What defines a Ghostbusters film? Characters in jumpsuits, proton packs, and ghouls may make jokes.
How much more is necessary? These elements made the 1984 original a classic, and every Ghostbusters film thereafter has been rated by how successfully it assembles them.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire looks like its predecessors, and some will want more time with Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Ernie Hudson in uniform.
The Ghostbusters: Afterlife sequel struggles with an uninspired, overlong plot that limits comedy. This is problematic as it's Ghostbusters.
Despite this, Frozen Empire starts well, starting with the smart decision to shift the action back to New York City. Jason Reitman's Amblinesque, small-town
Afterlife charmed some, but those of us who found the Spengler reconciliation tale plodding and self-serious appreciated the return to a more dynamic (and familiar) setting.
A thrilling ghost chase through the city streets by Gil Kenan (who co-wrote Afterlife with Reitman) restores the Spengler family dynamics.
Callie (Carrie Coon) and “step-teacher” Gary (Paul Rudd) have brought Phoebe (Mckenna Grace) and Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) back to New York to join the family business amid the Ecto-1's “I'll turn this car around” pandemonium.