The latest installment in the beloved “Ghostbusters” franchise, titled “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” is a wild ride that packs in more spirits than you can shake a proton pack at. With a mix of old and new characters, this movie is a chaotic and entertaining addition to the 40-year franchise.
The film features four main characters from the original 1984 blockbuster, six characters from the 2021 spinoff “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” and introduces three new occultists along with a variety of ghosts, poltergeists, and miniature marshmallow men. At one point, a dozen or so heroes gather at the old Ghostbusters headquarters in Manhattan to protect a storage trap of ghouls that has become dangerously overcrowded.
Directed by Gil Kenan and written by Kenan and Jason Reitman, “Frozen Empire” explores the idea of letting the dead dematerialize for good, posing the question of whether it’s time to release certain characters from the series. The film follows the story of the estranged daughter of Egon Spengler, Callie, and her children as they navigate the world of ghostbusting in Manhattan.
Despite its overstuffed plot and erratic humor, “Frozen Empire” manages to be an enjoyable barrage of nonsense. Each scene elicits laughs, even if the overall logic of the film feels dreamlike and disjointed. The subplots are hazy and intangible, leaving viewers questioning what is real and what is not.
Mckenna Grace shines as Phoebe, Dr. Spengler’s geeky granddaughter, bringing depth and quirkiness to her character. The film’s nostalgia for the original 1980s comedies is evident, with nods to classic elements like particle streams and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.
Overall, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” is a fun and entertaining addition to the franchise, perfect for fans of the original films. While it may not be a perfect film, it captures the spirit of the series and delivers plenty of laughs along the way. So grab your proton pack and head to the theaters to catch this ghostly adventure.
