Synopsis: 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.
If you’ve never had one or been one, let me tell you, being a stepparent is no easy task. However, if you truly love the kid or kids and they reciprocate that love, I think it can feel more rewarding than being the biological parent. Especially, if you enter their lives after the age of 10. Kids will love their birth parents conditionally because they are made from the same material. Coming in essentially as a stranger is a challenge. You have to find ways to connect, learn what makes them tick, and reinforce that you’re not a replacement but a bonus. Every situation is different, but what is universal is love. You can love their parent to the moon and back, but if you don’t love that child like they’re your own, the family situation will always feel fractured. They may not call you mom or dad, but with enough time and work, they’ll still call you by your first name.
“The Ghostbusters are done.”
Who you gonna call? Probably Tony Stark or Mystery Inc. maybe even Ed and Lorraine Warren. It really just depends on how much damage you’re okay with. But I guess I’ll call the Ghostbusters. Directed by Gil Kenan, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is haunted by nostalgia. They just won’t let the OGs move on. I’m all for a passing of the torch by way of an old school meets new school team up, but it should’ve happened in the previous film. You can’t allow the past to hijack forward progress. If you have a new team, let them cook. At some point, relying on nostalgia becomes like finding an old toy from your childhood. It’s fun to reminisce and relive those fun times you had with it for a moment but eventually, you’ll realize that it’s not as fun as it used to be. Especially when you attempt to pass your childhood down to the next generation and the batteries no longer work. Even when replaced with new ones, the toy is stiff and lifeless. There was a time when it was the most cherished and sought-after, but that era has passed. It can be made anew as long as you allow new creators to take the reins so they can evolve the legacy instead of keeping it stuck in yesteryear. The past affects this film in more ways than one.
Let’s rip the bandaid off, Ghostbusters: Afterlife is the superior film. Judging from the trailers, this film should’ve dunked on its predecessor. It should’ve built off its little brother while still posterizing it and standing over it while whispering that it’s too small to compete. However, that just didn’t happen. All the excitement, you’ve already seen most of it. You’ve seen the big bad that they spend the entire film gassing up to then be in a horrendously lackluster climax. You’ve seen the funniest moments, the surprises from the past, and even some of the new tech, and that’s just from the first trailer. Fortunately, they leave out how fire-bending, teen angst and a subtle romance play a role in everything coming undone. Weirdly enough, those two subplots are the most interesting aspects of the film and are only vaguely related to busting ghosts. If the latter could’ve been the sole focus, it would’ve made the story feel more sinister and fun. It would’ve led to what we actually want to see, Ghostbusters in ghost-busting action. Instead, we get immense amounts of lore and a scattered-brained story attempting to do what a miniseries could’ve done. Not only that, but the stakes never felt that high.
“I think we’re all going to die.”
The film shines in some of its human elements. Well, at least the fleshed-out parts. What initially appeared to be a stepdad trying to win over his new stepchildren storyline is pushed to the side. However, it does have a payoff moment that tied back to it but was never earned. The chemistry was all over the place with many of them not standing still long enough to connect.
Nevertheless, once the story begins to follow a frustrated and angsty Phoebe, the film partially becomes a coming-of-age journey. Even though she is smarter than most people in any room, she is constantly reminded that she is a mere teenager and should stay out of the way. This leads to rebellion, bad judgment, and a realization of who she is attracted to. Her actions not only directly affect what’s going on around her, but also put the world in danger. Also, her missteps are probably what set up the next film.
Diehard fans will probably love this film for some of the reasons I believe it flopped. However, if they’re honest with themselves, they’ll see what I saw. There are some humorous moments but nothing that is quote-worthy. The new gear, attire, and altered logo are very pleasing. The new red jackets are objectively cool. The film is aesthetically pleasing and the villain looks dope, but that can only get you so far. Next time around, more busting, it makes us feel good. I really wanted to love this movie, but sadly, this Frozen Empire can be melted with a hairdryer. I didn’t love Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, but I hope you like it. Its rewatchability is low.
Pace & Pop
The pacing of the movie is all over the place. For a situation as dire as it’s supposed to be, no one seems to be in a big hurry yet are constantly moving. The film is simply juggling too many things. What popped for me was everything that revolved around McKenna Grace. If she wants to be, she should be the new face of the Ghostbusters franchise.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt, Ernie Hudson, and Annie Potts
As I mentioned above, this is McKenna Grace’s movie, and rightly so. While the majority of the characters bring comedic moments, Grace’s Phoebe is the most interesting and the most layered. Phoebe tends to be the sun that the others revolve around. Unfortunately, the jokes do not get enough time to breathe and the timing seems rushed. Kumail Nanjiani is great in the little screen time he gets. Finn Wolfhard seemed to have a storyline that they decided to swerve. Paul Rudd had a moment or two. Carrie Coon felt almost nonexistent. And the old guard was involved more than expected.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire releases in theaters on March 22, 2024. Stay safe and bustin’ makes me feel good.
Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 1h 55m Director: Gil Kenan Writers: Gil Kenan & Jason Reitman Producers: Ivan Reitman, Jason Reitman, Jason Blumenfeld Executive Producers: Dan Aykroyd, Gil Kenan, JoAnn Perritano, Amie Karp, Erica Mills, Eric Reich Director of Photography: Eric Steelberg, ASC Production Designer: Eve Stewart Editors: Nathan Orloff and Shane Reid Costume Designers: Alexis Forte and Ruth Myers Music: Dario Marianelli
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
