Film Review: Ghostbuster Frozen Empire

 Genre: Adventure/comedy/ fantasy

Cert: 12A

Director: Gil Kenan

Screenwriter: (written by) Gil Kenan, Jason Reitman, 

Starring: Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt, Celeste O'Connor, Logan Kim, Emily Alyn Lind, James Acaster, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, William Atherton, Shelley Williams, Chris Tummings, John Rothman.. many more

Running time: 1h 55m

Parents are advised to read before viewing the film as some scenes may contain scenes unsuitable for younger viewers.

Sex & Nudity: Lesbian attraction between the main character and the ghost is a major component of the movie.

Violence & Gore:  Sustained supernatural threat throughout involving jump scares by ghosts, demonic entities and transformation scenes in which characters are momentarily possessed by supernatural entities.

A severed hand is briefly seen.

Small marshmallow creatures are said to be waiting in a comic sequence where they are dismembered etc.

A mini marshmallow man can be seen injecting lead into his body. Played for comedic effect.

Profanity: Tall dark and horny quote was made in the film

Alcohol/drugs: Very, very mild alcohol drinking.

Frightening/Intense Scenes: Grakaha look and history can be pretty scary for younger viewers

 Story: The Spengler family returns to where it all started – the iconic New York City firehouse – to team up with the original Ghostbusters, who’ve developed a top-secret research lab to take busting ghosts to the next level. But 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.

Review: "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" is a bold new instalment in the beloved franchise that combines supernatural hijinks with a chilling twist. Directed by a visionary filmmaker, the film offers a fresh take on the classic ghostbusting formula while paying homage to its roots. One of the film's strengths lies in its inventive premise. Set in a world gripped by an eternal winter, the Ghostbusters find themselves facing a new kind of paranormal threat: ancient spirits awakened by the frozen empire's icy grip. The snowy landscape serves as a haunting backdrop for the team's adventures, adding an extra layer of atmosphere to the already eerie proceedings.

The cast, led by a dynamic ensemble of actors, brings both humour and heart to their roles. From the wisecracking scientist to the rookie eager to prove herself, each character is given room to shine, with witty banter and genuine camaraderie elevating the ensemble dynamic. Special mention goes to the inclusion of familiar faces from the original films, which adds a nostalgic touch for longtime fans. Furthermore, the film's visual effects are nothing short of spectacular. From spectral apparitions to towering ice monsters, the supernatural elements are brought to life with stunning detail and creativity. The action sequences are a sight to behold, with the Ghostbusters deploying an array of high-tech gadgets to battle the otherworldly threats in a series of exhilarating set pieces.

However, "Frozen Empire" isn't without its flaws. Some viewers may find the plot to be somewhat formulaic, following a familiar trajectory of escalating stakes and climactic showdowns. Additionally, while the humour is mostly on point, there are moments where the jokes feel forced or out of place, disrupting the overall flow of the narrative.

Overall: Despite these minor drawbacks, "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" is a worthy addition to the franchise that will delight fans both old and new. With its inventive premise, memorable characters, and eye-popping visuals, the film captures the spirit of the original while carving out its own identity in the ever-expanding Ghostbusters universe. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, "Frozen Empire" is sure to leave you ectoplasmically entertained.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Entertainment / 7 out of 10 for story