Ghostbusters: Afterlife, released in 2021, erred on the side of nostalgia. The original Ghostbusters, who we hadn’t seen in action for over 30 years, added little to the story.
Because the Ghostbusters of 1984 holds a big place in our hearts, we were still happy to see them put on their proton pack. But it was above all the new characters who charmed us, in particular the young people who reminded us of our own discovery of this universe populated by specters.
In Frozen Empire, Ray Stanz (Dan Aykroyd), Winston Zeddmore (Ernie Hudson) and, to a lesser extent, Peter Venkman (Bill Murray) play a crucial role. Even Janine Melnitz (Annie Potts) and Mayor Walter Peck (William Atherton) are well integrated into the story. However, this has the effect of relegating the Spangler family to the background.
Finn Wolfhard, who became famous thanks to the series Stranger Things, is only very rarely on screen as Trevor, who is now 18 years old. Her younger sister, Phoebe, played by the amazing Mckenna Grace, remains at the center of events, but faces situations that separate her from the group. His romance with a ghost is a good idea, even if it isolates him more. The mother, played by Carrie Coon, is only there for emotional support and the same goes for her lover, played by Paul Rudd. This comic genius still delivers some of the best lines. The rest belong to Kumail Nanjiani, who steals the show in each of his appearances. However, the importance of his character gradually increases and adds weight to an already scattered plot.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SONY PICTURES
The threat of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Despite an original appearance, the big bad guy, freed by accident from a sphere that had held him captive for over 100 years, arouses few emotions. Its origins are uninteresting and the choice of ice as a way to annihilate humanity limits the visual possibilities.
Frozen bodies and ice spikes quickly become redundant. So does Mayor Peck’s eternal quest to put an end to Ghostbusters.
The structure of Frozen Empire resembles that of the original: rare action scenes, a threat which remains unresolved for a long time, explanations provided with humor, a New York city tour, a problem with the storage of ectoplasms. Like Star Wars: The Force Awakensthere is good and bad in making a remake which is not one.
The screenplay by Jason Reitman and Gil Kenan – the latter took over in the director’s chair – highlights the constraints of the universe of Ghostbusters. The films must appeal to family audiences and fans of the original which is celebrating its 40th this yeare birthday. His characters are his best. A “ghost of the week” type TV series would possibly be more entertaining – the 1980s animated series is one of the inspirations for Frozen Empire.
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Horror comedy
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (V.F.: Ghostbusters – The Ice Empire)
Gil Kenan
With Mckenna Grace, Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon
1:55 a.m.