Watched this film today and spent the whole time trying to articulate what was wrong with it to myself. Basically I didn't hate it and I didn't love it. It was competently made, good effects, some comedic moments and good set pieces. But it just didn't feel like something derived from a SNL skit. The joy of ghostbusters was that it was free wheeeling, that it was anarchic. That, similar to the Blues Brothers, somebody had allowed a bunch of slackers to spend millions on making a movie which to coin Bill Murray from Meatballs "just didn't matter". Afterlife was touching and sweet, looking back at that time with a smile and a wink. This however, was just a generic family action movie, using the brand name of the ghostbusters. It left me indifferent.
514 Reviews
Yes but no but yes but no but yeah...
peterfbrand-894869 May 2024
So much promise, too much stupidity,
Perhaps the movie was trying to entertain the younger generation. But, if it was, the director should have remembered, that the originals did that perfectly without the cheese.
The scary and ominous bits were great, the nostalgia was there, the action worked, the big bad was cool but the idea of a fire master was pure junk.
I dig the new Ghostbusters movies and I hope we get more, but please, steer away from the cheese!!!
If this had been serious with a few comic lines/moments scattered like frosting it would have been great. But, it focused too much on trying to be comedy.
So... yeah, but no. Thanks for another Ghostbusters film, because I love the franchise, but this could have been a heap better.
The scary and ominous bits were great, the nostalgia was there, the action worked, the big bad was cool but the idea of a fire master was pure junk.
I dig the new Ghostbusters movies and I hope we get more, but please, steer away from the cheese!!!
If this had been serious with a few comic lines/moments scattered like frosting it would have been great. But, it focused too much on trying to be comedy.
So... yeah, but no. Thanks for another Ghostbusters film, because I love the franchise, but this could have been a heap better.
I might have expected too much
sowencheung25 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The last Ghostbusters movie was surprisingly good, but now on a second thought, it was probably due to nostalgic reason, especially when those old gang showed up together unexpectedly.
This one, apparently they were not even trying to hide the plot, we all know Bill Murray will be there, and everyone else.
The problem is, the story is just too weak. No character development anymore. There is no strong conflict to build up twist and tension. The villain is pathetic and the last fight is so forgettable. Whatever reason, the so-called fire master is just suddenly awaken. This movie doesn't know what story line to focus, or which character to build.
Personally, I am disappointed, but maybe I was expecting too much. I really like this franchise and Paul Rudd, please have a much better story next time.
This one, apparently they were not even trying to hide the plot, we all know Bill Murray will be there, and everyone else.
The problem is, the story is just too weak. No character development anymore. There is no strong conflict to build up twist and tension. The villain is pathetic and the last fight is so forgettable. Whatever reason, the so-called fire master is just suddenly awaken. This movie doesn't know what story line to focus, or which character to build.
Personally, I am disappointed, but maybe I was expecting too much. I really like this franchise and Paul Rudd, please have a much better story next time.
Decent Ghostbusters Film
willphelan23 March 2024
This film is okay. It's not nearly as good as Ghostbusters Afterlife but it's about what you would expect from a follow up. The new ghosts and elements added to the lore are very cool and some of the visuals are very nice. Some of the jokes are very funny and some aren't. The cast is pretty good here but nothing exceptional performance wise. The action scenes are ok but the final battle is pretty short and a little anti climactic. The original crew is just there to be there with the exception of Dan Aykroyd, who actually has quite a bit of screen time. If you're a Ghostbusters fan you'll probably have a good time with it but don't expect to be blown away.
Fun in places, could have been better.
jamesjhall22 March 2024
They could have done so much more with this movie, unfortunately the storyline was only wafer thin, the cast were not used to to produce the same performance that they did in Afterlife and the plot holes were gaping.
If they had only made the connection with Afterlife and built upon the story from the start of the movie, then started introducing the new characters and a more convincing plot, they definitely could have made it better.
I certainly wouldn't rush to watch it again, the special effects were good, some of the comedy value was entertaining, some was just plain silly.
I scored it: 6/10.
If they had only made the connection with Afterlife and built upon the story from the start of the movie, then started introducing the new characters and a more convincing plot, they definitely could have made it better.
I certainly wouldn't rush to watch it again, the special effects were good, some of the comedy value was entertaining, some was just plain silly.
I scored it: 6/10.
Tried to fit in too much and ran out of steam
bechiac24 March 2024
Huge fan of the first few original movies. They were good and didn't try too hard. Focused on the main characters and the ghosts even had something enjoyable about them.
But it seems these days Ghostbusters has fallen victim of trying too hard and making a connection with everybody by introducing all these extra characters with their own backstory. The ghosts just become a pawn piece and aren't really the focal point. So much promise in the first half hour, but then more new characters, more side stories, lots of one liners, and then...a quick wrap up and credits roll. Snore. Don't waste your $
But it seems these days Ghostbusters has fallen victim of trying too hard and making a connection with everybody by introducing all these extra characters with their own backstory. The ghosts just become a pawn piece and aren't really the focal point. So much promise in the first half hour, but then more new characters, more side stories, lots of one liners, and then...a quick wrap up and credits roll. Snore. Don't waste your $
Let's just put this on ice
joshualieske24 March 2024
I really wanted to like it because I walked out of Ghostbusters: Afterlife surprisingly pleased, but this one was just a mess at best. I don't think the direction they try to take for the characters from Afterlife makes the most logical sense. There is also too many new characters alongside the ones introduced in Afterlife as well as the OG's like Ray and such. Too many characters to juggle so the ball gets dropped on all of them. Also, I know Afterlife gets some flack for references and Easter egg like fan service, sometimes called "nostalgia bait" I actually thought the way that film handled that stuff wasn't just empty nostalgia bait, I think there is a difference between that and fan service that isn't empty, that works in a story that is actually good. This film ironically IS an example of something that actually does have empty nostalgia bait in a story that feels like it doesn't know what it's suppose to be about. Is it the worst movie ever? No, but I think we also deserved way better. If you ask me, I think Ghostbusters: Afterlife should have been the last one. If there isn't a great script there, then let's just let the series rest.
