Ghostbusters Frozen Empire: Mark Kermode’s film review (video).
Get ready to strap on your proton packs, and chill your ectoplasm with that man of many movies, Mark Kermode, because Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is here to add a frosty twist to your favorite spectral smashing saga. With a title that sounds like a love child of Disney and the supernatural, this latest installment promises an avalanche of action, humor, and, yes, a sprinkling of nostalgia.
Our beloved ghostbusting gang is back, and this time, they’ve packed their thermal underwear. Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, and the gang are setting up shop in the Big Apple, where the spirits are as unruly as the cab drivers. And who better to guide our new recruits than the original phantom-fighting trio: Murray, Aykroyd, and Hudson? That’s right, folks, the OGs are back, and they’re ready to show these youngsters how to bust ghosts with style.
But wait, there’s more! Enter Kumail Nanjiani and Patton Oswalt, the new kids on the spectral block, whose comedic chops promise to breathe fresh life—or afterlife—into the franchise. And with a villain who’s determined to kick-start a second Ice Age, it looks like we’re in for a cool ride indeed. Now, let’s talk about the setting. Moving from the dusty plains of Oklahoma to the bustling streets of NYC, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire pays homage to its roots while cranking up the thermostat. The iconic firehouse is back, this time with cutting-edge tech that would make even Tony Stark raise an eyebrow. But with great power comes great responsibility—and, in this case, a boatload of new ghosts that aren’t too pleased about being zapped and trapped.
So, does the film deliver? Well, if you’re in it for the callbacks and cameos, you’ll be grinning like Slimer at a hot dog stand. But for those seeking a fresh take on the ghostbusting lore, the frost may feel a bit too familiar. While the film attempts to juggle its ensemble cast and deliver a heartfelt tribute to the late, great Ivan Reitman, it occasionally trips over its own spectral feet, like a poltergeist on a slippery rooftop.
But let’s not be too harsh. After all, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire serves up plenty of chuckles, thrills, and chills, along with a hearty dose of ectoplasmic nostalgia. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, there’s fun to be had—just don’t expect it to redefine the genre. So grab your popcorn, keep your PKE meters handy, and remember: if someone asks if you’re excited to see Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, you say YES!