by Matt Sernaker, Managing Editor
When ghosts start appearing in New York, you know who you’re gonna call: GHOSTBUSTERS! The beloved franchise returns to theaters with a new installment this week, and fans will finally get to see if the new team is up to par. This film has been fighting an uphill battle since it was formally announced, but can it possibly hold a candle to the originals?
Ghostbusters introduces audiences to Dr. Erin Gilbert (Kristen Wiig), who is actively trying to secure her tenure as a professor at Columbia University. When an old book that she co-wrote about the paranormal is released online by her former associate, Gilbert must reconcile with friend Abby Yates (Melissa McCarthy) to get the book removed and ensure job stability. When Gilbert reveals that she was approached about a possible paranormal investigation, Yates blackmails her friend into sharing the information in exchange for removing the book. The duo, along with Yates’ current partner Jillian Holtzmann (Kate McKinnon), set off to track down the ghost, and have a very close encounter with an unhappy spirit. With their theories now confirmed, the ladies decide to take their work to the next level and attempt to capture ghosts. Numerous ghosts are suddenly sighted throughout the city, and it is time for a new team of Ghostbusters to suit up. With help from their new friend Patty (Leslie Jones), and their receptionist (Chris Hemsworth), the group must prevent the end of the world, which is being brought on by the mysterious Rowan (Neil Casey). Will this team answer the call?
This new Ghostbusters film was Directed by Paul Feig (Bridesmaids), and features performances by Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids), Melissa McCarthy (Spy), Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live), Leslie Jones (Saturday Night Live), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), and Neil Casey (writer on Saturday Night Live). Without question, McKinnon and Hemsworth are the MVPs of the release. This film probably wouldn’t have worked anywhere as well without these players. McKinnon takes her character to mad scientist levels of insanity, and it is an absolute joy to experience. I honestly will probably end up watching the movie again just to see Holtzmann’s epic action sequence. While the majority of the team has a science background, Leslie Jones rounds out the new team, and her character’s understanding of the history of New York ends up being a major asset. Unfortunately, one of the biggest issues with the film was the lack of chemistry with Wiig and McCarthy. The moments that felt most out of place in the film came from these two, who seemed to ad-lib quite a bit of their dialogue. For characters who were supposedly best friends at a point in their lives, their connection was pretty unbelievable. In term of the villain Casey’s Rowan is almost completely forgettable, with no explanation to his motivation (or explanation on his knowledge of ghostly concepts). Zuul and Vigo threatened impending doom in the original films, and while Rowan does cause utter chaos in NYC, you probably won’t remember his name in the grand scheme of things.
While the new Ghostbusters take the center stage, the 2016 film is filled with cameos from original cast members. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, and Sigourney Weaver all get to join in the fun as new characters. Fans will also be happy to know that the late Harold Ramis is also honored in the film as well (keep an eye out early in the film for his tribute). Make sure you stay ALL the way to the end of the credits.
Unless you have been living under a rock, you are probably aware of the negative feedback and criticism surrounding the trailers and casting for the film. Instead of treating this release as a continuation of the original films, the creative team at Sony decided to “reboot” the series (I use reboot lightly). I will say that I wasn’t jumping up and down to see this movie, and I almost passed entirely on the screening. The trailers were not winning me over, and I really didn’t have an interest in seeing another reboot of a series I loved as a kid. I opted to go to the screening with an open mind and zero expectations, and I was pleasantly surprised by what I got to experience. There are countless references and homages to the originals, fun cameos from the original cast, and visual gags that truly had me laughing for the duration. Ghostbusters ended up being a lot of fun, and I think it is going to surprise a lot of people.
There is only one true spoiler that I need to say, and it might make you want to go see the film. Don’t worry, it isn’t about the story itself. Are you ready? We need to talk about the music.
If you were worried about being forced to listen to that horrible 2016 version of the “Ghostbusters Theme” that was released by Fall Out Boy and Missy Elliot for the duration of the movie…fear not. That rendition is in the film for about 30(ish) seconds total, and didn’t even make it into the credits. The original Ray Parker Jr. version is prominent throughout the film, and it will definitely help to drive the excitement. I seriously believe that the studio made some changes to the soundtrack after the internet reacted so badly to the new version. If you haven’t heard the new song…listen at your own risk. It is pretty painful.
Overall
Ghostbusters does take a bit to get the story moving, but once it hits its stride, it is pretty solid. There are definitely moments that fell flat (almost all of McCarthy’s physical humor didn’t work), but the actual jokes were laugh out loud good. While the call backs to the original films are nice, some drag on a bit too long (Bill Murray may have overstayed his welcome). The film best succeeds when it embraces its own story and stops dwelling in the past, allowing the characters to have fun in the moment. Fans new and old will find something to enjoy in this release. If you were ready to skip this one, I would recommend rethinking your position. You might be pleasantly surprised. I ain’t afraid of no ghost!
Rating: 
ComicsOnline gives Ghostbusters – 3.5 out of 5 proton packs.
