By Paul Hall
For over 30 years, Ghostbusters has meant one thing — Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson. But now, a new team of Ghostbusters takes the screen in 2016’s Ghostbusters. These funny women are about to show you that they can chase ghosts, too, and have you laughing at every turn.
Abby Yates (Melissa McCarthy) and Erin Gilbert (Kristen Wiig) once formed a team that wanted to get to the bottom of the paranormal. When a stranger digs up a book Erin once coauthored with Abby, Erin realizes she must do everything she can to bury her past to preserve the offer of tenure she is on the verge of receiving from the prestigious Columbia University. But Abby is still involved in searching for the paranormal and uses the book as a revenue stream, albeit a small one.
Abby’s current research partner, Jillian Holtzmann (Kate McKinnon), is a whiz with gadgets. Her ability to create ghost-hunting gear out of what seems to be useless scraps shows amazing talent. Abby, Erin and Jillian are shown an allegedly haunted building. A ghost and slime later and the energy is back for Erin. With her tenure in jeopardy due to her exclamation that “Ghosts Are Real” currently spreading across social media — the team starts to come together.
As the trio progresses, they get a secretary, the dimwitted yet extremely gorgeous Kevin (Chris Hemsworth), and a fourth Ghostbuster, Patty Tolan (Leslie Jones), to round out the team. The Ghostbusters set out to eliminate the spirits whose appearances around the city that seem to be orchestrated by a strange man. With a mayor that doesn’t want people panicking and citizens who don’t know what to think, Abby, Erin, Jillian and Patty will have to use their wits, knowledge and raw equipment to save New York from ultimate disaster.
This is a comedy at heart, but it is also filled with action sequences. Our four leads are extremely funny women that can carry a film any day, in my book. When director Paul Feig puts them through comedic paces, they hit home runs virtually every time. McKinnon especially shines in her moments onscreen. Her portrayal pops and she steals more than a few scenes from the bigger names in the film.
Feig pays homage to the original version of Ghostbusters released in 1984 by including a variety of cameos and bit roles to let fans of the original series reminisce. Make no mistake though, this is a film for 2016 and there is no need to have seen the original to enjoy this excursion.
Where the film tends to drag and derail is in the sequences that go for more action than comedy. It is here that the film gets away from that real sweet spot that the filmmakers exploit so well. When the film dwelled in action, it got up to the line of losing my interest, but it was always smartly driven back on the road and made my laughter flow.
An enjoyable film that is not only funny but also extremely smart, Ghostbusters delivers for a new generation with a new take on an established concept. I’m not afraid of ghosts and I’m definitely not afraid of this worthy refresh of a memorable film. Sure, it may be a new Ghostbusters, but the fun remains. Please stay not only through the credits (for a number of scenes), but also for the bonus scene that follows.
Ghostbusters
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Jones, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon
Director: Paul Feig
Grade: B
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