Anyone with a pulse and an Internet connection knows the reaction to hype for the new Ghostbusters has been downright polarizing — before the movie even came out! Well, it’s officially in theaters and (unsurprisingly) a lot of the vitriol is unfounded. Detractors may be shocked to learn that the feminist subtext does not work against the narrative.
Paul Feig helms a full-on reboot (still no Ghostbusters 3 outside video games) that’s energetic and invests in its story and characters with a gung-ho cast.
Former paranormal investigator Erin Gilbert (Kristen Wiig) is up for tenure at a local university — trying to become a respected scientist — until a book and former colleague, Abby (Melissa McCarthy), resurface and pull her awkwardly back into the old life. Right away, they and new recruits Holtzmann (the delightful Kate McKinnon), Patty (Leslie Jones), and affably goofy receptionist Kevin (Chris Hemsworth in an amusing turn) plunge knee-deep into a slimy war against vengeful spirits — manipulated by useless little nobody turned megalomaniac Rowan (relative newcomer Neil Casey).
The scenario might be familiar but the script is still witty and comedically on point. Try not to even giggle when Hemsworth is around, especially when he explains in his job interview his pet is a dog named “Mike Hat”; or when Kate McKinnon does or says…anything.
Not a sequel, like so many others, though the requisite CGI-heavy entities and threats are accounted for. But the ghosts are incredibly detailed creations — from a giant green gargoyle to a condemned man put to death by electric chair with powers comparable to Electro.
Nouveau Ghostbusters is set apart from this year’s pack of retreads by keeping displays of effects under control and maintaining focus on the central characters. Even when the climactic armageddon of wormholes and monsters endangering New York hits — a cliche, goes without saying — POV stays fixed on the ghost-hunting gals individually, as they do battle with the preternatural, one-liners and all.
Each of our heroes feels lived in and is genuinely interesting. The best of the bunch are McKinnon as the quirky and charming genius who builds all the gear, possessing a love for the 80’s, and Leslie Jones as a street-savvy New Yorker with connections (and an uncle you’ll recognize).
So you could still sit there and say Ghostbusters didn’t need to be remade, that your childhood didn’t need to be tarnished by Hollywood (again); but this is the most entertaining and well-rounded blockbuster you will see so far this summer. It’s funnier than TMNT: Out of the Shadows; more original than Independence Day: Resurgence; and the jump scares and creature designs are better than Conjuring 2.
Don’t consider it a win for the franchise if you don’t want to, but don’t call it the nadir either.
One more thing: oh, yes, there will be cameos!
