If something’s strange in your neighborhood, who are you gonna call? Well, if multiple franchises have anything to say about it, the answer is Paul Rudd. The lovably quippy, long-running franchise mainstay returns this week with Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. The franchise blasted back onto to screens in 2021 and effectively tapped into a lighthearted generational nostalgia. Will the good luck continue this time around? Or does this film have no… purpose?
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire continues the Spengler family’s story after the events of Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Having recently relocated to a certain famous firehouse in Manhattan, they have learned to embrace the family business. However, everything from ancient demons to Walter Peck (William Atherton) seems to be standing in their way. McKenna Grace, Carrie Coon, Paul Rudd and Finn Wolfhard co-star in the movie. Gil Kenan directs the film from a script he co-wrote with Jason Reitman.
I stand here as a Ghostbusters fan dating back to before I can even remember. As such, this film is a challenge to watch with a film critic hat on. This newest work, like its predecessor Ghostbusters: Afterlife, is a nostalgic love letter to the much-loved series.
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In fact, this film stands firmly on the shoulders of the memories and nostalgia so many of us have for the 1984 feature. Original stars Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson and Annie Potts return and play larger roles this time around. Heck, even Bill Murray graces audiences with his presence.
At the same time, the reference game is solid here. Many more familiar faces return this time around, both living, non-living and non-human. And it is this element that probably gave yours truly the most joy. Dan Aykroyd, in particular, is having a blast, but it’s stellar to see certain other faces back, even if they are a bit computer-generated.
Venturing beyond the nostalgia though, the film shows some signs of wear and tear. Unfortunately, as is the Hollywood way, the script has evidently been popped into the franchise generator. This has the effect of making it easy, inoffensive, and perfect for family viewing.
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Now, this can be a good thing. However, it also has the added consequence of beating out any shred of depth and personality. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire feels like Jason Reitman sat down to watch Ghostbusters and ended up absorbing a Marvel movie through osmosis. Perhaps the presence of Paul Rudd and Kumail Nanjiani also has something to do with that…
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is fun and likable, bolstered by charismatic performances from the likes of Paul Rudd, Dan Aykroyd and McKenna Grace. However, beyond the nostalgic joy and the fun performances we’re so familiar with, we’re left with little more than quippy fluff.
The film seems particularly stumped on how to bring Phoebe (Grace) into this new world. Despite the young actors’ best efforts, Grace struggles to overcome not only a thankless arc but also a romantic plotline that the script is intent on keeping at arm’s length. Grace can’t seem to break free of the restrictive narrative.
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The same can be said for Paul Rudd who is once again partnered with Carrie Coon as their character’s relationship has progressed to an… undefined gray area. Rudd shows some real flashes of beautiful vulnerability as Gary struggles with how to move from “that guy dating their Mom” to being a Father. However, it’s truly unfortunate that it’s largely just flashes.
Ultimately, the movie struggles to overcome the script. The film makes a common franchise error in basing the “A” storyline on completely new lore. This results in multiple times when the narrative must stop cold to set it up only to result in another big giant demon with horns. Why is this such a popular villain archetype? Ghostbusters: Afterlife was special because it plotted out its lore to match the 1984 film. It’s not always necessary to reinvent the wheel.
When all is said and done, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire stumbles under the weight of expectations. While it is such a joy to see some of these characters reunite, the film struggles to keep the new story moving forward. If this is the case, should these remakes really continue? That said, the nostalgia is fun, easy and it’s good to see Peter, Ray, Winston, Janine and heck, even Dickless together again.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire opens in theaters around the country on March 22, 2024.
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