Review of Ghostbusters (2016) by Tomas D — 13 Jan 2017

Making a cover of a legendary 80s comedy classic is an ambitious task. Changing the main ingredient of what made this classic an unforgettable movie is pretty much an audacious move. Yet the remake of Ghostbusters succeeds to surprise the initially negative expectations and to deliver a decently good entertainment even if it cannot match the level of the original. Chaotic, funny and nicely balancing between modernity and the 80s, Paul Feig's re-make overcomes its week story and provides a passable comedy experience even if you are not a fan of the original movie.

Abby (Melissa McCarthy) and Erin (Kristen Wiig) are two estranged friends and scientists who start working together after Erin loses her position as an associated professor at a prestigious college. The pick-up from where their relationship turned soar in the past, namely a research on the paranormal. With not much options left the ydecide to start-up a business as Ghostbusters, joined by the weirdo Jillian (Kat McKinnon), only to get involved pretty soon in a mission to save the world.

The first and most important question for everyone prior to seeing the movie (especially if you have seen the original) is does the female cast manage to deliver the same level or performance and funny moments as the original male cast. The answer is pretty positive. McCarthy, Wiig and McKinnon are fresh in their own way, while the ridiculous support of Chris Hemsworth adds up moments of sweet reference (though gender-reversed) to the original movie. The presence of some of the old Ghostbusters' participants as Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Sigourney Weaver add up another layer of nice connection to the original. Of course, the magnetic performance of Murray is dearly missed, but the hyper-active and loud McCarthy is capable to deliver decent amounts of fun.

Where the Paul Feig's movie fails to match the original is the story and the effects. Back then, in the 80s, the effects used were quite impressive, bud unfortunately this time you could feel as if they fail to impress despite the effort to make them a central part of the movie. The second minor issue is the story. It is true that the first movie was not something special either, but the re-make feels just a bit more artificial than its predecessor.

Nevertheless, considering the initial low expectations and dissatisfied reaction from casting ladies for the roles, the 2016 Ghostbusters is a nicely surprising and decently entertaining supernatural comedy/horror. It will not reach the cult status of the original, but it is surely a good choice for an evening of home cinema entertainment.