Review of Ghostbusters (2016) by Samantha A — 20 Jan 2017

At first glance, Ghostbusters is a cash grab. A gender swap on a popular franchise, capitalizing on the media attention on the lack of women on screen. I was fully prepared to hate Ghostbusters. I have no love for the original and the premise reeks of laziness, however, this incarnation is everything that the original was not.

It is action packed, funny and most importantly, not misogynistic drivel. Ghostbusters boasts an incredible cast, particularly Kate McKinnon, who has managed to create a completely bizarre and unique character who is so off, she is hilarious.

Ghostbusters is a fast paced and fun popcorn flick, but it's also so much more than that. This is the kind of film we need more of. Women as kick ass scientists who run around in baggy jumpsuits saving the world.

The final battle scene is noteworthy for having absolutely no T&A on display. That alone makes Ghostbusters revolutionary, which is sad. This is a film that lets women be smart, funny and competent all without having to be appealing to the male gaze.

Ghostbusters allows women to exist as their own entity making it not just a thoroughly entertaining blockbuster but also an important milestone in female representation on screen.