief that good conquers evil.  All of these combine to address our personal need for validation and success.