I wanted to like it, but it's as bad as they say
mickangel-6048822 March 2024
Really bad characters with no substance and a sadly terrible movie. Turning McKenna Grace into some sort of boring Harry Potter character was a big mistake and the plot is full of the usual unbelievable Mary Sue tropes.
It's strange to me how it seems impossible for Hollywood to turn out a decent movie recently. Constant reshashing of old stories or franchises, with the inevitable eye-rolling tropes being added to make it more pc just smacks of desperation.
I could possibly understand the misguided attempts at girl-bossing every movie if it meant interesting plots, good acting, and clever writing, but fails so hard. Whatever happen to story-telling and good complex well-cast characters who are cast for their acting talent rather than immutable characteristics?
It's strange to me how it seems impossible for Hollywood to turn out a decent movie recently. Constant reshashing of old stories or franchises, with the inevitable eye-rolling tropes being added to make it more pc just smacks of desperation.
I could possibly understand the misguided attempts at girl-bossing every movie if it meant interesting plots, good acting, and clever writing, but fails so hard. Whatever happen to story-telling and good complex well-cast characters who are cast for their acting talent rather than immutable characteristics?
Loved it
jkanecoleman22 March 2024
If you want to hate this movie, or nit pick everything, you can. I am a big Ghostbusters fan, but my family are casual fans and we all loved Frozen Empire. It's fun, funny, at times scary and just a joy to watch. It's great seeing their world expanded. You get so much more lore, and new stuff added that would fit right along with themes from Real Ghostbusters. I can't even really fathom why this is getting negative reactions. I guess post COVID movies aren't supposed to be fun and take the audience on a ride anymore. There's a lot to love here, die hard or casual fans, and it's worth your money to see it on the big screen. A worthy sequel and I hope we get more.
I struggled to love it
Fields20121 April 2024
I saw this film twice because I wanted to see it with my Ghostbusters fan friend and see if this film got better with my second viewing. I seriously wanted to love this movie. The TV spots and trailers looked awesome. This had to be the best Ghostbusters sequel yet! Nope. In fact, this might be the worst.
There's a great Ghostbusters film in this movie. There really is but studio meddling hurt the film. My first time viewing it, I walked out of the film feeling like I just got out of work. Throughout most of the film I struggled to care about anything going on and I was drained. When the actual Ghostbusters show up, I perked up a little bit. However, I should be loving this. All that stuff at the library should have been beyond exciting but not even that.
Then when I saw it again, I figured out the exact moment when I stopped caring and I struggled to get that same investment I had in the film up to this point. That scene is when Phoebe and Podcast and go into that diner for a ghost call and Phoebes ghost girlfriend is sitting at one of the tables. It was that moment and that moment on where my investment in the film cratered and I tried desperately to get back into the film.
These two characters are nothing but a vacuum that sucks the fun and investment of the film into a netherworld that you will never get back. Their scenes mainly consist of "Hey hey sure whatever" and I'm left shouting "what is the point? Move forward! Stop wasting time." And apparently, the studio told the filmmakers they had to cut 20 minutes of this movie two weeks before it premiered. Why werent these scenes cut down?
So many characters and scenes could have gotten the axe with the plethora of characters flooding this film to the point where they move the brother to Slimer duties that had no real purpose in the film. Sunny and Podcast return and add nothing. They should have eliminated them and gave the scenes from Podcast to the brother.
But theres lots to like too. Dan Ackroyd is at his best here and I'm glad Winston and Murray return too. They have a couple cool new ghosts like Pukey and Possessor that were great additions and say what you want about the new villain, but at least finally the Ghostbusters face a new villain.
I'm hoping for a directors cut because there is a lot to like in a movie that is dragged down by an extremely boring subplot that gives you Rings of Power vibes in a potentially great Ghostbusters film.
There's a great Ghostbusters film in this movie. There really is but studio meddling hurt the film. My first time viewing it, I walked out of the film feeling like I just got out of work. Throughout most of the film I struggled to care about anything going on and I was drained. When the actual Ghostbusters show up, I perked up a little bit. However, I should be loving this. All that stuff at the library should have been beyond exciting but not even that.
Then when I saw it again, I figured out the exact moment when I stopped caring and I struggled to get that same investment I had in the film up to this point. That scene is when Phoebe and Podcast and go into that diner for a ghost call and Phoebes ghost girlfriend is sitting at one of the tables. It was that moment and that moment on where my investment in the film cratered and I tried desperately to get back into the film.
These two characters are nothing but a vacuum that sucks the fun and investment of the film into a netherworld that you will never get back. Their scenes mainly consist of "Hey hey sure whatever" and I'm left shouting "what is the point? Move forward! Stop wasting time." And apparently, the studio told the filmmakers they had to cut 20 minutes of this movie two weeks before it premiered. Why werent these scenes cut down?
So many characters and scenes could have gotten the axe with the plethora of characters flooding this film to the point where they move the brother to Slimer duties that had no real purpose in the film. Sunny and Podcast return and add nothing. They should have eliminated them and gave the scenes from Podcast to the brother.
But theres lots to like too. Dan Ackroyd is at his best here and I'm glad Winston and Murray return too. They have a couple cool new ghosts like Pukey and Possessor that were great additions and say what you want about the new villain, but at least finally the Ghostbusters face a new villain.
I'm hoping for a directors cut because there is a lot to like in a movie that is dragged down by an extremely boring subplot that gives you Rings of Power vibes in a potentially great Ghostbusters film.
Nothing happens
ijameson10 May 2024
Another empty addition to the franchise that adds nothing. I assume the original cast needed the money, because there was on other reason to be part of this dreck.
The action is boring, the story is boring, the dialog is boring.
An evil god is released by an irresponsible child, but all is forgiven, because that's what family does. The saviour of mankind becomes amazing after 5 minutes of practice.
The evil dude is not even seen for 99% of the movie, and is easily dispatched when he finally turns up. Thanks to a bonding moment. Go you all American family!
