There’s been plenty of chatter amongst the 30 and 40 somethings who were raised on the original Ghostbusters of the 1980’s hit. Most of it negative – well it’s never nice to have your rosy view of one’s teenage years upset is it? Film reviewer Charlie Pugh, who certainly wasn’t around in 1984 gives us a slightly more objective view. Times at Bridgnorth Majestic Cinema; Daily: 3:40pm, 6:15pm and 8:50pm.
Erin Gilbert (Kristen Wiig) and Abby Yates (Melissa McCarthy) are two authors convinced that ghosts are real. And they have their theories proven right when the demon Rowan (Neil Casey) launches an invasion of New York City. With the help of nuclear engineer Jillian (KateMcKinnon) and street-smart subway worker Patty (Leslie Jones), Erin and Abby must set up an organisation dedicated to wiping out paranormal disturbances in the Big Apple.
Rebooting one of the most beloved comedy classics of the last few decades was always going to a risky move, but the production and marketing of this re-imagining of the 1984 film has been met with almost universal negativity – the trailer ending up as the most disliked trailer on YouTube. However, despite not being as memorable as the 1984 classic I can safely say that the hate is unwarranted.
Bridesmaids and Spy director Paul Feig once again delivers in his female oriented style of comedy, with his regulars of Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy coming back to bring their own take on paranormal experts – even though they admittedly have big boots to fill when compared to the likes of Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson and the late Harold Ramis. At times, especially during the extremely slow first act, the humour does tend to fall into the “Happy Madison” style of gross-out gags and toilet humour and the other two Ghostbusters can be extremely annoying at times. Despite this setback, once the ghosts start appearing the film starts to shine in terms of production design and action set pieces. And the climax does manage to capture the spirit of the original film thanks to the impressive work done on the deigns of each ghost, ranging from the returning green snotball ghost Slimer, undead brides, tightrope walker ghosts, etc…
Ghostbusters shines in term of producing genuinely scary scenes for young children while keeping adults entertained with the familiar playful banter and the return of the classic theme should once again keep fans happy.
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