Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire emerges as an ambitious and delightfully chaotic addition to the iconic franchise, serving up a concoction of nostalgia, humor, and spectral mayhem. Directed by Gil Kenan and penned by Jason Reitman, this movie casts an array of characters, blending both familiar and fresh faces, in the midst of a snowy Manhattan under siege by supernatural forces.
At its core, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is a celebration of the franchise’s rich history, weaving together elements from both the original 1984 blockbuster and the recent Ghostbusters: Afterlife spinoff. Familiar faces such as Bill Murray’s Peter Venkman and Dan Aykroyd’s Ray Stantz make welcome returns, alongside a new generation of Ghostbusters, including the eccentric Phoebe (Mckenna Grace) and her eclectic band of allies.
The film plunges viewers into the action, with a bustling firehouse serving as the hub for a motley crew of ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts. From there, the plot hurtles through a whirlwind of ghostly encounters, familial dynamics, and comedic antics, all set against the backdrop of a city in the grip of an otherworldly deep freeze.
The strength of Frozen Empire lies in its willingness to fully embrace the absurdity of its premise, delivering a relentless barrage of supernatural shenanigans and off-the-wall humor. From miniature marshmallow men wreaking havoc to demons patronizing vape shops, the movie revels in its own brand of irreverent nonsense, keeping audiences guessing and chuckling in equal measure.
While the plot may feel overstuffed at times, with subplots that wander and characters that come and go like specters in the night, the film’s charm lies in its sheer audacity. Each scene unfolds with the chaotic energy of a fever dream, propelled by a cast of talented performers who imbue their characters with wit, warmth, and a healthy dose of eccentricity.
Mckenna Grace shines as the geeky yet endearing Phoebe, anchoring the film with her quirky charm and magnetic screen presence. Whether she’s unraveling arcane mysteries or forging unlikely alliances with spectral beings, Grace infuses her character with a sense of curiosity and wonder that is impossible to resist.
Ultimately, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire may not be the most coherent or tightly plotted entry in the franchise, but it more than makes up for it with its irrepressible spirit and boundless imagination. In a cinematic landscape dominated by sequels and reboots, this film stands out as a gleefully weird and wonderfully entertaining ride that is sure to leave audiences laughing and cheering for more. Strap in, grab your proton pack, and get ready for a ghostbusting adventure like no other!
Photo courtesy of PRINTERVAL
