Who You Gonna Call? Well, our reviewer JP finds out as he previews the latest film, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” starring Paul Rudd, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Ernie Hudson.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Sony Pictures Releasing
- Directed by Gil Kenan
- Written by Gil Kenan, Jason Reitman
- Based on Ghostbusters by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis
- Produced by Ivan Reitman, Jason Reitman, Jason Blumenfeld
- Starring Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt, Celeste O’Connor, Logan Kim, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, William Atherton
Studio Synopsis:
In “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” the Spengler family returns to where it all started – the iconic New York City firehouse – to team up with the original Ghostbusters, who’ve developed a top-secret research lab to take busting ghosts to the next level. But when the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an army of ghosts that casts a death chill upon the city, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age.
J.P.’s Take:
The “Ghostbusters” franchise has since become a cult phenomenon, with fans quoting lines from the movies, dressing up as their favorite characters at comic book / toy conventions, and enjoying spin-offs like the cartoon series, comics, video games, and more. I’ve even thrown watch parties during my annual horror movie marathon in September / October to celebrate these films.
It’s been four decades since “Ghostbusters” (1984) first hit theaters, which left a lasting impression on audiences. While “Ghostbusters II” didn’t quite reach the same level of success, it still managed to gather a dedicated fan base. Decades later, there was even a rebooted version featuring an all-female cast.
When “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” in 2021 was released as the third installment, it injected new life into the franchise. “Afterlife” paid homage to the original films and Harold Ramis, one of its creators, while introducing a fresh cast. There was enough of a pulse for “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” the current fourth installment, that it continues to expand the “Ghostbusters” universe with its unique charm.
“Frozen Empire” carries on the tradition of quirky characters, rib-tickling dialogue, and a tale that’s spooky yet wildly entertaining. This story becomes rooted in its lineage as the family is now full-fledged Ghostbusters, fulfilling the legacy. As with the originals, this fourth outing is story-driven, so you can bet there will be some world-building here. However, the plot pivots around the granddaughter of Egon Spengler, Phoebe Spengler (Mckenna Grace), when she discovers the force behind a new evil that seizes or rather “freezes” New York.
The Spengler family relocates to New York and finds their new home in the famous firehouse. They continue the Ghostbusters tradition and become the fresh faces of the team. Similar to the previous movies, this chapter emphasizes storytelling while ensuring an exhilarating journey for enthusiasts. Brace yourself for additional supernatural chaos and laughter in this newest installment of the “Ghostbusters” saga!
In the first part, we see Gary Grooberson (Paul Rudd) and the Spenglers, Callie (Carrie Coon), Trevor (Finn Wolfhard), and Phoebe (Grace) chasing after new ghosts while cruising around the city in Ecto-1, the ole ghost-busting mobile. While this moment initially grabs our attention, it doesn’t last long as we delve into the dynamics of the family. At first, it’s a bit slow, but it gives us a deeper understanding of this new blended family. Some parts may feel a bit dull and drag on, with a few comedy moments that don’t quite hit the mark right away. However, it’s still amusing and nerdy, which I don’t mind.
As we reach the climactic showdown, we encounter the ominous figure known as Garraka. The narrative sets the stage with a suspenseful lead-up to his appearance, gradually building tension. Alongside this, the plot weaves in the mysterious subplot involving Phoebe’s spectral companion, whom she encounters in a nighttime park chess game. Melody (Emily Alyn Lind) is the enigmatic spirit who forms a bond with Phoebe, but their connection holds hidden complexities. When all the pieces of the puzzle come together, they realize that this mission is too perilous to handle alone. So who do they call? Well, it’s none other than the original Ghostbusters themselves: Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson). In addition, former Ghostbusters’ secretary Janine Melnitz (Annie Potts) joins them in the battle.
At the conclusion, I found myself reminiscing about the moments I spent watching the original “Ghostbusters.” It had a spooky, humorous, zany, and enjoyable vibe. In “Frozen Empire,” the special effects were decent, albeit leaning more towards a cartoonish style compared to the classic movies. I chuckled, although not as uproariously as I did with the originals.
“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” manages to tie together all three movies in a coherent manner, with Easter eggs abound for fans to discover. Surprisingly, I had a good time with this iteration mainly due to its family-friendly nature, which is a rarity in today’s cinema landscape.
Official Site: Ghostbusters