Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Review
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire attempts to thaw out the beloved franchise but finds itself skating on thin ice. Directed by Gil Kenan, the film struggles with an overstuffed narrative, pacing issues, and a lack of focus, resulting in a middling cinematic experience.
At the heart of the film is Phoebe, played by Mckenna Grace, whose plotline is meant to drive the story forward. However, Grace's portrayal doesn't quite stand out amidst the crowded ensemble cast. While Phoebe's character holds promise, her arc often gets lost in the shuffle, overshadowed by the need to accommodate numerous other characters and subplots. The film's insistence on juggling too many elements prevent Phoebe's journey from truly shining.
The narrative revolves around the release of an ancient evil, leading to the threat of a permanent ice age and chaos in Manhattan. While this premise offers potential for excitement and adventure, the execution feels convoluted. The plot struggles to find its footing, with the stakes never quite resonating as strongly as they should. The film's attempts to balance nostalgia with new elements result in a disjointed experience that fails to capture the magic of the original series.
Despite the film's shortcomings, there are occasional moments of entertainment. Paul Rudd and Patton Oswalt inject humour into their roles, providing some much-needed levity amidst the chaos. Additionally, Kumail Nanjiani shines in his role, bringing charisma and wit to the screen. However, these bright spots are overshadowed by the film's overall lack of coherence.
One of the film's major issues is its bloated cast, which includes both returning characters from the original series and new additions. While it's exciting to see familiar faces like Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd reprising their roles, their appearances feel more like obligatory nods to the past than meaningful contributions to the story. The film's insistence on shoehorning in numerous characters detracts from the narrative cohesiveness and prevents any one character from truly taking centre stage.
In the end, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire feels like a missed opportunity. The film's potential is undercut by its inability to streamline its narrative and focus on what truly matters. Despite occasional moments of entertainment, the overall experience is lackluster, failing to recapture the charm and excitement of its predecessors.