Just stick to the original. It's still a fun movie to watch. Everything after is not.
The action is boring, the story is boring, the dialog is boring.
An evil god is released by an irresponsible child, but all is forgiven, because that's what family does. The saviour of mankind becomes amazing after 5 minutes of practice.
The evil dude is not even seen for 99% of the movie, and is easily dispatched when he finally turns up. Thanks to a bonding moment. Go you all American family!
Just stick to the original. It's still a fun movie to watch. Everything after is not.
There is nothing wrong with fan service.
runner-1521 March 2024
I enjoyed Frozen Empire, it was especially fun to see so many actors reprising their characters from the very first Ghostbusters movie.
As others have said Phoebe carried the film, and that's not a bad thing. My only complaint is it Bill Murray really seemed to be phoning in his role.
There was a lot of connections to the first Ghostbusters movie and though some people didn't like it I found the plot rather imaginative.
Even though I actually liked Afterlife a little better, this was a fine addition to the Ghostbusters franchise.
Even though the critics didn't like it I think it will be popular enough to merit a continuation of the franchise, I for one will be a returning viewer.
As others have said Phoebe carried the film, and that's not a bad thing. My only complaint is it Bill Murray really seemed to be phoning in his role.
There was a lot of connections to the first Ghostbusters movie and though some people didn't like it I found the plot rather imaginative.
Even though I actually liked Afterlife a little better, this was a fine addition to the Ghostbusters franchise.
Even though the critics didn't like it I think it will be popular enough to merit a continuation of the franchise, I for one will be a returning viewer.
we want the 80s back.....
theromanempire-126 April 2024
As i recall this is the 5th overall ghostbusters film since the 1984 first entry and still hollywood can not bring back the magic the first film had 40 years ago.
The first film had everything needed. The sci fi and fantasy factor the comedy element a great cast and above all a superb 80s epic soundtrack. The title ghostbusters song by ray parker junior is legendairy and still fresh after 40 long years. Even air supply performed a great ballad called "i can wait forever" a 6 minutes epic song which could be released as a single back then and score the charts.
We don't get songs like these anymore. This new entry in the franchise tried to bring back some magic of the old but not much succeeded to do.
The original cast was back but for a little time and they are getting old.
The music is indefferent and the good scenes are redused in the last half an hour of the film.
How i wish we could get the old days back. Sadly nothing will match the original 1984 ghostbusters film. These were the days .....
The first film had everything needed. The sci fi and fantasy factor the comedy element a great cast and above all a superb 80s epic soundtrack. The title ghostbusters song by ray parker junior is legendairy and still fresh after 40 long years. Even air supply performed a great ballad called "i can wait forever" a 6 minutes epic song which could be released as a single back then and score the charts.
We don't get songs like these anymore. This new entry in the franchise tried to bring back some magic of the old but not much succeeded to do.
The original cast was back but for a little time and they are getting old.
The music is indefferent and the good scenes are redused in the last half an hour of the film.
How i wish we could get the old days back. Sadly nothing will match the original 1984 ghostbusters film. These were the days .....
Awful
JAguilar74725 March 2024
Major Ghostbusters fan here, and so sad to say the movie is a monstrosity. Characters are totally flat, acting is so-so (to say the best) but worst of all is the script. The story makes absolute no sense at all, full of plot holes. I know it's not a Nolan movie where everything is perfectly tied up, but here everything is resolved with finding a new character every time. Slapstick comedy is beyond awful, and the saddest part of all is the lost opportunity of making a good film, with the original cast.
Afterlife despite not being the best movie at least had an emotional side, but this time the movie has, in my opinion, nothing appealing. I honestly struggle to understand people giving it a score higher than 5.
Afterlife despite not being the best movie at least had an emotional side, but this time the movie has, in my opinion, nothing appealing. I honestly struggle to understand people giving it a score higher than 5.
Poorly written
vtortola24 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Ghostbusters Afterlife was a good story continuing the franchise. Unfortunately although Frozen Empire first half is very good, but all of a sudden the story quality drops. For the first time ghosts can talk as a very whack plot device. A daemon trapped in a ball blackmails a Casper-like teenager ghost into trick the smart character into using an absurd functionality existing just for plot convenience. The relationship between Casper-like ghost and Phoebe does not develop enough, causing that Phoebe is portrayed as a gullible fool. The movie loses rhythm in this moment, and it does not recover from it.
Ghosts don't talk, that is why Eagon couldn't, right? A machine to extract the ghost of a living human, really? Completely unnecessary.
Don't get me started with the "master of fire" thing... Really whacky and lazy storytelling.
Ghosts don't talk, that is why Eagon couldn't, right? A machine to extract the ghost of a living human, really? Completely unnecessary.
Don't get me started with the "master of fire" thing... Really whacky and lazy storytelling.
Light on comedy, surprisingly high on scares
masonsaul23 March 2024
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire cements that this franchise has forgotten to be a comedy which is ironic considering this is the one to feature James Acaster in a fairly substantial role. However, this is the closest these have ever come to being horror and like Afterlife, it remains a lot of fun as an Amblin throwback.
The biggest issue is there's just too many characters in this one. Everyone is good, even Bill Murray obviously phoning it in. Its just doesn't succeed in the attempt to balance returning characters, the originals and some new faces, resulting in Finn Wolfhard, Celeste O'Connor and Logan Kim getting left by the wayside.
Out of those who do get enough, Mckenna Grace remains a great lead and her growing relationship with Paul Rudd is the heart of this one. Kumail Nanjiani is by far the best new addition and the main source of humour here. Dan Aykroyd clearly loves returning to this character and the enthusiasm he brings is infectious.
Gil Kenan's direction starts off strong with a tense opening and then adds another good car chase to this franchise. His greatest strengths lie in the darker moments with the solid atmosphere and a surprising amount of suspense for a family friendly blockbuster. Also, this generally looks nice with CG and practical effects that go further than the actual budget.
The biggest issue is there's just too many characters in this one. Everyone is good, even Bill Murray obviously phoning it in. Its just doesn't succeed in the attempt to balance returning characters, the originals and some new faces, resulting in Finn Wolfhard, Celeste O'Connor and Logan Kim getting left by the wayside.
