Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire ~ Good Film?

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire follows the theme and the footsteps of the original Ghostbusters (1984) film. In fact, it is the latest US film that traces its roots to a successful Hollywood film franchise. And, just to refresh your memories, a few decades ago, the original film captured the hearts of its fans after its release.

So, with this 2024 film, its makers have tried hard to recreate and recapture the timeless magic of the original. Now, the big question is, whether this film is the worthy successor of the original. Well, keep reading to find out.

Fun-Filled Trip Down Memory Lane For Avid Ghostbusters Fans

Spoiler Free Review of the Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024) Movie

The introduction

As we hinted earlier, the “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” (2024) movie is based on the “Ghostbusters” (1984) movie. Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis wrote the original 1984 film. And Ivan Reitman directed that original Ghostbuster film. So, this film is a heartfelt tribute to the late Ivan Reitman, the original director of the first two movies. Notably, Ivan Reitman passed away on February 12, 2022. However, before his demise in February 2022, the makers of this movie informed him about this movie. In fact, Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021), a film from Sony Pictures, was helmed by director Jason Reitman, the son of Ivan Reitman.

Both the writers – Gil Kenan and Jason Reitman took the initiative to guide the franchise’s original director Ivan Reitman through their comprehensive pitch, and he graciously granted his approval. Furthermore, this 2024 film was launched 40 years after the original movie, and 35 years after the first sequel. Interestingly, it aligns with the 100th anniversary of Columbia Pictures and the 10th anniversary of Harold Ramis’ passing.

What did we like in this film?

After the 2021 film, the latest 2024 film spells out that the fresh recruits of the Ghostbusters team are here to stay. Therefore, the Spengler family consisting of Carrie Coon (Callie Spengler), Finn Wolfhard (Trevor Spengler), Mckenna Grace (Phoebe Spengler) and Paul Rudd (Gary Grooberson) are back in New York to fight the most powerful set of ghosts. Thankfully, in their endeavour, they will be actively guided and assisted by the OGs.

One of the Unique Selling Points (USPs) is that we see the original actors from the earlier Ghostbusters movies. As all of these actors reprise their earlier roles – Ernie Hudson (Winston Zeddemore), Bill Murray (Peter Venkman), Dan Aykroyd (Ray Stantz), Annie Potts (Janine Melnitz), Patton Oswalt (Dr. Hubert Wartzki), etc. For the Ghostbusters’ ardent fans like us, it was a treat to watch all of them onscreen together, one more time.

Then, we were also pleasantly surprised and somewhat excited to see Kumail Nanjiani (Nadeem Razmaadi) play a key role in this Sci-fi film. It is always good to see, someone from our part of the world (the Indian sub-continent) in American movies. As usual, his funny guy act was entertaining. Not to forget, the young actors, like, Celeste O’Connor (Lucky), Logan Kim (Podcast), and Emily Alyn Lind (Melody) played their part well too.

The fact is that its entire ensemble cast did a fine job. We enjoyed watching almost all of them.

What did we not like in this film?

This is the second time that the Ghostbusters fight against a ghost god, Garraka, after Gozer in the Ghostbusters (1984) and Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) movies. So, we were looking forward to the Ghostbusters’ heroic fight against the powerful Ghost army led by the phantom god. This showdown between the Ghostbusters and the Garraka – the phantom god could have been much grander and spic scale. But it was not to be. Somehow, it was anti-climactic for us. In India, we have gotten used to almost three-hour-long movies. As a result, we felt shortchanged. For us, it was as if the film ended, just when things were literally heating up.

The conclusion

Although it has a predictable storyline, we were thoroughly entertained. The special effects looked good, too. We liked the different kinds of Ghosts in the film – Garraka, Slimer, Sewer Dragon, Possessor, etc. Our favourites are Melody and the animated Stay Puft (Mini-Pufts) Marshmallows. It is always a nostalgic experience for us to revisit the modern and contemporary editions of Hollywood’s timeless classic films. In a way, it offers a new and fresh perspective on the classic movies from the past. To conclude, we think it is a good film, enjoy!

Rating of the Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024) Movie

Poster of the Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024) Movie

Key Details of the Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024) Movie

Trailer & Synopsis of the Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024) Movie

The Spengler family returns to where it all started -- the iconic New York City firehouse -- to team up with the original Ghostbusters, who've developed a top-secret research lab to take busting ghosts to the next level. But when the discovery of an ancient artefact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters, new and old, must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age.

You can also check out the YouTube Video - Final Fight Scene | GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE (2024) Movie CLIP HD | JoBlo Movie Clips.

Also, read the FM Review of the We Have A Ghost (2023) Movie in our Focus Magazine.

Posters, Featured and Other Images from the Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024) Film are credited to Columbia Pictures.