Rebooting a beloved movie is always a tricky proposition. You have to bring the right elements through from the original without it seeming like a tired rehashing, with the knowledge that fans will be scrutinizing every detail. The new Ghostbusters has certainly generated a lot of discussion since it was first announced, and I didn’t know what to expect walking in, other than that knowing that Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones are two of my very favorite Saturday Night Live cast members, and that Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig have well-documented comedic chemistry. I may be a skeptical ’80s child who grew up with Ghostbusters, but I was really looking forward to seeing what this generation of comics would do with the story.
The film opens with academic Erin (Wiig) finding her career in jeopardy after a ghost from her past appears – namely, a book she wrote on paranormal activity with childhood friend Abby (McCarthy). After confronting Abby in an attempt to get the book shelved, Erin finds herself reluctantly drawn into a haunted house with Abby and new friend Jillian (McKinnon), an eccentric inventor. Once confronted by an actual spirit, the threesome decided to band together and use their skills to procure hard scientific evidence of the paranormal. They set up an office and hire dumb-as-rocks receptionist Kevin (Chris Hemsworth), and are soon joined by Patty (Jones), who comes to their office after seeing a ghost in the subway during a shift at work. With Patty’s knowledge of NYC history, Jillian’s inventions, Erin’s scientific mind, and Abby’s passion, they set out on adventure to find ghosts – and possibly save the world while they’re at it.
Ghostbusters stars out a little slow with a bit of toilet humor in the first few minutes, but quickly picks up the pace and turns into an extremely funny movie. Much has been made of the female cast with the implication that it was simply done to be “Politically correct”, but I disagree with that. There are a few self-referential jokes about the fan criticisms, along with a few funny trope reversals – vacuous receptionist Kevin is hired by the Ghostbusters simply because they think he’s hot, not because he has any skill – but for the most part, there’s nothing overtly feminist about this movie; it’s told from a casual female perspective, in the same way that most other movies are written casually from a male point of view as the default. I found that really refreshing, and the bottom line is that the cast are just funny individuals. Hemsworth also proves himself to be a great comedic actor, with a hysterical introduction scene that was mostly improvised.
The film pays due respect to its fans, filled with Easter eggs and cameos – make sure you stay all the way through the credits until the very end! Ghostbusters retains a nostalgic charm while bringing enough freshness with the cast and characters to prevent it from being a dull rerun. It was downright spooktacular!
Ghostbusters hits theaters today, July 15th!
I am always wary of reboots. That being said, this one sounds like a lot of fun. I’d really like to see it.
When I first heard that they were doing a Ghostbusters reboot, I was not happy. I mean, why mess with perfection. I have to say, though, this is look pretty awesome. I’m actually really excited to see it.
I am actually REALLY looking forward to seeing this. I think it looks amazing. I love anything Melissa McCarthy does. So this is a must see for me!
This is so cool! I as once a huge Ghostbusters fan and adore the nostalgic blast from the past!
This cast has the potential to be great! I cant wait to see this movie.
This looks so funny on the trailers. I’m looking forward to seeing it.
I can’t wait to see this one! I love the idea of an all female Ghostbusters team!
Initially I was not too excited about this remake, but after watching a few interviews with the cast, and seeing how well they interact with one another, I think it’s going to be hilarious!
I was hoping this would be funny. We haven’t seen a good comedy in a while now. I’ll be on the lookout for references to the old movie.
This looks like a very fun movie. It just came out and I will have to go see it. My daughter and I want to see this fun movie.
Gosh, I remember the original when I was kid so long ago. I would like to see this.
I am so excited to go see this movie. I loved the originals when I was younger.
I’m not going to lie, I was a bit worried about how this movie would turn out. I mean, it’s a classic! So glad to see the raving reviews!
We went and saw this yesterday. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I am always hesitant with reboots and this one left a great taste in my mouth. I was cracking up the whole time.
I was kinda disappointed when I read that the original Ghostbusters cast members weren’t going to make another film, but when I saw this top-notch cast, I was eager to see it. I can’t wait to go see iot now!
This film looks so funny. Love melissa mccarthy. Can’t wait to see it
This looks like its going to be pretty good. Of course the original can never be out beat in my book. 🙂
I’ve been waiting to see this. I love Melissa and Kristen!
I can’t wait to see this movie! I remember my childhood days because of it.