Out of those who do get enough, Mckenna Grace remains a great lead and her growing relationship with Paul Rudd is the heart of this one. Kumail Nanjiani is by far the best new addition and the main source of humour here. Dan Aykroyd clearly loves returning to this character and the enthusiasm he brings is infectious.
Gil Kenan's direction starts off strong with a tense opening and then adds another good car chase to this franchise. His greatest strengths lie in the darker moments with the solid atmosphere and a surprising amount of suspense for a family friendly blockbuster. Also, this generally looks nice with CG and practical effects that go further than the actual budget.
Good popcorn fare that serves fans and casual movie folks
daddymojo21 March 2024
It is a very good film. There are some nice action sequences and lots of humor.
The slow parts in the movie happen when Murray is on screen. Frozen Empire goes out of the way to set him up for one liners that seem intended just to make the trailers. His jokes are forced and didn't add to its enjoyment. The new cast is great, Aykroyd is great also.
From the trailer you'd expect it to have more horror elements. While the big bad is very good, it's not as evil as it it could've been, which would've made the film even better.
Fans will dig the film, casual moviegoers will enjoy it too, but if there's another one they are OK to ghost the classic members of the team.
The slow parts in the movie happen when Murray is on screen. Frozen Empire goes out of the way to set him up for one liners that seem intended just to make the trailers. His jokes are forced and didn't add to its enjoyment. The new cast is great, Aykroyd is great also.
From the trailer you'd expect it to have more horror elements. While the big bad is very good, it's not as evil as it it could've been, which would've made the film even better.
Fans will dig the film, casual moviegoers will enjoy it too, but if there's another one they are OK to ghost the classic members of the team.
Childish and depressing
crowedly8 May 2024
Scenes that are tiresome and stories that depict a childishly strong and unrealistic character, sometimes portrayed in an unreal and imaginary way, can lead to overly simplistic plots and characters. Action scenes that are disconnected from the story and are included only to engage the audience, especially if overused alongside formulaic narratives and excessive action, can become tedious over time for some viewers. Instead of inviting the audience to think and interact, they merely provide short-term entertainment through childish and tiresome imagery. They are recognized as a superficial and juvenile experience that does not truly seek the viewers' genuine attention. To me, these types of unmotivated and nonsensical structures seem absurd.
Watching it is a waste of time.
Watching it is a waste of time.
Not a perfect film, but perfectly good fun!
hancockstickers20 March 2024
I got to see this at a prescreening and if you weren't a fan of Afterlife because of so-called recycled content, I will tell you that Frozen Empire goes a bit bolder and further from the original content than they ever have before.
Yes, there's a good deal of fan-service, but none of it is by any reasonable argument the driving force of the story.
I was told that Eric Steelberg readied himself by watching the original two films while Jason Reitman and Gil Kenan prepared by watching the animated series, and surely this shows.
As the fourth film in the series, this was the right time to stray from the original formula and hearken more towards something familiar only to the most hardcore of fans and therefore quite new to the general public.
Though much like observing a glorified episode of The Real Ghostbusters, there was nothing about it that felt too familiar or rehashed.
The mythology behind Garraka, the new big baddie, is engaging enough and unique. The build-up to his imminent arrival is pretty intense and quite a satisfying pay-off.
Of the films at the very least, I'd have to argue that this is the most formidable and intimidating enemy that the boys in beige (and girls too - seeing Melnitz in uniform was so satisfying) have encountered thus far.
Each of the characters already established were just as good as you could expect from the preceding films and they were built upon decently enough.. namely Phoebe, Ray Stantz and then perhaps Gary Grooberson in that order.
Patton Oswalt and James Acaster were colorful and very welcoming additions to the group and made it adequately and pragmatically clear that even our favorite characters who seem to know more than most, still don't have all the answers.
Certain elements may feel somewhat forced or far-fetched for some audiences. Others might first point fingers at Kumail Nanjiani or Emily Alyn Lind's characters. However, recalling (at the very least) that Frozen Empire is akin to an episode of the animated series, these seeming imperfections lie solely within the construct of the story and were easily dismissed.
Both Kumail and Emily portrayed their characters and their roles within the story really quite well and admirably.
On my wife's part and most of the audience, Paul and Kumail were the most entertaining and got the most laughs. There was alot going on including plenty of action and cool new gear.
Not much else can be said but that I had a lot of fun and hope to see more just like it down the road.
Yes, there's a good deal of fan-service, but none of it is by any reasonable argument the driving force of the story.
I was told that Eric Steelberg readied himself by watching the original two films while Jason Reitman and Gil Kenan prepared by watching the animated series, and surely this shows.
As the fourth film in the series, this was the right time to stray from the original formula and hearken more towards something familiar only to the most hardcore of fans and therefore quite new to the general public.
Though much like observing a glorified episode of The Real Ghostbusters, there was nothing about it that felt too familiar or rehashed.
The mythology behind Garraka, the new big baddie, is engaging enough and unique. The build-up to his imminent arrival is pretty intense and quite a satisfying pay-off.
Of the films at the very least, I'd have to argue that this is the most formidable and intimidating enemy that the boys in beige (and girls too - seeing Melnitz in uniform was so satisfying) have encountered thus far.
Each of the characters already established were just as good as you could expect from the preceding films and they were built upon decently enough.. namely Phoebe, Ray Stantz and then perhaps Gary Grooberson in that order.
Patton Oswalt and James Acaster were colorful and very welcoming additions to the group and made it adequately and pragmatically clear that even our favorite characters who seem to know more than most, still don't have all the answers.
Certain elements may feel somewhat forced or far-fetched for some audiences. Others might first point fingers at Kumail Nanjiani or Emily Alyn Lind's characters. However, recalling (at the very least) that Frozen Empire is akin to an episode of the animated series, these seeming imperfections lie solely within the construct of the story and were easily dismissed.
Both Kumail and Emily portrayed their characters and their roles within the story really quite well and admirably.
