500 Days Of Film Reviews Ghostbusters Starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones and Chris Hemsworth
Following the appearance of a ghost at an old house in New York, paranormal scientists Erin Gilbert (Wiig) and Abby Yates (McCarthy) together with nuclear engineer Jillian Holtzmann (McKinnon) are called in to investigate.
As more apparitions start to appear, they are joined by ex-subway worker and knowledgeable New Yorker, Patty Tolan (Jones).
Together, the four women form the Ghostbusters - ably (or, often, not so ably) aided by their receptionist, Kevin (Chris Hemsworth).
Can they save their city from impending paranormal apocalypse?
Is It Any Good?
I was a little nervous going in to watch director Paul Feig’s Ghostbusters reboot.
His film has certainly attracted controversy (its first trailer became the most disliked YouTube video in history) and the original Ghostbusters movie is a tough act to follow.
I am, therefore, happy to report that this film is a complete blast. I laughed a lot and loved all four of 2016’s new ghostbusters.
Of course, no amount of praise will sway some of the interweb’s so-called Ghostbros.
They made up their minds about Ghostbusters before the film was even released and it is pointless to try to change their views. Their reaction to the film (and to the journalists that give it a positive review) really tells you all you need to know.
So, okay, this new film is not for them. That is just fine. The original still exists and they can watch that as many times as they like.
Still, the amount of vitriol leveled at Feig's new ghostbusters is hard to reconcile with the warm, engaging characters that I saw on screen. Together they deliver their sparky one liners with wonderful energy and comic timing.
Sure, this is in no way a perfect film. There is some rather jarring editing (particularly at the start), the big bad is a little underwhelming and the ending is somewhat messy.
However, the film is at its most enjoyable when the ghostbusters are together - riffing off one another. McCarthy and Wiig have great comedy chemistry, Jones is hilarious and Hemsworth gets some laugh out loud himbo gags.
Meanwhile, Kate McKinnon steals every scene - Holtzmann is already an iconic figure I feel.
Melissa McCarthy is quoted as saying that she doesn’t want the movie to be compared with the original.
This is largely impossible as the new film refers to the 1984 version throughout. There are cheeky visual gags and a whole bunch of original cast cameos - most of them pretty amusing and used effectively.
However, I didn’t find myself comparing new with old. This is because there is space for the two to exist - and exist amicably.
Is It Scary?
I remember seeing the original Ghostbusters at the cinema. I was ten and the jump scare (in the library) at the beginning of the film frightened the life out of me. I still have to steel myself for that moment all these years later.
Ghostbusters 2016 also starts with a scare that could well upset smaller children. There are then a handful of other jump scares that may well prove too much for some viewers*.
I would highly recommend Ghostbusters - it is a thoroughly entertaining movie full of fun, warmth and laughter.
It is also so refreshing to see a female led blockbuster - let's hope that portal is left open for many, many more.
Random Observations
*The BBFC warns of “jump moments and loud screams, as well as different types of ghosts such as monsters with skeleton faces and red eyes”.
Have you seen Ghostbusters?
If so, what did you think of this movie? Let me know by leaving a comment in the box below!