The latest installment in the iconic “Ghostbusters” franchise, titled “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” is a chaotic and jam-packed adventure that brings together characters from the original 1984 film, the 2021 spinoff “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” and introduces new occultists and ghosts into the mix.
Directed by Gil Kenan and written by Jason Reitman, the film sees a motley crew of heroes gathering at the old Ghostbusters headquarters in Manhattan to protect a storage trap filled with ghouls. The movie raises questions about the future of the franchise, particularly whether it’s time to let go of certain beloved characters like Bill Murray’s Peter Venkman.
The story follows the Oklahomies, who have now relocated to Manhattan and are on a mission to capture wild ghosts using the Ectomobile. Along the way, they encounter new characters like an ancient languages expert, a paranormal engineer, and a huckster who inherits a dangerous cryptogram.
Despite the overstuffed nature of the film, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” manages to deliver an enjoyable barrage of nonsense, with each scene eliciting laughs. The subplots are gauzy and intangible, leaving viewers questioning what is real and what is not.
Mckenna Grace shines as Dr. Spengler’s geeky granddaughter, Phoebe, bringing a quirky and cerebral energy to the role. The film leans heavily on nostalgia for the original films, reworking familiar elements in ways that are both chuckle-worthy and endearing.
Overall, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” offers a warm-bath-of-ectoplasm kind of experience, blending bombastic action with moments of eerie tension. While the film may not break new ground, it provides a fun and entertaining ride for fans of the franchise.
“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” is rated PG-13 for language, suggestive references, and Ghostbuster-on-ghost violence, with a running time of 2 hours and 5 minutes. It is currently playing in theaters.
