Growing up, there was this bunch of movies that really shaped my love for cinema. One of those gems was the late, great Ivan Reitman’s iconic Ghostbusters. Ever since then, it’s been securely nestled in my top 5 favorite films of all time and holds a special place in my heart. So, you can imagine my disappointment when a sequel that could match its brilliance never materialized.
Fast forward 37 years from the release of the 1984 classic, Jason Reitman finally answered the call with Ghostbusters: Afterlife. This film, like The Force Awakens and Creed, easily slipped into my list of favorite “soft reboots/sequels” in recent years by splashing nostalgia all over the big screen.
Given the success of Afterlife, it was no surprise when a sequel got the green light. This time around, Reitman handed over the reins of directing to his co-writer Gil Kenan. Those keys took the Ecto-1 back to the firehouse and the streets of New York City in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
If you ever wondered what a live-action version of The Real Ghostbusters animated series might look like, Frozen Empire is the answer. It relies less on nostalgia and more on the familial dynamic, paving the way for new fans with its chilling laughs, adventure, and, of course, ghostbustin’, even if it falls short of capturing the lightning in a bottle feel of the original 1984 classic.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire returns the series to New York as the Spengler family and good ol’ Gary Grooberson leave Summerville, Oklahoma, and take shelter at the Ghostbusters Firehouse. With that move comes the job of busting ghosts in New York City, and the group is up for the task. When a new entity threatens a second ice age, the Spenglers and some old friends must join forces to put an end to their frosty foe.
Director/Writer Gil Kenan and Jason Reitman’s screenplay shift focus from the Afterlife script, aiming to reestablish the adventurous feel of Ghostbusters. While Afterlife hinted at a traditional Jason Reitman coming-of-age film nestled within a Ghostbusters tale, Frozen Empire seamlessly integrates humor, action, heart, and, most importantly, bustin’ ghosts.
While Frozen Empire still sprinkles in Easter eggs for die-hard fans, the screenplay truly shines when delving into the dilemmas of each Spengler family member. From Phoebe’s introspective journey into her beliefs about the afterlife to Gary’s endeavor to be not just a friend to the Spengler kids, but a parental figure, the film excels in exploring these grounded yet crucial stakes.
McKenna Grace’s portrayal of Phoebe remains the standout performance, adding new dimensions to her character while embodying the intelligence and dry humor of Egon Spengler. Paul Rudd, ever charismatic, brings depth to his role as Gary, providing laughs and memorable moments. Carrie Coon is as reliable as ever. While Finn Wolfhard takes a backseat in this entry, Logan Kim shines as the comedic highlight among the younger Ghostbusters.
The introduction of new faces isn’t entirely flawless, but seeing Patton Oswalt and Kumail Nanjiani in a Ghostbusters flick was a treat, even if Nanjiani’s character didn’t quite gel with the narrative. Emily Alyn Lind’s Melody stands out among the newcomers, with a satisfying arc and performance.
The old guard remains a focal point of the film, and as expected, they all delivered for these Ghostbusters fans. While Dan Aykroyd is given the most to do this time around, it’s never a dull day when you see Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, and even Annie Potts suit up and bust ghosts.
While the villain may lack depth, resembling more of a “villain of the week” from the animated series, his inclusion answers a long-standing question from the original Ghostbusters: “How do they keep all those ghosts stored in that containment unit?”
In essence, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire doesn’t reinvent the wheel or match the greatness of the 1984 classic. But it does offer a chilling new adventure that will keep fans longing for more from this beloved franchise.