On my wife's part and most of the audience, Paul and Kumail were the most entertaining and got the most laughs. There was alot going on including plenty of action and cool new gear.
Not much else can be said but that I had a lot of fun and hope to see more just like it down the road.
Better than Afterlife
NonSequiturL21 March 2024
I personally believe the original Ghostbusters is the greatest comedy of all time. True lightning in a bottle that was due to a number of factors, with the main ones being the chemistry between the cast, the setting, the innovative special effects, and the wonderfully wry screenplay that tied it all together.
Afterlife was an okay attempt to bring the series into the modern age, however it fell into the "soft reboot" trap of excessive fan service and heavily rehashing the story of the first film to the detriment of its own identity in the franchise.
Frozen Empire gives fans something more along the lines of what they really wanted from a long-belated sequel: new ghosts, new gadgets, lots of Dan Aykroyd and improved integration of the rest of the OG cast with some genuinely fun Murray moments.
The setting is back in NYC as it should be (albeit CGI faked for the most part), which was sorely missing from the previous attempt. As a result, it feels much more like a proper Ghostbusters film this time around.
However, it is messy and overstuffed with pointless/cringe characters, leaving the screenplay to desperately justify their presence to a ridiculous degree toward the end. There's questionable story logic (especially concerning why some characters from Afterlife are present in NYC), and your mileage may vary when it comes to the teen/family drama. Then, the villain is rushed and everything wraps up too quickly... not to mention the over reliance on CG... but in spite of all these gripes I was less offended overall than expected.
If you're not a fan of the franchise, Frozen Empire won't win you over, but if you are, there's a lot to like here, in particular the mostly respectful treatment of the legacy characters. It certainly could have been far worse... and yes, we've seen far worse in recent times.
If they can keep the original cast coming back, I'd be happy to watch another one of these.
Afterlife was an okay attempt to bring the series into the modern age, however it fell into the "soft reboot" trap of excessive fan service and heavily rehashing the story of the first film to the detriment of its own identity in the franchise.
Frozen Empire gives fans something more along the lines of what they really wanted from a long-belated sequel: new ghosts, new gadgets, lots of Dan Aykroyd and improved integration of the rest of the OG cast with some genuinely fun Murray moments.
The setting is back in NYC as it should be (albeit CGI faked for the most part), which was sorely missing from the previous attempt. As a result, it feels much more like a proper Ghostbusters film this time around.
However, it is messy and overstuffed with pointless/cringe characters, leaving the screenplay to desperately justify their presence to a ridiculous degree toward the end. There's questionable story logic (especially concerning why some characters from Afterlife are present in NYC), and your mileage may vary when it comes to the teen/family drama. Then, the villain is rushed and everything wraps up too quickly... not to mention the over reliance on CG... but in spite of all these gripes I was less offended overall than expected.
If you're not a fan of the franchise, Frozen Empire won't win you over, but if you are, there's a lot to like here, in particular the mostly respectful treatment of the legacy characters. It certainly could have been far worse... and yes, we've seen far worse in recent times.
If they can keep the original cast coming back, I'd be happy to watch another one of these.
Mixed Bag
sinscopefilms17 April 2024
Gil Kenan's Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024) is a movie that combines various visual techniques and thematic elements. While some aspects are impressive, others fall short in their execution. Watching the film in an IMAX cinema without the film being specifically formatted for IMAX was also disappointing.
Cinematography and Editing: The cinematography in this film is impressive, with the carefully crafted closeup and wide angle scenes; however, it lacked some more medium shots. The editing is well done, keeping a good space for the scenes and structure throughout. However, some cinematic scenes disrupt the film's flow, appearing oddly placed and feeling generic. The inclusion of stone-stop motion animation is a creative choice that brings a fresh dynamic to the film with its live camera movements.
Costume and Set Design: Costume design, particularly the iconic Ghostbusters car, is creatively realized, adding depth and authenticity to the visual storytelling.
Writing: The script attempts to tap into contemporary themes, reflecting the tumultuous events of the 2020s, though its effectiveness is hit or miss. It sometimes feels like the storyline is striving for relevance rather than coherence.
Score and Sound Design: This inconsistency extends to the soundtrack as well, which, despite being somewhat generic, effectively supports the narrative without standing out as particularly memorable. The sound design is a clear strength, enhancing the atmospheric and dramatic elements effectively.
FX: The film's special effects and CGI elements vary in quality. While some of the CGI, especially the narration, adds a charming touch to the storyline, other special effects seem underwhelming and cheap.
Casting and Acting: Casting choices and character development are areas where the film stumbles significantly. The actors did a good job, but they didn't fully capture the depth needed for their roles. As a result, the emotional impact of the film feels a bit shallow and more like a spoof. The second act of the film drags, leading to a lackluster viewing experience in parts.
Overall, "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" is a mixed bag of innovative ideas and missed opportunities. While the film excels in certain technical aspects like cinematography and sound design, it struggles with uneven special FX and writing, inconsistent thematic execution, and shallow character development. The film entertains at some points but it doesn't go beyond the limitations of its genre. As a result, it's a fun experience, but not one that will stick with you for long.
Cinematography and Editing: The cinematography in this film is impressive, with the carefully crafted closeup and wide angle scenes; however, it lacked some more medium shots. The editing is well done, keeping a good space for the scenes and structure throughout. However, some cinematic scenes disrupt the film's flow, appearing oddly placed and feeling generic. The inclusion of stone-stop motion animation is a creative choice that brings a fresh dynamic to the film with its live camera movements.
Costume and Set Design: Costume design, particularly the iconic Ghostbusters car, is creatively realized, adding depth and authenticity to the visual storytelling.
Writing: The script attempts to tap into contemporary themes, reflecting the tumultuous events of the 2020s, though its effectiveness is hit or miss. It sometimes feels like the storyline is striving for relevance rather than coherence.
Score and Sound Design: This inconsistency extends to the soundtrack as well, which, despite being somewhat generic, effectively supports the narrative without standing out as particularly memorable. The sound design is a clear strength, enhancing the atmospheric and dramatic elements effectively.
