Movie Review: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B

A good addition to the Ghostbusters franchise, even if it doesn't reach the heights of the first film or Afterlife. 

Gil Kenan is a strong director with some very good movies to his name (Monster House (2006), City of Ember (2008), A Boy Called Christmas (2021)), however he is not a director that is known for comedy. This personally explains a lot about this movie. While there are some really funny moments here, there are not as many as you might expect from a Ghostbusters film. This was a bit disappointing as I went into a Ghostbusters film expecting to laugh more than I did (though there still were times when I laughed quite a bit). However, this film certainly did a great job in other areas. 

This is a very atmospheric movie. This is felt from the very first scene. The opening scene is legitimately creepy and could have easily been in a horror movie. The whole film in fact has a darker and more sinister feel to it than the previous movies and this works perfectly. This is especially well captured in the scenes in the nighttime and with the ghost girl that Pheobe befriends. From how the scenes are shot and lit, there is a real feeling of foreboding and dread. The scenes with New York are filling up with ice are equally well done and create a sense of suspense. The villain is one of the franchise's best. His design is legitimately creepy and memorable. He also feels like an incredible threat to our experienced ghostbuster heroes. 

While I could almost always see just where the story was going, it was still very well told. Pheobe's character arc is well done, and we always feel an emotional connection with her that makes even the most predictable parts work. 

Of course, this film benefits from a wonderful cast. Everyone in this film is wonderful in their roles from the original Ghostbusters to the new generation of characters. Special praise must be given though to both Dan Akroyd and Mckenna Grace. Mckenna Grace is the real heart of this movie, and she does a wonderful job. Dan Akroyd is simply having the time of his life making this film and that can be felt in every scene he is in. Ernie Hudson also does a great job here with finally not just being the other ghostbuster. Admittedly though this film has too many characters and not all of them on the time to shine that they should have (unfortunately including Bill Murray). 

Also I will say that Slimer feels forced into this movie simply for fanservice. His scenes are neither that funny nor do they add anything to the film. 

While this may not be the best Ghostbuster film, it is still a delightful movie.