By: Arns Santiago
Our favorite ghostbusting team is back in action with Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. The latest installment in the classic franchise brings together the original crew and all-new Ghostbusters as they try to stop the nefarious Garraka from destroying the world with his frozen empire and army of ghosts.
Here is a spoiler-free review of this supernatural comedy and why you should check it out in cinemas.
Welcome (back) to New York
Photo by Courtesy of Sony Pictures
Fasten your seatbelts and hold on tight because we’re going back to the birthplace of the Ghostbusters—New York City!
With the Spengler family and their Summerville friends relocating to the Big Apple, you can expect to see classic iconography like the firehouse headquarters and the New York City Public Library. You’re also in for a treat with the new locations in the city that the film will explore. You’ll also see the Ectomobile roaming the streets of NYC once again, only this time, it’s the new generation of Ghostbusters steering the wheel as they chase down the ghouls haunting the city.
With the setting of the movie back in New York City, we also get the chance to see the new cast encounter more of the original Ghostbusters crew in this new chapter of the franchise.
Cool new characters + returning favorites
Photo by Jaap Buitendijk
After getting a brief teaser in the previous movie, OG Ghostbusters return as more prominent figures in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. Seeing Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, and Annie Potts all reprise their former roles and don the iconic Ghostbusters uniform while fighting alongside the new generation characters is quite a spectacle to witness. It’s like seeing the past and the future come together, and it will surely satisfy fans of all ages.
Meanwhile, the gang from Summerville return as well. We get to see the Spengler family (and Mr. Grooberson) in full action as the new Ghostbusters, with Lucky and Podcast assisting the original members. They are joined by newcomers Emily Alyn Lind as the friendly ghost Melody, James Acaster as Dr. Lars Pinfield, Kumail Nanjiani as the hilarious Nadeem Razmaadi, and Patton Oswalt as Dr. Hubert Wartzki.
More ghosts, more trouble, more fun
Ghostbusters films would be nothing without the fun and creepy ghouls they chase after, and in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, there is an abundance of supernatural characters that steal the show.
Fan-favorite Slimer makes a comeback in the film, as well as the New York library ghost—both of which first appeared in the 1984 film. There are plenty of new ghosts as well, coming in all shapes and sizes—from the adorable Pukey held in captivity, to the terrifying Sewer Dragon. The film also features a human ghost named Melody (Emily Alyn Lind) who’s unexpected friendship with Phoebe Spangler (Mckenna Grace) leads to a pivotal moment in the film.
The ghosts also play a crucial part in the plan of the film’s villain to dominate the world. The more ghosts the Ghostbusters catch, the bigger the threat becomes.
A chilling new threat
Photo by Courtesy of Sony Pictures
“Your world will shatter—bones and ice. My empire will rise.” – Garraka
New York City and the entire world face the threat of a second ice age with the arrival of Garraka, an ancient god who seeks icy vengeance on humanity. This creature isn’t just intimidating to look at; he also possesses intense powers such as the ability to control other ghosts, telepathy, the capability to lower temperatures to absolute zero, and the “death chill,” which leaves anyone frozen in fear. With the wave of his hands, Garraka can freeze his enemies to death. It is no question that he is one of the most threatening and powerful villains the franchise has introduced. You will surely tremble in fear once he appears on screen.
The film also delves into a rich backstory for the cold-hearted villain, while also introducing a mythical race of Fire Masters, further expanding the mythology of the franchise.
A frozen delight of a movie
Photo by Jaap Buitendijk
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire does a great job of balancing horror and humor. There are a lot of moments that will make you laugh, and there are numerous scenes that will send a chill down your spine. Aside from the laughs, scares and high-octane action, it’s the quality of the film that makes it stand out. They effectively use practical effects and CGI to bring the ghosts to life, while introducing new concepts that stay true to the core of the Ghostbusters. The film honors the past and embraces the future, making it relevant and appealing to all audiences. Although it’s not without flaws, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is a wonderful movie that everyone should get to experience. It’s entertaining, fun, and suitable for all to enjoy.
SEA Wave rates Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire a 4 out of 5 waves.
The perfect film to beat the summer heat is finally here. Go to your nearest cinema and let us know what you think of the movie.