Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is the continuing adventures of the world’s best paranormal investigators and eliminators. Set approximately two years after the events of Ghostbusters: Afterlife, the Spengler family have relocated to New York City. Gary (Paul Rudd) and Callie (Carrie Coon) have taken residence in the old firehouse/headquarters to grow the busting business. While the ghost-hunting is going well, the Spenglers experience some internal growing pains. The kids, Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and Phoebe (McKenna Grace), yearn to be taken seriously as blossoming adults. Meanwhile Mayor Walter Peck (William Atherton) questions the safety of the Ghostbusters’ actions. When a new threat is accidentally unleashed onto the city, the Ghostbusters—new and old—must learn to work together to stop it.
What works in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is the humor and focus on family. To balance a movie whose central villain commands ice, Frozen Empire focuses heavily on warmth, focusing on the Spenglers’ relationship dynamics. Grace and Rudd’s bond is particularly enjoyable to watch unfold as they navigate a father-daughter type relationship. Among the old guard, Dan Aykroyd is a standout, returning in avuncular form as “Dr. Ray.” As the younger Ghostbusters grow, Ray beams with pride watching literally and figuratively his favorite franchise move to a new generation. “I love this,” he tells his live-long friend Winston (Ernie Hudson). Here, Aykroyd’s speaking on behalf of himself and a legion of lifelong Ghostbusters fans. Finally, Frozen Empire brings the laughs. Thanks especially to supporting characters Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley) and Patton Oswald (Ratatouille), this latest Ghostbusters installment ensures that the comedic elements of the franchise are front and center.
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Audience members who have never engaged with the Ghostbusters movies previously may find Frozen Empire harder to connect with than others. Frozen Empire relies heavily on references and nostalgia to propel it, and those in the know may laugh harder than others. In terms of tone, Frozen Empire mirrors the balance of light horror and comedy from the 1984 original. The result is a purposeful mismatch between moments that feel a little childish and sequences that might scare young children. It’s possible that some patrons may prefer more adherence to one genre rather than bouncing around. Finally, Frozen Empire feels like a chapter in a book still being written. The stakes feel lower and the story, while satisfying and self-contained, feels like there’s a lot more to come in potential future instalments.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is a fantastic entry into the film series that has now been running for 40 years. While it may cater a bit much to the existing fanbase, Frozen Empire’s primary goal is to entertain at every turn. It absolutely succeeds. This film serves as a reminder that not all blockbusters need to be epic in scope. Strong characters and a sharp, funny script are really what’s needed and Frozen Empire has that at its heart. Highly recommended.
Recommended if you enjoyed: Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
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