Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)

 

"Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" bursts onto the screen like Slimer at an all-you-can-eat buffet—overflowing with nostalgia, new characters, and more plot twists than you can shake a proton pack at.

Director Gil Kenan takes the helm in this sequel, managing to wrangle the chaos of the supernatural world while also juggling a cast of characters thicker than ectoplasm. And while the film attempts to strike a balance between honoring the past and blazing a new trail, it's like trying to catch a ghost with a butterfly net—entertaining, but not always effective.

The OG Ghostbusters return, with Bill Murray delivering his signature dry wit, Dan Aykroyd spouting scientific jargon faster than you can say "ectoplasmic residue," and Ernie Hudson serving up doses of wisdom like a spectral sage. Annie Potts also makes a welcome return as the sassy Janine, proving that ghostbusting never goes out of style.

But alongside our seasoned specter-slayers are the fresh faces of the Spengler family, led by Carrie Coon's Callie and her science-savvy daughter, Phoebe (played with gusto by Mckenna Grace). Finn Wolfhard rounds out the family dynamic as the perpetually annoyed Trevor, who probably wishes he were back in the Upside Down.

Of course, no Ghostbusters movie would be complete without Paul Rudd, who trades in his Oklahoma science teacher hat for a proton pack as the newest member of the team. Together, they zip around New York City in the iconic Ecto-1, chasing ghosts and cracking jokes like it's their day job—which, let's face it, it kinda is.

But amidst the chaos of battling ancient evils and thwarting ice ages, the film gets bogged down in its own mythology, leaving viewers scratching their heads like Winston Zeddemore at a scientific seminar. And while the visual effects are top-notch, the story often feels as convoluted as a ghost trapped in a haunted house.

Yet amid the chaos, there are moments of brilliance, like Patton Oswalt's scene-stealing cameo as an ancient language expert and the unexpected chemistry between Phoebe and a teenage ghost named Melody. It's a shame the film doesn't fully commit to their flirtation, but hey, who said ghostbusting was all about romance?

In the end, "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" is like a proton pack on overload—explosive, exhilarating, and just a tad bit overwhelming. So grab your ghost traps and get ready for a wild ride. Just don't forget to watch out for those pesky Stay-Puft Marshmallow Men—they may be small, but they sure know how to cause a big mess.