DIRECTOR: Gil Kenan
PRODUCERS: Jason Blumenfeld & Jason Reitman & Ivan Reitman
WRITERS: Gil Kenan & Jason Reitman
PERFORMERS: Paul Rudd Carrie Coon McKenna Grace Finn Wolfhard Kumail Nanjiani Patton Oswald Celeste O'Connor Logan Kim Emily Alin Lynd James Acaster
Special Appearances by Bill Murray Dan Aykroyd Ernie Hudson Annie Potts
and William Atherton
When Ghostbusters: Afterlife came out, there was a lot of skepticism. No one knew what to expect, nor anticipate; let alone what was to come. But when it did, all expectations were exceeded and the love letter it poised to the fanbase was well met and received. In the process, it left us wanting and waiting for more and here it is: the next chapter in the franchise that started (believe it or not) 40 years ago, taking the remaining characters we all know and love, along with the new ones from the last entry we've come to accept. Suit up, strap on your proton packs and prepare for one cold chill as we take a look at GHOSTBUSTERS: Frozen Empire.
After the success of Afterlife, there was no question we would get another story with the original universe as intended. Jason Reitman and Gil Kenan was the dream team the Ghostbusters franchise needed in order to revitalize the spark that was waiting to be ignited. Not only that, but it was the true third entry that it needed. Of course, the film was also a fitting tribute to the late Harold Ramis (co-writer and Egon Spengler) who died six years before the film finally got off the ground. Here, his surviving descendants and friends continue their work where it all began: New York City.
The Spengler's and Gooberson (RUDD) carry on the mighty torch passed on to them in the last film, relocating to the big apple and making ghost busting cool again. But this time around, they have their work cut out for them as they face a threat bigger than anything they faced before. Even the original heroes know this because this is bigger than Gozer, bigger than Vigo for that matter. We're talking old ancient supernatural force with the power to freeze. Even Elsa from Frozen wouldn't be able to take on this villain without starting an eternal winter. As the film goes on, history is unraveled, mysteries are brought to life and from there, it's a race against the clock to save the world!
Everyone really shines here, particularly the main actors... from Rudd to Coon, Grace and Wolfhard they all portray what a family looks like and acts like when they're busting ghosts for a living while trying to maintain a roof over their heads. Rudd doesn't even try to be a beatdown replacement for a father, but the best role model he can be. Coon just wants her daughter to be a kid while she still is and Wolfhard is still the same adolescent teen trying to gain his independence as a man just like he did before. There is so much evolution in these people, you can't help but feel for them. Grace also turns in a magnificent depiction of a young girl who goes from just that into a woman who refuses to let anyone decide her destiny for her, but to claim it herself whether those around her likes it or not. You really feel like these people are a real family, they're running a former business line which has now become a family business and that's what this film almost is: a family business line.
Part of this is because co-writer and Producer Jason Reitman (who co-wrote and directed Afterlife) has inherited the original spark from his father who was responsible for the first two classic films from the 1980's and took it to a whole new level while staying true to the source that made this phenomena so special for decades. Any family business is to always be taken care of and carried on by the next of kin worthy of the calling and this continuation of the Ghostbusters adventures is a clear demonstration of that. The effects were, once again spot on, no overuse of CGI and all practical effects used when necessary. This is the kind of filmmaking that's missing in today's times.
Gil Kenan did a decent job as director of this entry, although Jason Reitman would have been a better candidate for the job given what he brought to Afterlife. Admittedly, job well done to Kenan for his part.
The originals, as always, were a real treat to see again. We can never forget when the living three veterans (Murray, Aykroyd & Hudson) appeared on screen in uniform and with their proton packs after three plus decades and joined the fight. Even today, still brings out the child in us all, especially when Egon (as a ghost) is standing beside them. And with the return of William Atherton as the EPA man turned mayor making an appearance as well, you feel like some part of the 1984 film is playing on all sides. What cannot be ignored is the nostalgic feel from all those years ago, from the familiar locations to the city and all else in between. All the while keeping things simple while adjusting to the present day of things.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire crosses the streams (once again) between old and new while keeping folks for a new generation entertained from start to finish. Afterlife was excellent, but Frozen Empire was in truth, just as good as it needed to be. There was nothing flat, nothing rushed and nothing thrown out there just because. Completely original, 100% organic and something everyone could enjoy. Ghostbusters will continue to remain a huge part of our lives and our youth. That feeling you get seeing these guys in those uniforms, carrying those packs, hearing the sounds and watching them fight the evil spirits is just so engaging that you almost wish you were there with them doing what they are and let's face it... at one point, all of us found ourselves wishing we were a ghostbuster! Here's to Reitman and Kenan and team for giving us another entry in the franchise and what better time than this year marking the anniversary of forty years since the first one was released. If you're a fan and busting makes you feel good, this one will make you feel even better! Highly Recommended!
MY RATING: 4.75 out of 5
In Loving Memory of
IVAN REITMAN
Thank You for these wonderful films
and enjoy the Afterlife with Harold.