Ghostbusters
Directed by Paul Feig
Starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, Chris Hemsworth, Cecily Strong, Andy Garcia, and Neil Casey.
Backstory
I’d been reading about a third Ghostbusters movie online for years. But, as the years went on, I began to agree that some kind of reboot would probably be the better way to go, as the memory of the first film fell into the past. It was strange as the release of this film drew closer. Never had I seen a film that so many people were primed to hate. Me? I remained cautiously optimistic. Lots of good people were working on the film…but would it translate into a good film?
Plot
Dr. Erin Gilbert, a prestigious physicist, is about to make tenure at her university, when a ghost from her past comes back to haunt her: a book she wrote with her friend and colleague Dr. Abby Yates about the possibilities of the paranormal. Erin goes to confront Abby about the book and have her stop selling it, but soon Erin is swept up with Abby and her new colleague Jillian Holtzmann as they investigate a ghost sighting. Once again convinced that ghosts are real, Erin, Abby, and Jillian form their own scientific research firm to hunt them down. They’re soon joined by Patty Tolan, a history buff whose knowledge of New York’s haunted spots soon becomes a valuable asset, and Kevin, their brainless receptionist. As they investigate various ghost sightings, they soon discover someone is planting devices all over New York to attract ghost activity. Will these Ghostbusters get to the bottom of the mystery of these devices? Will Erin and Abby ever be able to mend fences?
What I Liked
Kate McKinnon as Jillian Holtzmann steals the show. As the team’s engineer and designer of most of the equipment, she has just the right amount of mad scientist charm to make her one of the most delightfully odd characters I’ve seen in a long time. I was also looking forward to Leslie Jones, as she’s one of the funniest people on Saturday Night Live right now, and she does not disappoint. I loved the special effects, and seeing the updated versions of the classic gear. And there are many, many Easter Eggs to Ghostbusters lore.
What I Didn’t Like
The many, many Easter Eggs to Ghostbusters lore were a tad distracting. For example, I kept wondering when Sigourney Weaver was going to show up for her cameo, as I knew it was coming! And, as with all sequels and remakes, you know the plot, so you know what’s coming.
Final Verdict
I am pleasantly surprised at how much I loved it. It’s a good update of the Ghostbusters formula, with just enough new twists to keep things interesting.