Reitman was born in Czechoslovakia and was a Canadian. Either because of that or despite it, he became best known for his work in comedies. He directed such laff riots as Meatballs, Stripes, Ghostbusters, Twins and Kindergarten Cop while producing funny films like Animal House and Private Parts.
For 1984's Ghosbusters Reitman double-dipped, serving as director and producer. Everyone knows by now that Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis were the spirit chasers of the title. The suits were squeamish about the film's multi-million dollar budget - they didn't think the public would buy the story. They were wrong. And wrong again. And again. And again. Ghostbusters 2021 was directed by Ivan's son, Jason.
The wine pairing for Ghostbusters is a no-brainer - Canada-born Aykroyd is an investor in Lakeview Wine Company, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. The Dan Aykroyd Line includes a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Cab/Merlot blend and a Chardonnay, all priced under $20.
Ivan Reitman produced Animal House in 1978, and helped define the college experience for a generation of students who spent more time in the frat house than the library… students who were more fluent in alcohol content than Latin… students who knew that "fat, drunk and stupid" was no way to go through life, but other options had yet to appear for them.
John Belushi was already a star on TV's Saturday Night Live, but this was his first film. By the way, Aykroyd later wrote Ghostbusters for he and Belushi. Belushi, unfortunately, would not live long enough to see the opportunity realized.
A keg of nameless beer would probably serve well as a pairing for Animal House, but let's try a wine, since we're all well beyond our misspent youths. Lodi's Animal House Winery hasn't been heard from in almost a decade, so we'll scratch that cherry wine off the list of potential candidates.
Belushi's brother Jim owns a cannabis farm in southern Oregon, so there's a possibility. As for wine, Jim likes his neighbor's juice, Bayer Family Estate, where they make a mean Nebbiolo that runs about $65.
In 1977, Reitman took on EP duties for the horror film Rabid, which was written and directed by David Cronenberg and starred porn actress Marilyn Chambers in a mainstream role. It was reportedly Reitman's idea to cast Chambers in the role, in case you were wondering what an EP does. The movie strays from our comedic theme, although it seems funny to me that Chambers' character was a sort of vampire who sucked blood through her armpit. Not funny ha-ha, you know, just a little weird.
Rabid Red Wine has disappeared from view. So has Florida's Rabid Rabbitt blueberry mead, I think. And if it hasn't fallen out of sight, it probably should. For Rabid, let's try a Rabid Pitbull cocktail. Kahlua, Pepsi (!), 151 rum, spiced rum and cinnamon schnapps. I guess we could also use this one for Animal House, after the keg floats.
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