Ghostbusters (2016) is far from the disaster fans thought it would be. But it’s unlikely to achieve the cult status its predecessors enjoy.
Ghostbusters (2016) Synopsis
Physicists Abby Yates and Erin Gilbert once co-authored a book about paranormal phenomena. However, Erin has since divorced herself from the project, although Abby continues to investigate the supernatural with eccentric engineer Jillian Holtzmann. When Erin learns that the book might sabotage her tenure for Columbia University, she reluctantly assists Abby and Jillian in an investigation, in exchange for Abby removing the book from publication. Erin’s belief in the supernatural is soon restored after she is slimily attacked by a ghost. Together with Abby and Jillian, they set up office above a Chinese restaurant, calling themselves the “Conductors of the Metaphysical Examination.”
Snappy Review
I’m not a huge fan of Ghostbusters (1984). Thanks to that, I didn’t feel that strongly, or should I say negatively, about this reboot.
Sure, the whole gender-reversal thing seems pointless. I was also puzzled by why the producers chose to do a reboot, instead of a continuation. These aside, I was quite willing to give this reboot a go. I didn’t expect to be awed. Neither did I expect to be disgusted.
The verdict: I didn’t regret watching it. It was a light-hearted 2 hours. There was also a slimy big bash at the end of everything and plenty of Easter eggs to research about thereafter.
It was while researching these Easter Eggs that I realised the biggest flaw of this reboot. The best scenes of Ghostbusters (2016) all rely on fan service, be it in the form of homage to the 1984 production or other action and horror flicks. (The most obvious for the latter being The Exorcist) Subtract away these and Ghostbusters (2016) comes across as decisively insipid. Boring even, in some parts.
At the same time, I also fail to see why some critics found the acting praiseworthy. While the leads do try hard, there were plenty of scenes in which the comedic element was either overcooked or entirely missed. These scenes came across as so, well, so lame.
Click here to view the trailer.
Movie Review for Ghostbusters: Afterlife, the 2021 “reboot.”
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