Ghostbusters REVIEW
“I ain’t afraid of no ghost.” But should I be afraid of this remake? Read on with my latest review then you’ll find out if new busting makes me feel good.
So, after the rightfully heavily disliked YouTube promos, this was always going to be an interesting watch. Whether it’d be as bad as it looked or if the trailer guy needed firing because the movie is better. It goes without saying that this reboot of the 1984 classic is nowhere near as good as the original, but then I’m sure we’d all know that anyway.
Wanting to gain tenure, Erin (Kristen Wiig) needs to get rid of a book about ghosts she wrote with Abby (Melissa McCarthy) as it would ruin her credentials. However after meeting Abby and science whizz Jillian (Kate McKinnon), she witnesses an actual ghost, leading them to try and capture a spirit to prove their long time theories. Metro worker Patty (Leslie Jones) sees another malevolent apparition and joins the media coined ‘Ghostbusters’, in trying to stop someone bringing numerous ghosts into our world.
I don’t want to rip into this film because people will say “that’s too easy” and also “too expected” considering the amount of hate it gained before it was even close to release. Trust me when I say that it’s nothing to do with the fact the busting crew are female or that it’s a classic movie being rehashed…because I get it, films are remade all the time but this felt like a cheesy attempt at being 80’s and never really made me laugh much.
In fact the chemistry between the four women is strong and energetic, a great choice of casting, I liked the buzz they had. The moments when they’re in unison and coming up with plans to save the day are powerful and yet lighthearted. What I didn’t enjoy as much was the lame humour in stupidity and slapstick. Goo and falls aplenty are Sandler fan appeal and I wanted better than that from this.
Paul Feig has proven he knows how to direct comic stars in comedies, but maybe tackling the well known name of this franchise was too daunting. It at times feels like an SNL sketch dragged out as the cast bicker and banter with each other. The pacing is awfully slow in the middle which is a shame because the beginning quarter of the movie is very good. As the busters sit with the mayor and go on about a ‘cat out the bag’ scenario you plead for the dull spiel and obvious ad-libbing to end.
Genuinely the opening of this comedy-action feature is spooky and engaging. A haunted museum and a nice little trick prop help play on the idea of ghost tours. All this leads to a rather well shot and built sequence of horror as the first ghoul appears, which I must say would have made for a better story than the severely underdeveloped threat of some guy placing devices around New York. The film could easily have had the Ghostbusters trying to stop the obviously dangerous killer ghost from the museum, but instead they cram in a loner villain and old jokes such as Oprah riffs or an ‘Eat Pray Love’ line.
Times Square rolls in and this near ending sequence lights up the movie, bringing a smile to my face thank goodness. It’s stuffed with lots of ghosts – iffy CGI but let it slide as the slow-mo of the gals kicking butt is awesomely handled. Melissa McCarthy is manageable to tolerate in this, the original stars cameos are a treat to see and there is an undeniable silly charm in places. So yes…naysayers and myself too, there are positives to be found.
McCarthy, who is fast pushing herself into the female Adam Sandler mould, is just fine in this. Her chemistry with the others is good. Kristen Wiig can do goofy comedy well and shows that off here, even in the moments when her character seems to shift motivations, she is a wide eyed dose of humour. Leslie Jones adds an integral sprinkle of information and attitude to the group. Kate McKinnon is for me the one that bugged me the most. She starts off being cool and different, her manic expressions and reeling off quick sentences being amusing but then it keeps on going and going…and going. To the point where I got tired of the act and wanted her to be like Rick Moranis in live-action movies nowadays.* Chris Hemsworth is the one that steals the show, even if they write a man as being a handsome face and dumb like Jon Hamm was in ’30 Rock’, his acting of this stupidity is ace and you can’t help but chuckle at the things he does or comes out saying.
It may not be the top number in the phone book, but give this average film a call and you’ll see a mild entertainment flick. A true summer movie that’s not hilarious or amazing but really not shocking or as awful as people will have you believe.
5.5/10 or…
*He hasn’t appeared in a live-action role since 1997. I’m saying I wanted her to not be there!
I love all things Tarantino and have a soft spot for sombre and clever films. Writing is what I love doing, be it screenplays or reviews, I hope someday my procrastination will dwindle and I'll finish something!
