'GHOSTBUSTERS' - REVIEW
Image source: Sony Pictures
Whether you love the original or couldn't give two hoots about it, you're bound to have heard even the slightest of rumblings regarding Paul Feig's all female 'Ghostbusters' reboot. Following a successful campaign to make the trailer the most disliked video in YouTube history, fanboys were quick to tell anyone and everyone that would listen to steer clear of what was sure to be an absolute stinker.
But here's the kicker...it turns out 'Ghostbusters' is actually a very good movie. Sitting through the re-telling of an origin yarn can often feel like a tired and boring exercise, especially if you're particularly au fait with the previous version(s) but this story throws a curve ball at you from the get go - these Ghostbusters aren't even friends to begin with! When Dr. Erin Gilbert (Kristen Wiig) realises her tenure at Columbus University is in jeopardy, due to the resurfacing of a book she co-authored with ex childhood friend Abby Yates (Melissa McCarthy) examining spiritual phenomenon, she hunts Yates down to beg her to remove the book from Amazon (it plays out better than it sounds.)
Reluctantly following Yates and her co-worker, the batshit crazy (and ultimate scene stealer) Jillian Holtzmann (Kate McKinnon), Erin quickly finds herself in the presence of a full bodied class four apparition and...well you get the idea.
With Leslie Jone's loud mouthed (and refreshingly un-token) Patty Tolan quickly joining the ranks, it isn't long until all four are suited, booted and cleanin' up the town.
In reality, these 'busters' bust up lasts shorter than it'll take you to clean your 3D glasses but it's certainly an interesting way to establish that this reboot is well and truly its own movie.
Pity then that it devotes so much of it's time to honoring the first film (and pleasingly, its underrated sequel). Clearly there's a huge amount of love and appreciation for the franchise from all involved, but it would have been nice for the filmmakers to have a little more faith in their product without feeling the need to squeeze in yet another easter egg. How distracting this becomes will depend on how familiar you are with the series and admittedly, I was keeping my eyes peeled for any sign of a nod or wink (I won't list any here but there was one in particular, in an early scene that was quite touching).
The story does take a dip in the second act and there's the feeling that much of the plot was sacrificed in exchange for gags (albeit hugely funny ones) leaving you feeling a little short changed when offered a rushed piece of exposition to allow for more takes of improvisation.
This trade off isn't hugely surprising however, given the calibre of cast involved and there is a lot of humour here (dare I say it, possibly more than the original) but I came to see some ghosts being busted and on that side, I did feel a touch hard done by. This is a small gripe to have though and if I would have preferred a little more plot it's only because what story there was provided enough of a spin on the original that it felt fresh and less of a re-hash, but more its own tale, one that can happily stand side by side with the original.
Setting itself up nicely for a sequel, it'll certainly be interesting to see where Feig and Co decide to take the team - will they finally end up in Hell ala Dan Aykroyd's long rumored and sadly unrealised Ghostbusters 3 script? Regardless of where the story goes, it's nice to see that the franchise is back and in such good hands.
It also goes without saying that if you were dead against this movie to begin with, you probably won't change your mind after viewing, but it's arguable that you're not looking to have your mind changed - you just want something to complain about. If, however, you're at all curious or have been eagerly awaiting its release then you won't be disappointed...oh and be sure to stay right to the very end!
