“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” is an entry in the 40-year franchise that packs in four main characters from the original 1984 blockbuster, six characters from the 2021 spinoff “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” and three new occultists along with various ghosts, poltergeists, horned phantoms, and miniature marshmallow men. At one point, a dozen heroes convene at the old Ghostbusters headquarters in Manhattan to safeguard a storage trap of ghouls that is overflowing.
Director Gil Kenan, along with Jason Reitman, explores the idea of letting the dead dematerialize for good, prompting the film to question if the fan base is prepared to let go of Bill Murray’s character, Peter Venkman.
The plot revolves around Callie, the estranged daughter of Egon Spengler, her teenage children Phoebe and Trevor, and a new cast of characters joining forces with the original Ghostbusters to battle supernatural threats in Manhattan.
The story continues as the characters from Oklahoma settle in Manhattan, encountering new allies and uncovering dangerous cryptograms. The film showcases a mix of absurdity and humor, veering between dream-like sequences that challenge traditional logic.
Despite its nonsensical nature, “Frozen Empire” manages to entertain with its circus-like charm and quirky characters. Mckenna Grace’s portrayal of Phoebe stands out, hinting at a potential future for the franchise with her captivating performance.
The film navigates through various subplots, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. It pays homage to the classic elements of the Ghostbusters series while adding a refreshing twist to keep audiences amused.
Kenan and Reitman cater to the franchise’s core audience, infusing nostalgia with a hint of modern humor. The film strikes a balance between nostalgia and fresh comedy, capturing the essence of classic 1980s films.
Overall, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” offers a blend of humor, nostalgia, and eerie moments, making it a pleasant watch for fans of the franchise.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Rated PG-13 for language, suggestive references, and Ghostbuster-on-ghost violence. Running time: 2 hours 5 minutes. In theaters.
