“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024) – A Review
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Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024) – A Review
The legacy of "Ghostbusters" is a complicated one. The original 1984 film is a near-perfect blend of comedy, horror, and genuine heart, a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. The 1989 sequel, while entertaining, struggled to recapture the magic. The 2016 reboot, despite its talented cast, faced a barrage of unwarranted criticism and ultimately failed to launch a new franchise. "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" (2021) attempted to course-correct, serving as a direct sequel to the original films and introducing a new generation of Ghostbusters while paying homage to the past.
Now, in 2024, we have "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire," a film that aims to bridge the gap between the old and the new, bringing the Spengler family back to New York City and reuniting them with the original Ghostbusters team. Directed by Gil Kenan, who co-wrote the screenplay with Jason Reitman (director of "Afterlife"), "Frozen Empire" promises a chilling adventure with a focus on expanding the Ghostbusters mythology. But does it succeed in capturing the spirit of the original while forging its own path?
Synopsis
Following the events of "Afterlife," the Spengler family – Callie (Carrie Coon), Trevor (Finn Wolfhard), Phoebe (Mckenna Grace), and Gary Grooberson (Paul Rudd) – have relocated to New York City and are operating as the new Ghostbusters, working out of the iconic firehouse. However, their methods are deemed reckless by the city, and they face increasing scrutiny from Mayor Walter Peck (William Atherton, reprising his role from the original film), who is determined to shut them down.
Meanwhile, an ancient artifact is discovered – a mysterious orb containing an unimaginable evil. When the orb is opened, a powerful entity known as Garraka is unleashed, possessing the ability to control and weaponize fear itself, plunging New York City into a new ice age.
To combat this unprecedented threat, the Spengler family must team up with the original Ghostbusters – Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), and Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) – as well as allies old and new, including Janine Melnitz (Annie Potts) and Lucky Domingo (Celeste O’Connor). Together, they must uncover the secrets of Garraka, find a way to contain him, and save New York City from becoming a frozen wasteland.
The Good
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Nostalgia Done Right (Mostly): "Frozen Empire" understands the importance of nostalgia to the "Ghostbusters" franchise. The return to the New York City firehouse is a welcome one, and the presence of the original cast members adds a layer of authenticity that is hard to replicate. The film is filled with Easter eggs and references to the original films, rewarding longtime fans. However, it avoids becoming overly reliant on nostalgia, attempting to balance the old with the new.
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Mckenna Grace as Phoebe Spengler: Mckenna Grace continues to shine as Phoebe Spengler, the brilliant and socially awkward granddaughter of Egon Spengler. She brings a depth and vulnerability to the character, making her the emotional core of the film. Her connection to the supernatural and her struggle to find her place in the world are compelling to watch. In "Frozen Empire," Phoebe is given even more to do, forming an unlikely bond with Melody (Emily Alyn Lind), a teenage ghost, exploring themes of loneliness and connection.
Expanding the Mythology: "Frozen Empire" delves deeper into the mythology of the Ghostbusters universe, introducing new ghosts, new gadgets, and new lore. The character of Garraka is a formidable villain, and his ability to weaponize fear adds a psychological element to the story. The film also explores the history of ghostbusting, revealing that the original Ghostbusters were not the first to combat supernatural threats.
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Practical Effects and Visual Spectacle: In an era dominated by CGI, "Frozen Empire" makes good use of practical effects, bringing the ghosts and the environment to life in a tangible way. The visual spectacle of New York City being plunged into an ice age is impressive, and the film’s action sequences are well-choreographed and exciting.
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Humor: While not as consistently funny as the original "Ghostbusters," "Frozen Empire" still delivers its share of laughs. The humor is a mix of witty banter, physical comedy, and self-aware references to the franchise’s history. Paul Rudd, in particular, provides much of the film’s comedic relief.
The Not-So-Good
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Overstuffed Plot: "Frozen Empire" suffers from an overstuffed plot, juggling multiple storylines and characters. The film attempts to balance the Spengler family’s personal struggles, the threat of Garraka, the political machinations of Mayor Peck, and the return of the original Ghostbusters. As a result, some storylines feel underdeveloped, and some characters are given short shrift.
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Underdeveloped Villains: While Garraka is visually imposing and possesses a terrifying power, his motivations are somewhat unclear. The film doesn’t spend enough time exploring his backstory or explaining why he wants to plunge the world into an ice age. Similarly, Mayor Peck is reduced to a cartoonish caricature of his former self, lacking the nuance and complexity that made him a compelling antagonist in the original film.
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Uneven Pacing: The film’s pacing is uneven, with some scenes feeling rushed and others dragging on for too long. The first act, in particular, feels cluttered, as the film attempts to reintroduce the characters and establish the new status quo. The film picks up momentum in the second act, but the climax feels somewhat anticlimactic.
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Fan Service Over Substance: While the nostalgia in "Frozen Empire" is mostly done well, there are moments where the film leans too heavily on fan service, sacrificing substance for cheap thrills. The constant references to the original films can feel forced and distracting, detracting from the film’s own story.
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The Original Ghostbusters’ Roles: While it’s great to see the original Ghostbusters back in action, their roles in "Frozen Empire" feel somewhat diminished. They are largely relegated to supporting characters, offering advice and assistance to the Spengler family. While their presence adds a sense of continuity and legitimacy to the film, they don’t have as much to do as fans might expect.
Performances
The cast of "Frozen Empire" is generally strong, with several standout performances. Mckenna Grace is the film’s MVP, delivering a nuanced and emotional performance as Phoebe Spengler. Paul Rudd provides much of the film’s comedic relief, while Carrie Coon and Finn Wolfhard offer solid supporting performances.
The original Ghostbusters – Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Ernie Hudson – are all game for a return, but their roles are somewhat limited. Annie Potts is a welcome presence as Janine Melnitz, and William Atherton delivers a suitably villainous performance as Mayor Peck.
New additions to the cast, such as Kumail Nanjiani as Nadeem Razmaadi, add fresh energy to the franchise.
Direction and Technical Aspects
Gil Kenan does a competent job directing "Frozen Empire," but he struggles to balance the film’s various elements. The film is visually appealing, with impressive special effects and well-choreographed action sequences. However, the film’s editing is sometimes choppy, and the pacing is uneven.
The film’s score, composed by Dario Marianelli, is effective in creating a sense of atmosphere and tension. The use of the original "Ghostbusters" theme song is also a nice touch.
Overall
"Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" is a mixed bag. It’s a fun and entertaining film that delivers on its promise of nostalgia and supernatural spectacle. Mckenna Grace shines as Phoebe Spengler, and the film expands the mythology of the Ghostbusters universe in interesting ways.
However, the film suffers from an overstuffed plot, underdeveloped villains, uneven pacing, and an overreliance on fan service. The original Ghostbusters’ roles are somewhat diminished, and the film’s climax feels anticlimactic.
Ultimately, "Frozen Empire" is a decent addition to the "Ghostbusters" franchise, but it falls short of the greatness of the original film. It’s a film that will likely please longtime fans but may not win over new converts.
Verdict: 3 out of 5 stars.
It’s a fun popcorn flick, but don’t expect a groundbreaking cinematic experience. Go in with reasonable expectations, and you’ll likely have a good time.