When the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters, new and old, must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second ice age.
“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” picks up where “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” left off. The Spengler family, including Callie (Carrie Coon) and her children Phoebe and Trevor (Mckenna Grace and Finn Wolfhard), along with Callie’s boyfriend Gary (Paul Rudd), have relocated from Oklahoma to the iconic New York City firehouse that was once the headquarters of the original Ghostbusters.
Their new life in the city gets off to an exciting start when they chase a ghostly sewer dragon through Manhattan in the Ectomobile, causing destruction throughout the city. The mayor, the familiarly antagonistic Walter Peck (William Atherton), threatens to shut down the Ghostbusters for good, refusing to acknowledge their important work. However, when the ancient evil god Garraka threatens to freeze the entire city, the old and new Ghostbusters must band together to stop him and save New York.
The film is visually stunning, with top-notch CGI and frighteningly realistic ghosts. Cinematographer Eric Steelberg perfectly captures the spirit of the original, and seeing beloved landmarks like the firehouse and the New York Public Library again is sure to bring back nostalgic memories for fans of the franchise.
While “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” focused on introducing the new generation of Ghostbusters, “Frozen Empire” gives more screen time to the original characters, including Peter (Bill Murray), Ray (Dan Aykroyd), Winston (Ernie Hudson), and Janine Melnitz (Annie Potts). As a result, the film feels more like a classic Ghostbusters movie.
The story explores relatable themes of family and growing up, particularly through Phoebe’s journey. At 15, she’s not allowed to join her family on ghost-catching missions, leading to frustration and a desire for independence. She finds companionship with Melody (Emily Alyn Lind), a teenage ghost in Central Park, but soon discovers that Melody has ulterior motives.
Throughout the movie, there are fun cameos from other characters from the original film, including William Atherton as the obnoxious Mayor Peck and Annie Potts as Janine Melnitz. While these appearances are enjoyable Easter eggs for longtime fans, they feel like they were included solely for nostalgia rather than to advance the plot.
The film’s focus on the paranormal is both a strength and a weakness. The Ghostbusters’ battles against otherworldly foes are undoubtedly exciting, but the lack of real danger for the human characters prevents the story from reaching its full potential. The audience knows that none of the main characters will die, which reduces the stakes and tension.
If there’s a third Ghostbusters installment in the future, it would be exciting to see the franchise fully embrace the next generation. The young actors have proven themselves capable of carrying on the legacy, and passing the torch to them could lead to fresh and exciting adventures while still allowing for cameos from the original cast. “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” is a fun and visually impressive sequel, but the series’ long-term survival depends on its ability to evolve and grow.
Now available on Digital and on 4K Ultra HD™ SteelBook, 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™, and DVD June 25th
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