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.
In Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, director Gil Kenan orchestrates a reunion of two Ghostbusters generations amidst a supernatural cold-snap enveloping New York City. This instalment boasts a star-studded cast including Mckenna Grace, Annie Potts, Carrie Coon, Paul Rudd, Bill Murray, Finn Wolfhard, Patton Oswalt, Ernie Hudson, and Dan Aykroyd.
Kenan endeavors to infuse the franchise with new life while paying homage to its iconic past. The narrative centres on the new Ghostbuster team, supported by the old OG Ghostbusters team, as they embrace cutting-edge technology to combat an eventual Ice Age triggered by an ancient artifact. Legacy and the passing of the torch are recurring themes, driving the narrative forward and breathing fresh energy into the franchise.
The reunion of the beloved Ghostbusters gang evokes nostalgia, and the joy of seeing the iconic characters back in action is exceptional, but it doesn't make up for a thin storyline. Additionally, the budding relationship between Phoebe (Grace) and a ghost longing for familial reunion adds depth and emotional resonance to the narrative.
Frozen Empire is full of Easter Eggs and callbacks to its predecessors, seamlessly integrating them into the storyline without overwhelming the audience. Yet, the film struggles with pacing issues, with a significant portion of the runtime dedicated to exposition and side quests before the central plotline gains momentum.
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Despite its promising premise, Frozen Empire falls short in delivering a compelling villain and establishing credible stakes. The threat of an ancient evil unleashed upon New York City feels underwhelming, lacking the necessary tension and urgency to captivate audiences, when we are only told the stake, and not visually shown the consequences
The ensemble cast, while impressive, is underutilized, with some characters relegated to the sidelines. This overcrowding detracts from the cohesion of the narrative, leading to a disjointed viewing experience. Furthermore, the film's climax feels rushed and anticlimactic, failing to deliver on the buildup established earlier.
Mckenna Grace shines in her role as Phoebe, anchoring the film with her performance, despite the shortcomings of the script. However, the film's focus on Phoebe's adolescent crisis at the expense of other characters' development hampers its overall impact.
While Frozen Empire attempts to strike a balance between honouring the franchise's legacy and forging a new path, it ultimately succumbs to narrative overload and pacing issues. The film's reliance on fan service and callbacks, while nostalgic, fails to compensate for its narrative shortcomings.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is a mixed bag, offering glimpses of nostalgia and charm but ultimately failing to live up to its potential. Kenan's direction, coupled with a stellar cast, provides moments of entertainment, but the film is hindered by its unfocused narrative and underdeveloped characters.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is in NZ cinemas from March 21, 2023