- March 27th, 2024, 3:17 pm#4995622(Apologies for how long this is. XD)
I don't think I've ever seen a film so poorly judged by critics who claim to have watched it, since it feels like they missed 90% of the film.
*This* is a Ghostbusters film. It's funny, exciting, and heartfelt. The cast excels in this film, some more so than in Afterlife, such as Paul Rudd and Carrie Coon, who have a much better opportunity to showcase both their romantic and comedic chemistry in this film, since they don't have to spend the last part of the film as terror dogs.
Despite what many say, the OG cast was on top of their game. Ernie Hudson acting as basically the boss of the Ghostbusters feels like such a fitting part, seeing as how much of his character was cut from the 1984 film. Aykroyd remains one of the coolest people in the GB universe, moving through the film with as much techno-babble and cheeky smiles that made him the lovable character he always has been. Murray, though in the film less so than his counterparts, makes the most of his time. The interrogation scene where he throws the pens at Kumail's character is pure, unadulterated Venkman. He hasn't lost a beat, so I'm confused why so many feel like Murray didn't wanna be in this film. Murray was always very clear if he didn't want to be in a GB film (thus why we didn't see a return of Venkman until 2021). Also, seeing Janine finally don a flight suit and a badass compact particle thrower was insanely cool.
Speaking of Kumail, the Firemasters is easily one of the most interesting story ideas for this universe that I've heard, and I'd love to see more. The additions of Kumail, Patton, and James are wholly welcome as they each make their mark in the film excellently. Whether it's Kumail's slow, squeaky ride down the firepole in full brass armor, Patton delivering one of the funniest lines I've heard in a long time involving Mary Todd Lincoln, or James' Egon-esque deadpan delivery, they all proved to be fantastic in their debut.
Onto the big bad, Garraka. Intriguing, pretty scary, perhaps not as iconic as Gozer or Vigo, yet a serviceable villain that is actually really cool. Plus, extra cool points for his ability to freeze a proton stream. If anything, the real villain is ol' Dickless himself, (now mayor of New York) Walter Peck. Seemingly aware of the reality of the paranormal (perhaps getting 50 gallons of marshmallow dumped on him changed his mind), he still is determined to shut down the Ghostbusters for good, something Phoebe refuses to take lying down. At least, until it appears that supporting the team is good for his PR, so his tune seems to change by the end of the film.
One of the more unusual, yet interesting aspects of the film is Phoebe's relationship with a ghost named Melody, an eternally-16 victim of a house fire she inadvertently caused. Her last exchange with Phoebe where Melody gives Phoebe her matchbook as a memento just before becoming one with the universe was actually kind of a nice character moment.
Is it perfect? No, but since when is that requirement of moviegoing? Nothing will beat the original, but it shouldn't have to be beat. Plus, there's a kind of magic in seeing kids become enthralled in something that came long before them, yet still captures their imagination.
All opinions are valid, but one can't help but feel like some of the criticisms of this film are misplaced. Overall, this will be a very fun re-watch.