In the newest installment of the Ghostbusters franchise, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, the Spengler family is thrust into the vibrant chaos of New York City, taking up residence in the legendary firehouse—the storied hub of the original spirit-chasing heroes. Moving on from the quaintness of Oklahoma showcased in the prior film, they grapple with the challenges of battling ghosts in the city and are at risk of losing their home due to destruction incurred during their missions. Their situation intensifies upon finding a mysterious relic that inadvertently releases a malevolent power, forcing a united front of Ghostbusters new and old to safeguard their home and save the world from a second ice age.
Seeing the beloved members of the original cast slide back into their roles alongside the newer recruits creates a heartwarming synergy that honors Ghostbusters‘ past while moving resolutely into the future. As the torch is passed—or more fittingly, as the proton packs are handed down—there is a blend of old-school charm and new-era freshness. The camaraderie and banter between the established characters and their younger counterparts give depth to the relationships on screen, showing that the Ghostbusting business is as much about family and friendship as it is about chasing the paranormal.
Amidst the ensemble of old and new faces, Kumail Nanjiani’s portrayal of Nadeem proves to be a standout. His character is well written and brilliantly performed, infusing the tense narrative with moments of humor and humanity that are necessary for balance. Nadeem’s comedic timing and affable screen presence add a dose of much-needed comedy, and much like the city he finds himself in, becomes an integral piece of the puzzle. As our heroes navigate the perilous journey through a city now cast in frost, it’s the combination of Nadeem’s humor and the film’s enduring setting that keeps the fire of Ghostbusters‘ legacy burning brightly.
Additionally, the return to the spirited and ever-vibrant New York City in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is much appreciated. This energetic metropolis, with its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and colorful inhabitants, adds a dimension to the story that was missing from Ghostbusters: Afterlife. The City that Never Sleeps, almost a character in its own right, provides an exciting and dynamic backdrop that contrasts sharply with rural Oklahoma that we previously visited. It invokes a sense of nostalgia, reminding fans of the original films while simultaneously writing a new chapter in the franchise’s storied history.
While Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire has its charming elements, it encounters hurdles with its rhythm, especially in the escalation to and resolution of the key struggle. The march toward the confrontation with the supernatural threat drags on, while the finale arrives abruptly. This uneven pacing in the main storyline is compounded by sporadic diversions into unnecessary dramatic dialogues among the characters, which seem to serve little purpose and disrupts the narrative flow. These diversions stray from the central action, and the movie would benefit from minimizing these and placing greater emphasis on the buildup to the paranormal menace. After all, “Ghostbusters” is fundamentally about the pursuit of the supernatural—the actual act of busting ghosts.
Despite these critiques, the essence of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire maintains a compelling draw and should not be dismissed outright. A tighter edit that sharpened the focus on the central narrative, rather than straying into excessive drama, could have brought the film more in line with the cherished spirit of the franchise. Nevertheless, this chapter holds onto the quintessential Ghostbusters charm. It delivers an enjoyable cinematic experience and surpasses what the general critical consensus suggests.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is in theaters beginning March 22. There is not a post-credit scene, but there is one mid-credit scene.
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