Three paranormal scientists reluctantly come together to form a group that investigates and ultimately ends up catching ghosts during an increasing upturn in spiritual manifestations. The women are joined by an MTA worker who adds a knowledge of New York City that helps the group out. They run into a few roadblocks along the way, but eventually find out about a plot to unleash a myriad of ghosts upon the city. They are the only ones equipped to stop it, if they can get to the cause on time!
Cast
Who will like this
Well....it's been over 30 years since the Original "Ghostbuster" was a Summer Blockbuster. But fans of the original will still want to check it out, as well as their kids who may have grown up hearing their parents recite some memorable lines from it. The Millennials, especially young women, will be drawn to the prospect of the talents of the cast. As well as a good special effects disposable movie to just sit back and enjoy.
Phantom Thoughts
Buckle up, kids. It's gonna be a bumpy ride in the Ecto-1.
If you're a faithful Phantom Phollower....you already know my love of the original Ghostbusters. If not, you can get some background on my post here: Ghostbusters 30th anniversary Blog . So, that being said, I may be a bit more critical on this one. To be fair though, I have had a few friends who went to see it and their impression of it was going in not expecting much, but coming away saying it was funny and enjoyable to them.
I'll say this...if this had been a sequel instead of a reboot, I would have enjoyed this a HECK of a lot more. In my opinion, sometimes you just don't have to reboot a movie (like in the case of Willy Wonka- which was just horrible) , and sometimes it is necessary (as in the case of The Incredible Hulk- where the Edward Norton reboot was so much better than the Eric Bana disaster).
I understand Paul Feig's reasons for doing it. he wanted to re-introduce the franchise to a new audience. To bring them through a journey of these new characters in an environment that is not familiar with ghosts invading NYC, as a sequel would have been. But even though they wanted this to be it's own movie, it was PACKED with references and nods to the 1984 film. Not to mention cameos from almost EVERY actor from that movie. Including a bust of the late, great Harold Ramis seen outside Kristen Wiig's office early on in the movie.
The above mentioned references are way too many to mention. But, I will mention that the ghosts Slimer and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man are back to cause havoc with the new team. You can see the new Ecto-1 in the trailers which is very similar to Dan Aykroyd's Ecto-1. The theme song has been re-done, but Ray Parker Jr's is still featured throughout. And remember all those "memorable lines" I pointed out that parents may be reciting to their kids? Yeah.....they're all in there....sometimes multiple times. This reboot just didn't want to be a reboot. It wanted to BE Ghostbusters. But it was only a ghost of the original. (Too corny? Nah....)
I also have to say...I was extremely disappointed with the second trailer that came out for this movie. Let me refresh your memory:
So why was I so pissed about his? Because as I stated on my Facebook page months ago (Not a fan of that page? Why not? Go follow me now! Film Phantom Facebook Page ) I stated that I think I had figured out the plot of the movie from it. And you know what? I was right. That annoys the shit out of me. I almost didn't watch it just based on that fact alone.
There were a few bright spots in this slime covered mess. First off, props to Leslie Jones for doing what a lot of us wanted to do for a long time.....slap the shit out of Melissa McCarthy for making un-funny comedies for years now.
And Chris Hemsworth as the 'Himbo", eye candy receptionist. A little over the top at times, but he still has some funny lines and good moments that shine through.
But the under-rated star of this one without a doubt is Kate McKinnon . Her portrayal of the Egon Spengler role, "Dr. Jillian Holtzmann" had a mad scientist vibe that was entertaining and funny. She had the best lines by far. Her quirkiness mixed with wise-ass attitude is a winning combination.
Plus, there was good banter/funny lines thrown about during the final battle scene.
I can't really say stay until the end of the credits, because you really can't help it. A little bit like "Ferris Bueller's Day Off", the movie kinda continues through them. But the final end credit scene sets up the next movie of course....and surprise, surprise....SPOILER....it seems like the carbon copy of the original one will continue as we hear Jones ask the crew after listening to an EVP, "What's Zuul?"
Ahhh well....
Until next time, see you in the center seat!
