GHOSTBUSTERS
(2016)
USA, 116
Mins
Dir: Paul
Feig
One of the most talked about films in
recent times would have to be the remake/re-imagining of the cult classic film
of the same name from 1984, Ghostbusters. Long rumoured to have another sequel
or remaking in the works, the rumours finally came up trumps late last year
when it was announced they were going to re-do the classic film, this time
round with an all-female lead cast in the roles of the Ghostbusters themselves.
This of course has led to much vigorous
debate & controversy about all kinds of issues – most relating to casting females
in the lead roles this time round, & also the inevitable comparisons it would
draw with the original film. Also, with
the death of original star Harold Ramis in 2014 & Bill Murray’s reluctance
over the years to reprise his role lead many to question the wisdom of
re-booting the franchise. But the decision was made, & despite some very
ordinary initial opinions based on the first teaser trailers coming out, once released
opinions seemed to turn, & I was keen to get along & draw my own views,
so here goes:
The plot itself is fairly similar to
the original: Abby Yeats (played by Melissa McCarthy), Erin Gilbert (Kristen
Wiig) & the eccentric Jillian Holtzmann (Kate McKinnon) are all doctors who all have interests in
paranormal phenome (i.e. ghosts). Yeats & Gilbert published a book about
the source material years ago, & in exchange for Gilbert getting rid of the
re-published book lest it hurt her bid for tenure at Columbia, Yeats agrees to
team up to form a trio looking into a recent paranormal investigation. The find
proof of an actual ghost, but when it gets published online, the trio are fired
from their positions. To keep the investigation going, they decide to open
their own business at an office block above a Chinese restaurant. Hiring Kevin
Beckman (a dim witted Chris Hemsworth) as a receptionist. Meanwhile, MTA worker
Patty Tolan (Leslie Jones) witnesses a ghost in a subway line, & contacts
the department. The follow up Patty’s claims & document more footage of a
ghost incident. Patty joins the team as they come up with the operation term
“Ghostbusters” being much easier to say than the “Conductors Of The
Metaphysical Examination”! Little do the ladies know that the recent increase
in ghost activity comes from a creepy man known as Rowan North (Neil Casey), an
occultist who is determined on bringing Armageddon to the world. When the
Ghostbusters capture a real ghost at a live music venue, they are finally taken
seriously. They are brought to see the Mayor, whose department privately are
aware of what’s going on & support the group quietly, while publicity declaring
them fraudsters to keep the peace.
As Rowan ups the ante & summons
more and more ghosts in his quest, the Ghostbusters realise they are in a real
battle to save the city. Up against ghosts the like of Slimer, the Stay Puft
Marshmallow Man (in nods to the original film) & eventually Rowan turning
himself into the form of a giant Ghostbusters logo, will the quartet find a way
to eliminate Rowan & the ghosts in time to save New York, or will they
perish in their attempts…..
Boy, it’s hard to think of a more polarising
film in recent times. By the time I got round to see this film, I’d heard
wildly varying reports on whether it was any good or not. Some loved it, some
absolutely hated it. As per
usual, I tried not to read too many reviews or take in too many opinions deeply
before I had the chance to see it myself. I made my views on whether it was wise to make
another Ghostbusters film clear at the conclusion of my review of the originals
film a couple of years ago. But it is what is, so I went in with an open mind,
if not high expectations.
In summary…. It was OK. Certainly not great,
or even good, but not the total train wreck as described by some. Director Paul
Feig keeps the film in the same comedic humour as the original, not taking
itself too seriously. There are plenty of nods to the original also during the
film for sharp eyed fans. Also, all the original cast (minus Ramis of course)
bob up in cameo roles during the film, most notably Murray as Martin Heiss, a
supernatural sceptic. These were a bit hit or miss for me, as was Hemsworth in
the role as the Ghostbusters’ secretary – whatever humour they were shooting
for in this role went straight over my head. The all-female lead cast all gel
together pretty well however, & are pretty likeable in their roles. The
special effects used throughout were really well done. The ghosts are more real
& lifelike compared to the cartoonish style from the original. I also felt
they applied the film to younger, more in touch younger audience well by
incorporating things like YouTube & online social media into the storyline.
But what really hurts this film is the humour. While I got a few laughs here
& there, the vast majority of the film just falls flat as a tack. A lot of
the “jokes” thrown up here are the awful kind of toilet humour you think you’d
find in the latest instalment of American Pie, not a re-make a beloved 80’s
film. What on earth the writers & directors were thing here is beyond me.
If they’d focused more on developing the characters of the lead cast &
added a bit of depth to the storyline rather than honing in on the god awful
poop/fart jokes, then this reimaging of Ghostbusters had the real potential to
be a fairly decent little film.
So in summary, while the 2016 version
of Ghostbusters certainly didn’t need or deserve all the negativity surrounding
its release, its unfortunate that the terrible levels of humour overshadow a
solid enough storyline & entertaining cast. All lead actors are good here,
& had they addressed the balance of humour/storyline as I outlined above,
it had real potential. As it stands, it’s just an OK outing that ultimately
can’t hold a candle to the original. I’m giving Ghostbusters ** ½
Matt Croft
