Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024) Cover

Let's dive into the frosty world of 'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,' the sequel to 'Ghostbusters: Afterlife.' 

The Spengler family reunites at the legendary New York City firehouse, now home to a new generation of Ghostbusters. But when an ancient artifact triggers a sinister threat, old and new Ghostbusters must join forces to defend their turf and prevent a chilling apocalypse.

Initially, the film sets up some intriguing themes. We're exploring the dynamics of evolving family relationships, with Phoebe Spengler, played by Mckenna Grace, navigating life with her sort-of-stepfather, Gary Grooberson, portrayed by the ever-charming Paul Rudd, and her mother Callie Spengler, played by the talented Carrie Coon. This can serve as a relatable family conflict that many face, but unfortunately, these themes take a backseat as the plot begins to wander. The Ghostbusters face a real moral dilemma, grappling with the consequences of their destructive actions in capturing ghosts. It's a thought-provoking angle that adds depth to the story, but alas, it gets lost in the shuffle of other plot points.

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room—or should I say, the snow queen? Elsa's freezing power seems to have made a cameo in the form of a mysterious ball with the power to freeze within this film. I couldn't help but joke about it with fellow critics after the screening. But fear not for there are bright spots in this icy tale. Kumail Nanjiani steals the show as Nadeem Razmaadi, delivering some of the film's funniest lines. His character's antics tie him conveniently to the plot, adding a dash of humor to the outrageous story. The way his character slowly becomes heavily involved in the plot is unbelievable and his character amidst so many others may make it hard to connect heavily with one particular character.

Despite its far-fetched plot, 'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' still delivers family-friendly, science-fiction entertainment. However, if you're looking for a cohesive and enthralling story, you might want to search elsewhere. The screenplay juggles too many conflicts, making it hard for the audience to fully immerse themselves in the story. And while the technical aspects like cinematography and special effects are serviceable, they don't quite elevate the film to greatness.

In conclusion, 'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' is a mixed bag of frozen fun and missed opportunities. It's worth a watch for fans of the franchise, but don't expect it to blow you away. 

Final Verdict:Offers frosty fun but lacks narrative cohesion. Enjoyable for fans, but not a standout in the supernatural fantasy genre.
Rating:C