Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire resurrects the spirit of the beloved franchise with a chilly twist, once again setting its latest adventure in the iconic, ghost-infested streets of New York City. The movie returns to its classic setting and intertwines nostalgia and novelty, creating a playground for old and new fans. However, the film’s attempt to balance legacy and innovation is a spectral dance that delights and falters.
The film firmly taps into a reservoir of nostalgia, effectively utilizing the iconic firehouse and cityscape. The familiar setting is a character in its own right, evoking memories of the original films and grounding the story in a sense of history and continuity. The nostalgic elements, from the haunting sound of the proton pack to the glimpse of the Ecto-1, are skillfully woven into the fabric of the narrative, adding charm without overwhelming the new storyline.
At the same time, the action sequences, infused with spectral chaos and the quintessential Ghostbusters humor, are a visual treat. Although they tease the franchise’s new villain throughout the movie, they maintain a fearsome presence, keeping the audience on edge with anticipation. When he finally emerges in full force, the encounter is both thrilling and satisfying, proving that the movie can effectively channel the eerie charm of its predecessors.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire‘s attempt to balance legacy and innovation is a spectral dance that delights and falters.
Once again, the Spengler family is central to the film. Sadly, the intended emotional depth of their dynamic does not fully materialize in this film as it does in Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Their chemistry feels underexplored and somewhat lost amidst the broader plot. The movie misses opportunities to delve deeper into their relationships, leaving their emotional journey somewhat incomplete and overshadowed by the more prominent ghostbusting spectacle.
Additionally, the various subplots hamper the movie’s pacing, dragging and diluting the main storyline’s momentum. While these side stories aim to enrich the universe and provide depth, they often feel more like distractions, making it harder for the film to maintain a steady flow—the treatment of legacy characters, who are relegated to mere cameos, compounds this issue. For the most part, their fleeting appearances, while delightful, leave a craving for more substantial involvement, hinting at an untapped potential that could have bridged the past and present more cohesively.
Overall, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is a semi-solid addition to the franchise that captures the essence of ghostbusting glory against the ever-vibrant backdrop of New York City. While it thrills with its action and nods to the past, it struggles with narrative coherence and depth, particularly in its character development. The film is a ghostly echo of its predecessors—familiar yet distant, entertaining yet wanting. Fans will find moments of joy and exhilaration. Still, like the spectral entities it features, the movie seems caught between two worlds: paying homage to its roots while striving to chart a new course.
Rating: 3/5 atoms
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire hits theaters on March 22nd.