FX: The film's special effects and CGI elements vary in quality. While some of the CGI, especially the narration, adds a charming touch to the storyline, other special effects seem underwhelming and cheap.
Casting and Acting: Casting choices and character development are areas where the film stumbles significantly. The actors did a good job, but they didn't fully capture the depth needed for their roles. As a result, the emotional impact of the film feels a bit shallow and more like a spoof. The second act of the film drags, leading to a lackluster viewing experience in parts.
Overall, "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" is a mixed bag of innovative ideas and missed opportunities. While the film excels in certain technical aspects like cinematography and sound design, it struggles with uneven special FX and writing, inconsistent thematic execution, and shallow character development. The film entertains at some points but it doesn't go beyond the limitations of its genre. As a result, it's a fun experience, but not one that will stick with you for long.
DO NOT LISTEN TO THE "CRITICS"!
nickmassacci-0138321 March 2024
I absolutely believe there is some sort of campaign in Hollywood against this film, as it is getting some bad reviews from "professional critics" that are complete and utter BS. PLEASE go see this film, and decide for yourself. As a hardcore fan, I can say I thought the movie was a tad too short, and left me wanting something more. There was a lot of world building in this film, and a lot of stuff seemed to have been left on the cutting room floor. These are my only real gripes with the film, as everything else was delivered well. Acting was on point, the plot was a well thought out story, the effects were a perfect mix of practical and CGI, and the comedy was excellently timed. The original cast makes their presence known, but doesn't cast a long shadow over the newcomers, allowing them to shine through. All in all it is a well rounded movie that has the feel of a long episode of the original cartoon series. Please go see it, and show this franchise support.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
phubbs18 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The one thing that's always kinda got me thinking when it comes to 'Ghostbusters' is this. When humans die they turn into ghosts. All the ghosts the Ghostbusters bust are in fact dead people, some are grumpy, some nice, some nasty etc...but all are dead people generally just trying to get by after they have passed on. So, when the Ghostbusters eventually die, will they get punished by God for hunting down the mostly innocent spirits of dead people? Will other ghosts take revenge on them? You'd imagine there would be some repercussions no?
So anywho, turns out the new teen team is back and now reinstalled back into the original firehouse in Manhattan, and guess what? They're bustin' ghosts just like the good old days. What does that mean? They're storming around NYC in Ecto-1, hanging out of the ambulance proton wands blazing away destroying buildings and whatnot whilst huge spooks hurtle around and no one pays any attention to it. Straight away these huge CGI set pieces make no sense. The police would be everywhere, where are they?? People would be running around everywhere terrified whilst dodging proton streams and debris, and Ecto-1 wouldn't last 5 minutes before hitting traffic or slamming into another vehicle. Yeah I know it's a movie but the original didn't do that, twas more grounded. The lack of budget to do so probably being the main reason but it's things like that that help older movies hold up in the long run.
Anyway turns out there's a mcguffin that has a nasty demon trapped inside that really shouldn't be released but guess what? The nasty demon gets released and the ever-expanding team of Ghostbusters needs to stop it before it, once again, destroys NYC. Cue the Ghostbusters epic soundtra...oh, no they decided to leave that out, ballsy move
Ever expanding team I hear you say? Yup that's right, there are about ten or so Ghostbusters now. The original classic oldies return because just like the 'Terminator' franchise and Arnie it seems they can't get past the original cast; and apart from Dan Aykroyd there's really no need for the other two. I was also thinking that Egon's ghost would probably turn up to help again if you think about it, why wouldn't he? Having a ghost on their side would give the Ghostbusters the edge surely.
The main issue with this movie is the fact that so much is happening and it feels SO rammed! As everyone has pointed out there are far too many characters and many don't even need to be there. Walter Peck is back, because of course he is, and now he's...the mayor of NYC?? How? Why? And he's STILL after the Ghostbusters? Ugh! Being the mayor I would have thought he would have found it easier to do that and taken them out already but whatever. Can't deny he still has a pretty good case as to why the Ghostbusters should be shut down, just as he did in the original movie for environmental reasons.
The characters of Lucky Domingo and Podcast are back and serve no real purpose (other than ticking diversity boxes?). Callie and Trevor Spengler are back and do nothing despite being core characters, bizarrely. Janine Melnitz returns just to suit up in a Ghostbusters jumpsuit (for the fans of the cartoon?). Finally apparent new Ghostbuster Dr. Lars Pinfield pops up seemingly out of nowhere yet has his own black Ghostbusters jumpsuit, black Ghostbusters vehicle, and STILL manages to not do much. Heck! The one new character that should have had more screen and story time, Kumail the Firemaster, was drowned out by everyone else.
As for the nostalgia factor, look I get that some aspects of the original movies will need to be revisited but once again they go overboard. We've got original 80's breakfast cereal adverts, toy adverts, a clip from the original Ray Parker Jr. Music video, some of the same catchy dialog lifted straight from the original, Venkman utilising his old experiments with Egon's colander, the same NYC library ghost that somehow looks worse than the original, the pointless mini Stay Puft men again, the final scene outside the firehouse is the same from the original, and finally Slimer is back. Ironically I actually thought Slimer looked great this time around and I really wanted to see more of him. Maybe a prequel movie about Slimer's origins, who he was in life, how he died and became the disgusting green blob.
Overall despite what I've said I did find this outing relatively acceptable. It was certainly more interesting and engaging than the last dull offering set on a farm. It did feel more like a live-action adaptation of an episode of 'The Real Ghostbusters' which isn't necessarily a bad thing, I can dig it, but maybe they should have reigned it in just a tad. In general despite all their efforts the movie still felt small in scale and had the look of being shot entirely on sets. They really didn't capture New York City like the first two movies did which is a really glaring error frankly. How can you not take advantage of NYC? It's odd, it's like the folks behind this franchise (including original stars) still don't quite get how it works or how to fully make the most of its rich material. Third times a charm?
