Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is the sequel to Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and marks the fifth installment in the Ghostbusters franchise. The original Ghostbusters debuted in the United States on June 8, 1984. Despite being produced with a budget of US$30 million, it raked in approximately US$240 million domestically and over US$50 million internationally during its theatrical run, surpassing Indiana Jones. This installment holds a special place as it integrates many characters from previous franchise films, offering a fan-fiction-like experience.
After relocating to New York City, Callie Spengler (Carrie Coon) and her teammates Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) and Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd) are reviving the Ghostbusters. Their mission faces hurdles when Walter Peck (William Atherton) threatens closure, leading Callie to sideline her daughter, Phoebe (Mckenna Grace). Feeling isolated, Phoebe befriends Melody (Emily Alyn Lind), a ghost chess prodigy. Meanwhile, Ray and Podcast (Logan Kim) uncover a cursed orb linked to a demonic entity, Garraka. As chaos unfolds, Nadeem Razmaadi (Kumail Nanjiani) reveals his ancestral connection to the orb's creators.
Discovering the orb's significance, the team races to stop Garraka's escape. Peck exploits Phoebe's involvement to shut down the Ghostbusters, leading to a rift within the team. Phoebe, feeling responsible, unleashes Garraka inadvertently, plunging the city into chaos. With Melody's aid, Phoebe and Nadeem confront Garraka, while the Ghostbusters battle to contain the unleashed spirits.
Frozen Empire provides some nostalgic enjoyment for fans of the original Ghostbusters, but its crowded cast and overly serious tone hold it back from truly shining. The film feels like it's being kept alive solely through commercial motives, lacking the heart and depth of its predecessor. With too much focus on the wrong characters, it becomes a dull and uninspired experience. A menacing new villain threatens to freeze the entire town to death, and the Ghostbusters are determined to stop it. That should suffice. But no - the movie dilutes the idea with plenty of fancy non-essential stuff.
Firstly, the positives. This movie boasts the most star-studded cast in the franchise, with many reprising their roles from previous films. There are moments where the movie successfully blends humour and horror, along with impressive visuals in the final act. Standout performances from Mckenna Grace and Dan Aykroyd, who returns as Ray Stantz, add depth to the story.
However, the film's biggest flaw lies in its abundance of characters. Many are brought in from previous movies without clear roles, resulting in a cluttered narrative. Even mainstays like the Spengler family and Ray Stantz feel underutilized amidst the chaos. It feels like a series of disjointed scenes, lacking the cohesive character development seen in Ghostbusters: Afterlife.
The new movie also relies heavily on nostalgia, with numerous references to the original and a plethora of returning characters. Yet, this nostalgia overload detracts from the film's overall impact, making it feel more like a testing ground for future casting choices than a coherent story.
Coming to performances, it's hard to say if any are better or worse. None of the characters truly stands out because there are simply too many of them. However, Carrie Coon shines as Paul Rudd's partner. Portraying a ghostbuster, homemaker and mother, she is perhaps the most versatile in the film. On the other hand, Bill Murray's presence feels more like a cameo. He speaks only a handful of lines throughout the entire movie, with his star power seemingly being used for marketing purposes. As for Paul Rudd, he's the same all along across all the movies in the franchise. He has no novelty.
While the creative department may be lacking, the technical aspects of the film excel. The special effects and CGI are the best of any movie in the franchise. It's a testament to the advancements in filmmaking technology in 2024.
A word of caution: If you haven't seen any Ghostbusters movies before, it's best to steer clear of this one, whether in theatres or on streaming platforms. Without prior knowledge of the franchise, you'll likely find yourself lost. For those who are familiar with Ghostbusters, a rewatch of the original is recommended. It has been remastered for the big screen with Dolby enhancements, ensuring a worthwhile viewing experience. Ultimately, only die-hard fans of the franchise should consider watching this movie.
