The controversy and backlash surrounding the female “Ghostbusters” reboot has been in the air since the first trailer dropped in March. After months of angry comments, extreme dislikes and waiting, we finally have the answer to the question, “Is the film actually any good?”
In my opinion, yes. I actually think it improves on the original.
Physicist Erin Gilbert (Kristen Wiig) reunites with childhood friend Abby Yates (Melissa McCarthy), and they team up with Jillian Holtzmann (Kate McKinnon) and Patty Tolan (Leslie Jones) to investigate paranormal activity in New York City. Of course, many doubters and the mayor of the city are against them, until a large device that amplifies the paranormal unleashes an apocalypse of ghosts.
As a huge fan of all four of the leading ladies, I was hyped about this movie since it was announced, and I was not disappointed. While certainly paying homage to the original with its many Easter eggs and cameos, “Ghostbusters” was able to stand on its own as a film with its own unique plot and characters. While Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig and Leslie Jones were all fantastic, Kate McKinnon absolutely stole the show with her quirky, adorable, mad scientist characteristics. Almost everything she did was laugh-out-loud funny.
I laughed out loud throughout most of the film, whereas I only chuckled a few times watching the original “Ghostbusters.” The secretary character was much more interesting in this version, and there were more ghosts to bust. Best of all, the bonds between the characters were much stronger. These ladies (and Chris Hemsworth) just work so well together, and it’s nice to see smart, funny, passionate female characters kicking butt with no romantic subplot outside of a minuscule crush that never goes anywhere. Yes, this movie passes the Bechdel test with flying colors, and that’s rare (and wonderful) to see.
Director Paul Fieg’s quirky style of comedy isn’t for everyone, but fans of his films, the leads and the franchise will adore this film. I believe every young woman should see this movie for some fresh female role models that teach them that it’s OK to be smart, and it’s OK to be weird and do things that not everyone believes in. You can love what you do and the people you do it with and not have to apologize for it. That’s so important for girls in today’s world to see — and that viral picture of Kristen Wiig meeting young fans in costume really says it all.
My only negative is that a few sections of the film drag a bit, like the scenes with the mayor and his crew trying to deny the existence of ghosts.
So yeah, Ghostbusters is worth the price of admission and more. It’s hilarious, action-packed and shows off the talents of four incredible women that are soon to become household names (if they haven’t already). I’m giving it an A+.
Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures