Who are you gonna call? I have no idea anymore. When the first Ghostbusters film hit cinemas in 1984, the film was always known for its one-liners and clever jokes, but don’t forget that many found the original Ghostbusters film very frighting and scary.
In 1989 Ghostbusters 2 finally surfaced, but as you expect, it was no match for the first film. Many claimed that the plot of the second film was a big drawback. Twenty-seven years passed in which there was always talk of a third film with the key actors returning or even discussions on a new male cast to take over.
Going into the film, I didn’t have any hate towards the film or significant concerns. When the announcement finally came to the world that Paul Feig (director of The Heat, Spy & Bridesmaids) would be not only directing but also changing the gender and direction of Ghostbusters, the world went a little mad and crazy. The director has made some successful comedy films, but the four leads for this reboot are four very talented ladies.
The film starts with a ghost invasion. It introduces us to the new paranormal enthusiasts Erin, Abby, and Jillian, who are excited to investigate the real first experience they have always had and are prepared for. With more and more paranormal sightings occurring, our heroes see an opportunity to rise and help the city. Joining the team is our fourth Ghostbuster, “Patty”, and the Ghostbusters receptionist Kevin (Christ Hemsworth).
In no way, shape or form does this film acknowledge the previous Ghostbusters films or its characters. This film is simply a reboot. Those who know the previous Ghostbusters films are graced with several hidden appearances from the original Ghostbuster actors (I counted five). While some performances are fun, they could have been used creatively instead of randomly popping up.
What do I think of our new Ghostbusters crew? As we’ve seen in many films, we have the same actresses pulling out feeble, cheesy jokes. Sometimes the gags do not work, and the joke goes on and on- like the Ghostbuster who gets slimed on or steps on slime, or the Ghostbuster who continuously receives her take-out order incorrectly and argues with the delivery man multiple times. The worst joke in the film is when someone says, “Let the cat out of the bag,” only to have the movie divert into two Ghostbusters questioning how it’s even possible. The jokes fall flat to the point the film might as well be called something else. Most of the film’s humour is brilliantly delivered by Kevin (Chris Hemsworth), the man who doesn’t have glass in his glasses simply because he got sick and tired of cleaning the glass. Funny but still very cheesy.
While a viewer may expect that when a scary ghost appears, people would be worried or freak out when these Ghostbusters see a scary Ghost you can expect poor jokes as they stand still instead of running or worse- a Ghostbuster deciding to eat Pringles while watching her friend talk to a Ghost.
It’s no surprise that this reboot had big shoes to fill. Overall, being scared of Ghosts and adding perfectly well-time humour is something the previous films did well. Some viewers do not like the idea of the male characters in this film being either mean or incredibly dumb. This didn’t get me down during the movie. The film’s plot and the main villain are also forgettable. The film also tries to introduce new creative weapons to the point that our heroes are disappointing.
Ghosts, not capturing them.
4.9/10
19th November 2016
Written by Peter Walkden
WALKDEN ENTERTAINMENT
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