Upon the release of "Ghostbusters: Afterlife," we approached the film with skepticism. While it introduced intriguing characters, it ultimately fell short in justifying the revival of the franchise. "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" not only doubles down on the elements the first film attempted to accomplish, but unfortunately, these are the very aspects that troubled us before. While it deepens the nostalgia and connection to its 80s predecessors, and the integration of old and new characters is even more prominent this time around, the film may only resonate with die-hard fans of the original series. For others, delving into "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" might feel like exploring an empire not worth rediscovering.
The return of the Spengler family to the iconic New York City firehouse, once used by the original Ghostbusters, brings a sense of familiarity. Surprisingly, the original Ghostbusters, through Winston's financial backing and influence, have established a top-secret research lab to modernize ghost-handling techniques. However, the discovery of an ancient brass orb unleashes an evil force, compelling both old and new Ghostbusters to unite in protecting their home and saving the world.
At its core, "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" offers moments of entertainment. It's not a terrible film by any means, serving as an acceptable addition to the franchise. Yet, it fails to achieve anything particularly remarkable. Striving to appeal to both old and new audiences, it ends up mastering neither. The film's downfall lies primarily in its narrative ambition. With multiple storylines unfolding simultaneously, the film struggles to develop or resolve them in a satisfying manner. Nevertheless, there are bright spots within "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire." The visual effects were great and the humor had as laughing more than we could have expected. Performances by Dan Aykroyd, Mckenna Grace, and Kumail Nanjiani shine amidst the limitations of the writing and script. Despite their captivating portrayals, "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" may signal the end of this franchise revival, as it never rises above lukewarm reception.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Movie Review: Frozen Shut
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