Bustin' Makes Us Feel Cold: A Review of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
The "Ghostbusters" franchise has had a fascinating afterlife. After the cultural phenomenon of the original 1984 film, the series sputtered with a forgettable sequel and a divisive reboot in 2016. "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" in 2021 attempted to bridge the gap between old and new, with mixed results. Now, "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" chills theaters in 2024, aiming to deliver a blast of paranormal fun with a frosty twist. Does it capture the magic of the original or leave audiences feeling cold? Let's grab our proton packs and find out.
A Family Affair: Legacy Hunters and Proton Pack Wielders
"Frozen Empire" smartly leans into the family angle established in "Afterlife." We return to the familiar firehouse headquarters, now bustling with activity as Phoebe (Mckenna Grace) and Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) have fully integrated themselves into the Ghostbusters alongside their grandfather Ray Stantz (an energetic and scene-stealing Dan Aykroyd). Ernie Hudson and Annie Potts reprise their roles as Winston Zeddemore and Janine Melnitz, offering a comforting dose of nostalgia. Sigourney Weaver is noticeably absent, but her character Dana Barrett is referenced.
However, the emotional core of the film rests with the new generation. Grace continues to impress as the whip-smart Phoebe, who has grown into a tech whiz, crafting some impressive ghost-trapping gadgets. Wolfhard brings a sardonic charm to Trevor, who seems to be channeling a teenage Egon Spengler. Their sibling chemistry is a highlight, with banter that feels natural and avoids the pitfalls of forced sentimentality.
The Old Guard and the New Threat: Can They Chill Out and Save the Day?
The new threat emerges from an ancient artifact – a mysterious orb that unleashes an icy entity bent on plunging the world into a never-ending winter. The villain itself is a formidable CGI creation, but its motivations feel a bit generic. The film throws in some mythology about an ancient civilization, but it doesn't fully develop this lore, leaving a sense of missed world-building potential.
Slimer's Snack Time: Franchise Fan Service and Spooktacular Spectacle
"Frozen Empire" knows its audience. The film is littered with winks and nods to the original, from returning fan-favorite ghosts like Slimer to a hilarious scene referencing the infamous "Manhattan Transfer" sequence. Die-hard fans will appreciate these callbacks, but they might feel a bit overused at times.
Thankfully, the film delivers on the action front. The proton pack battles are exciting, with creative uses of the iconic weapon and some genuinely funny moments of spectral mayhem. The visual effects are impressive, particularly when depicting the icy landscapes and the monstrous main villain.
The Verdict: A Fun, But Flawed, Return to the Firehouse
"Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" is a perfectly enjoyable popcorn flick. It captures the franchise's spirit of lighthearted scares and proton-pack-fueled action. The new cast is charming, the effects are impressive, and there's enough fan service to keep longtime Ghostbusters enthusiasts happy.
However, the film stumbles in its handling of the original characters and the somewhat generic villain. The emotional core, while present, doesn't quite reach the heights it could have. Ultimately, "Frozen Empire" is a fun, but forgettable, entry in the franchise. It won't leave you feeling cold, but it might not ignite the same level of excitement as the films that came before it.
So, is "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" worth a watch? Absolutely! If you're looking for a light-hearted adventure with some laughs and scares, this film delivers. However, if you're craving a profound story or a groundbreaking return to the world of the Ghostbusters, you might want to temper your expectations.