So anywho, turns out the new teen team is back and now reinstalled back into the original firehouse in Manhattan, and guess what? They're bustin' ghosts just like the good old days. What does that mean? They're storming around NYC in Ecto-1, hanging out of the ambulance proton wands blazing away destroying buildings and whatnot whilst huge spooks hurtle around and no one pays any attention to it. Straight away these huge CGI set pieces make no sense. The police would be everywhere, where are they?? People would be running around everywhere terrified whilst dodging proton streams and debris, and Ecto-1 wouldn't last 5 minutes before hitting traffic or slamming into another vehicle. Yeah I know it's a movie but the original didn't do that, twas more grounded. The lack of budget to do so probably being the main reason but it's things like that that help older movies hold up in the long run.
Anyway turns out there's a mcguffin that has a nasty demon trapped inside that really shouldn't be released but guess what? The nasty demon gets released and the ever-expanding team of Ghostbusters needs to stop it before it, once again, destroys NYC. Cue the Ghostbusters epic soundtra...oh, no they decided to leave that out, ballsy move
Ever expanding team I hear you say? Yup that's right, there are about ten or so Ghostbusters now. The original classic oldies return because just like the 'Terminator' franchise and Arnie it seems they can't get past the original cast; and apart from Dan Aykroyd there's really no need for the other two. I was also thinking that Egon's ghost would probably turn up to help again if you think about it, why wouldn't he? Having a ghost on their side would give the Ghostbusters the edge surely.
The main issue with this movie is the fact that so much is happening and it feels SO rammed! As everyone has pointed out there are far too many characters and many don't even need to be there. Walter Peck is back, because of course he is, and now he's...the mayor of NYC?? How? Why? And he's STILL after the Ghostbusters? Ugh! Being the mayor I would have thought he would have found it easier to do that and taken them out already but whatever. Can't deny he still has a pretty good case as to why the Ghostbusters should be shut down, just as he did in the original movie for environmental reasons.
The characters of Lucky Domingo and Podcast are back and serve no real purpose (other than ticking diversity boxes?). Callie and Trevor Spengler are back and do nothing despite being core characters, bizarrely. Janine Melnitz returns just to suit up in a Ghostbusters jumpsuit (for the fans of the cartoon?). Finally apparent new Ghostbuster Dr. Lars Pinfield pops up seemingly out of nowhere yet has his own black Ghostbusters jumpsuit, black Ghostbusters vehicle, and STILL manages to not do much. Heck! The one new character that should have had more screen and story time, Kumail the Firemaster, was drowned out by everyone else.
As for the nostalgia factor, look I get that some aspects of the original movies will need to be revisited but once again they go overboard. We've got original 80's breakfast cereal adverts, toy adverts, a clip from the original Ray Parker Jr. Music video, some of the same catchy dialog lifted straight from the original, Venkman utilising his old experiments with Egon's colander, the same NYC library ghost that somehow looks worse than the original, the pointless mini Stay Puft men again, the final scene outside the firehouse is the same from the original, and finally Slimer is back. Ironically I actually thought Slimer looked great this time around and I really wanted to see more of him. Maybe a prequel movie about Slimer's origins, who he was in life, how he died and became the disgusting green blob.
Overall despite what I've said I did find this outing relatively acceptable. It was certainly more interesting and engaging than the last dull offering set on a farm. It did feel more like a live-action adaptation of an episode of 'The Real Ghostbusters' which isn't necessarily a bad thing, I can dig it, but maybe they should have reigned it in just a tad. In general despite all their efforts the movie still felt small in scale and had the look of being shot entirely on sets. They really didn't capture New York City like the first two movies did which is a really glaring error frankly. How can you not take advantage of NYC? It's odd, it's like the folks behind this franchise (including original stars) still don't quite get how it works or how to fully make the most of its rich material. Third times a charm?
Nostalgia, Ice and Fire, Still Not Enough
SAMTHEBESTEST26 April 2024
Ghostbusters Frozen Empire (2024) :
Movie Review -
Ghostbusters Frozen Empire Review: The team of Ghostbusters Afterlife reunites for the sequel, Ghostbusters Frozen Empire, adding ice and fire to it but lacking soul. Even though it is the story of soul-stealing, it still doesn't find its own soul. God knows from where the idea of recreating some of the locational scenes came, but it worked on the positive side. This sequel has a few surprises that are pleasant, but it's hurt by its overanalysing gesture. As expected, the finale comes to the rescue, which was anyway supposed to provide a visual treat. It does that part very well, though. Well, there is less freezing and less use of fire, which is an underwhelming thing to experience. On the soft side, it did manage to leave us with a slight touch of nostalgia.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is set three years after the events of Ghostbusters: Afterlife, as the old gang is joined by a couple of new members. Sadly, Callie (Carrie Coon) benches underage but her best Spangler, Phoebe (Mckenna Grace), to appease the opponent, and the rest of the gang continues to bust ghosts. During her boredom, Phoebe befriends a girl ghost, Melody (Emily Alyn Lind), who beats her at chess. However, Phoebe isn't aware of Melody's actual plan, which is to help Garraka in exchange for her free pass to the afterlife. Phoebe is fooled, and Garraka overpowers them all and arrives in style to take over the entire world. Therefore, the veteran ghostbusters must join forces with their new recruits to save the world.
The idea is generally predictable, as we have the same old methods of catching ghosts, and then someone's coming to destroy the world. Not just that, but even a practical presentation is dated too. The same car, the same Spangler, the same weapons, and the same locations too. We do have brass coming in as a new thing, but you'll see in the climax that it did not really help. "What's the worst part about being a ghost?" asks Phoebe, to which Melody replies, "I'll forever be 16." Well, that's typically girlish. But wait, the next moment is all that ghostly stuff when Phoebe asks, "And what's the best part?" and Melody just says, "Doing this." And disappears. Bang on humour, I must say. I wish they had added some more funny lines like this and intrigued us. Frozen Empire's villain is one such improvement that beats many previous films, but sadly, it appears in the last quarter of the narrative, giving us very little chance of becoming acquainted with it. The Firemaster comes with the same old theories you have seen in MCU and DCU movies for more than a decade.
