GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE IS FUN BUT LACKS IMPACT

Nostalgia is a solid way to get people interested in a movie or show. Tapping back into an older generation’s memories is a great way to make them perk up to a project. We have had a slew of projects that are very familiar to Generation X and Millennial’s alike. A few years ago, we finally got a third instalment of the Ghostbusters franchise that fans were clamoring for. No, not the all-female movie that seemed to miss the mark and not seem to recognize the previous films existence. Fans were not happy with it for that reason, and it seemed to be trying too hard at times. Ghostbusters: Afterlife was a direct sequel to the movies of the 80s that people love and still share with their kids. It not only touched on the mythos of the original films, but touched the hearts of those people that grew up on it and fulfilled an open end to a franchise that seemed to have been left wide open as Ghostbusters 2 wasn’t seen as a great sequel and cast members like Bill Murray said they would only come back if the script was fool proof and airtight. Afterlife got them back and that setup the recent release, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.

In this latest sequel an ancient god is looking to be released into the world from its prison and raise an army of ghosts. We see the return of Paul Rudd as Gary Grooberson, Carrie Coon as Callie Spengler, with her kids Finn Wolfhard as Trevor and McKenna Grace as Phoebe. The three latter are, of course the descendants of original ‘Buster Egon Spengler. After their adventures in Oklahoma in the first film they have relocated to New York as the Ghostbusting business is again busy there. Phoebe becomes the center of the film as it is deemed she is too young to be in this dangerous job since she’s still a teenager. A familiar foe pops up in the form of Templeton Peck played by William Atherton who is the mayor that shuts down her employment and wants to shut down the entire operation. You will remember him as the EPA agent in the original film that shuts off the ghost containment unit and almost causes the end of the world. Speaking of the containment unit it might be getting a bit too full and be on the verge of failing altogether. Can they get the ghosts transferred somewhere else before this god gets loose and uses fear itself to destroy the world with his army? They’re going to need a bit of help from ancient Ghostbusters to win this battle.

The storyline itself is pretty cut and dried and somewhat familiar. Let’s be honest, the first two films are about a god trying to take over or purge the Earth. In fact, this sequel pokes a bit of fun at part 2 and its use of the Statue of Liberty and how it was a “disaster” the last time they saved the city reflecting how some moviegoers felt about that film as well. The acting is superb by all involved and the addition of the original characters as part of the storyline and not just making cameos was well done. Bill Murray, Dan Ackroyd, Ernie Hudson, and Annie Potts reprising their roles gave that nostalgia that fans want without overtaking the new characters. Part of the movie is Phoebe feeling left behind and actually making friends with a ghost as the only person who understands her frustration. Another is Ray Stanz not being able to let go of the past and how good it feels to be doing what he truly loves again. The story is pretty good but doesn’t feel as smooth as the previous film. Sometimes it feels like they’re trying too hard to make the situation not feel familiar even though it is. The touchstones to the original 80s film are very well done, and at times very subtle and placed in the background. You have to keep your eyes and ears open for easter eggs throughout. They actually use original toy commercials at one point. While it keeps us connected to those early films it doesn’t have the poke to the heart that Afterlife did. At times it feels clunky and the ghost friend storyline feels uncomfortable. This is definitely a theater movie with the special effects and a few scenes racing through the New York streets. I would encourage you to see it there before you are only able to experience it on your home screen and it loses a bit of magic. While the formula is intact and a bit familiar the nostalgia and action keep it a fun film that anyone can enjoy with a few scares to keep you on your toes.