By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
What's old is new again in the supernatural comedy
"Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire," which is the sequel to 2021's "Ghostbusters: Afterlife."
Directed by
Gil Kenan ("A Boy Called Christmas") from a screenplay he co-wrote with
Jason and Ivan Reitman, "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" takes fans of this beloved franchise back down memory lane. And what a fun, nostalgic trip it is.
The Spengler family is back. Callie (Carrie Coon, TV's "The Gilded Age") is now married to seismologist/teacher Gary Grooberson (Paul Rudd, TV's "Only Murders in the Building"). He's having a time trying to be the perfect stepdad to Trevor (Finn Wolfhard, TV's "In the Know") and Phoebe (Mckenna Grace, "Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie" and TV's "Young Sheldon"). They've all relocated from Oklahoma and are living in the iconic Ghostbusters firehouse in New York City.
This isn't a regular old firehouse. There is history here and it has its share of issues. Most notably, there's a ghostly presence, aka, Melody (Emily Alyn Lind, TV's "Gossip Girl") that has haunted the place. There's more. A dark, mysterious, and malevolent ancient artifact has surfaced and put New York in an icy grip. If not contained, this thing could wreak havoc throughout the world.
Who you gonna call to tackle something as big as this? The Spengler’s could manage this by themselves, but they are already on thin ice and are being watched closely by the new mayor, Walter Peck (William Atherton, "Where Did the Adults Go?").
Enter the original Ghostbusters: Ray Stantz (a funny Dan Aykroyd, "Ghostbusters Afterlife"), who has been busy doing podcasts, Philanthropist Winston Zeddemore (the talented Ernie Hudson, "Champions"), Peter Venkman (Bill Murray, "The Greatest Beer Run Ever"), and Janine Melnitz (a welcome but underused Annie Potts, TV's "Young Sheldon"). They're ready to dust off their Proton packs and join forces with the new generation of high-tech Ghostbusters that includes, Lucky (Celeste O’Connor, "Madame Web") and Podcast (Logan Kim, "Kung Fu Panda 4").
While there is a lot going on in "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire," it’s hardly a drag. It scores several points for its dazzling horror style special effects. Plus, the humor not only comes courtesy of Paul Rudd, but also a scene stealing Kumail Nanjiani (TV's "Krapopolis"). He plays Nadeem, a mischievous, pun spouting slacker who is largely responsible for much of the mayhem surrounding the Ghostbusters.
Most of all, "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" will make you feel good. It’s just a fun time at the movies. It's also great to see the gang back on screen for another round. Be sure to stay put for the post-credits scene as it hints to more exciting ghostbusting adventures on tap.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Check Out This Trailer For
"GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