Frozen Empire has a big cast, but teenager Mckenna Grace walks away with the maximum screen space and best screen presence. Emily Alyn Lind, aka Melody, wasn't there for a long time but has left a solid impact-i.e., more than many leading cast members. Paul Rudd and Carrie Coon could hardly find any scenes to stand out. Finn Wolfhard attempts to catch eyeballs, but it is Kumail Nanjiani who gets the eyeballs. No director wastes Bill Murray like this. That's a terrible injustice to his persona and the character we know from the beginning of the Ghostbusters franchise. Dan Aykroyd still had that one shot left, while Ernie Hudson suited up in old jam alright.
Eric Steelberg's cinematography takes you back to those frames of Ivan Reitman's 1984 blockbuster. The ending sequence is pretty similar to Reitman's evergreen flick. However, the unenthusiastic screenplay and dull dialogue fail to match the "Who you gonna call?" magic here. The visual effects are good in the finale episode and pretty decent otherwise. Nathan Orloff and Shane Reid cut a close to 2-hour film that lags in the middle and doesn't move forward. They could have trimmed 15 minutes here and there to make it gripping. The sound design, production value, and sets seemed okay for the time, in case you were expecting something mind-blowing. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is pretty much in the same zone as Gil Kenan's last Christmas comedy as far as entertainment for different age groups is concerned. Here he had to do a little fan service, and he did that fine. It's modern storytelling and new ideas that seemed missing. Nevertheless, Kenan doesn't bore you to death like others do. Frozen Empire is fairly entertaining in that sense, but a little lower considering the burden of reviving the franchise.
RATING - 5/10*
Ghostbusters Frozen Empire Review: The team of Ghostbusters Afterlife reunites for the sequel, Ghostbusters Frozen Empire, adding ice and fire to it but lacking soul. Even though it is the story of soul-stealing, it still doesn't find its own soul. God knows from where the idea of recreating some of the locational scenes came, but it worked on the positive side. This sequel has a few surprises that are pleasant, but it's hurt by its overanalysing gesture. As expected, the finale comes to the rescue, which was anyway supposed to provide a visual treat. It does that part very well, though. Well, there is less freezing and less use of fire, which is an underwhelming thing to experience. On the soft side, it did manage to leave us with a slight touch of nostalgia.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is set three years after the events of Ghostbusters: Afterlife, as the old gang is joined by a couple of new members. Sadly, Callie (Carrie Coon) benches underage but her best Spangler, Phoebe (Mckenna Grace), to appease the opponent, and the rest of the gang continues to bust ghosts. During her boredom, Phoebe befriends a girl ghost, Melody (Emily Alyn Lind), who beats her at chess. However, Phoebe isn't aware of Melody's actual plan, which is to help Garraka in exchange for her free pass to the afterlife. Phoebe is fooled, and Garraka overpowers them all and arrives in style to take over the entire world. Therefore, the veteran ghostbusters must join forces with their new recruits to save the world.
The idea is generally predictable, as we have the same old methods of catching ghosts, and then someone's coming to destroy the world. Not just that, but even a practical presentation is dated too. The same car, the same Spangler, the same weapons, and the same locations too. We do have brass coming in as a new thing, but you'll see in the climax that it did not really help. "What's the worst part about being a ghost?" asks Phoebe, to which Melody replies, "I'll forever be 16." Well, that's typically girlish. But wait, the next moment is all that ghostly stuff when Phoebe asks, "And what's the best part?" and Melody just says, "Doing this." And disappears. Bang on humour, I must say. I wish they had added some more funny lines like this and intrigued us. Frozen Empire's villain is one such improvement that beats many previous films, but sadly, it appears in the last quarter of the narrative, giving us very little chance of becoming acquainted with it. The Firemaster comes with the same old theories you have seen in MCU and DCU movies for more than a decade.
Frozen Empire has a big cast, but teenager Mckenna Grace walks away with the maximum screen space and best screen presence. Emily Alyn Lind, aka Melody, wasn't there for a long time but has left a solid impact-i.e., more than many leading cast members. Paul Rudd and Carrie Coon could hardly find any scenes to stand out. Finn Wolfhard attempts to catch eyeballs, but it is Kumail Nanjiani who gets the eyeballs. No director wastes Bill Murray like this. That's a terrible injustice to his persona and the character we know from the beginning of the Ghostbusters franchise. Dan Aykroyd still had that one shot left, while Ernie Hudson suited up in old jam alright.
Eric Steelberg's cinematography takes you back to those frames of Ivan Reitman's 1984 blockbuster. The ending sequence is pretty similar to Reitman's evergreen flick. However, the unenthusiastic screenplay and dull dialogue fail to match the "Who you gonna call?" magic here. The visual effects are good in the finale episode and pretty decent otherwise. Nathan Orloff and Shane Reid cut a close to 2-hour film that lags in the middle and doesn't move forward. They could have trimmed 15 minutes here and there to make it gripping. The sound design, production value, and sets seemed okay for the time, in case you were expecting something mind-blowing. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is pretty much in the same zone as Gil Kenan's last Christmas comedy as far as entertainment for different age groups is concerned. Here he had to do a little fan service, and he did that fine. It's modern storytelling and new ideas that seemed missing. Nevertheless, Kenan doesn't bore you to death like others do. Frozen Empire is fairly entertaining in that sense, but a little lower considering the burden of reviving the franchise.
RATING - 5/10*
Not that exciting
Rene_W_Feuerlein29 March 2024
For me if I really like a movie, coming out of the theater I'm like "Great movie, can't wait to see that again, definitely buying the disc when it's released". Well this movie was not one of them! Like the previous installment, it's just mediocre, not that exciting, thrilling, or even funny, kind of boring actually. Not even the inclusion of Bill Murray and Dan Akroyd can make this movie interesting or much more funny to really make a difference. The only thing that keep this movie from being too boring though, is Kumail Nanjiani who I think is hilarious in everything, movie and TV-Show, I've seen him in, and to a lesser extend Paul Rudd.
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