Name: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Comedy
Released: 2024-03-20T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Mckenna Grace, Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Dan Aykroyd

The opening sequence of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is a visual feast—an aerial shot of New York City at night, the firehouse’s neon sign flickering to life as the iconic theme music swells. It’s a moment that promises the thrill and nostalgia of the original films, but the sequel quickly stumbles under the weight of its own ambition.

Gil Kenan’s follow-up to Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) is a bustling mix of new characters, returning favorites, and an ancient evil threatening to plunge the world into another Ice Age. The story picks up three years after the events of Afterlife, with the Spengler family—Callie (Carrie Coon), Gary (Paul Rudd), Trevor (Finn Wolfhard), and Phoebe (Mckenna Grace)—relocating to New York City to help Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) and Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd) re-establish the Ghostbusters. The cast is rounded out by newcomers like Kumail Nanjiani as Nadeem and Patton Oswalt as Dr. Hubert Wartzki, along with returning originals Ernie Hudson and Annie Potts.

What works best in Frozen Empire are the moments that lean into the heart of the franchise—its humor and camaraderie. Carrie Coon’s Callie brings a grounded presence to the chaos, while Paul Rudd’s Gary Grooberson delivers some of the film’s funniest lines. The chemistry between the new generation of Ghostbusters and the originals is palpable, especially in scenes where they team up to tackle supernatural threats. Mckenna Grace shines as Phoebe, channeling a mix of curiosity and courage that harks back to the original films’ spirit.

Finn Wolfhard’s Trevor Spengler also stands out, providing a solid balance between the technical expertise of his father, Gary, and the youthful enthusiasm of Phoebe. The dynamic between these three family members is one of the film’s strongest assets, offering heartfelt moments that ground the otherwise frenetic plot.

The film’s humor is another bright spot. Paul Rudd’s comedic timing is impeccable, and his interactions with Dan Aykroyd’s Ray Stantz are a highlight. The script gives both actors ample room to shine, with witty banter and physical comedy that feels true to the franchise’s roots.

However, the film’s biggest misstep is its overcrowded narrative. Kenan and co-writer Jason Reitman try to cram in too many characters, subplots, and callbacks, resulting in a messy, disjointed story. The introduction of an ancient artifact and the threat of an Ice Age feels tacked on, more like a forced attempt at high stakes rather than a natural progression from Afterlife. The pacing is uneven, with key moments rushed or glossed over, leaving little room for emotional resonance.

The film’s visual effects are a mixed bag. While some ghost designs and action sequences are impressive—particularly the sequence where the team battles an escaped Possessor—the CGI often feels overly polished and detached, lacking the gritty charm of the original films. Dario Marianelli’s score is functional but forgettable, failing to capture the iconic themes that made the franchise so memorable.

Thematically, Frozen Empire struggles to find its footing. It touches on family dynamics and the passing of the torch from one generation to the next, but these ideas are buried under layers of supernatural chaos. The film’s attempt to blend ancient mythology with modern ghost-busting feels forced, and the stakes never quite feel as high as they should.

Comparatively, Frozen Empire falls short when stacked against its predecessors. While it captures some of the spirit of the original films, it lacks the cohesion and charm that made them classics. The humor is hit-or-miss, and the action sequences, while visually impressive, often feel disjointed and lacking in emotional weight.

The film’s target audience seems to be long-time fans of the franchise, but even they may find Frozen Empire disappointing. It tries too hard to please everyone—packing in callbacks, new characters, and high-stakes action—but ends up pleasing no one. The result is a film that feels more like a fan service checklist than a cohesive story.

In conclusion, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire has its moments of fun and nostalgia, but it ultimately falls short due to its overstuffed plot and lack of coherence.