The Ghostbusters reboot became controversial when it was announced that the Paul Feig- directed film would have a female cast this time. Very rarely has any film got such negative vibes even before it released in theatres. So does this movie have what it takes to beat the negativity around it?
Erin Gilbert (Kristen Wiig) is at a very important time in her life. She is all set to be tenured at the prestigious Columbia College where she teaches and is very, very nervous. Adding to this nervousness is a book that she had written in her past with another doctor, Abby Yates (Melissa McCarthy). For those who haven’t yet understood what tenure means, we’ll be helpful: A professor who is tenured cannot be fired without the institution showing that he/she was incompetent in her academic duties. Be that as it may, the book that the two good doctors co-authored says that ghosts exist. That’s the reason Erin’s fired.
Image Source: screenrant
This is the point where the film really takes off. Erin has no option but to regroup with Abby, who has become friends with another engineer, Dr. Jillian Holtzmann (Kate McKinnon). Together, these women investigate paranormal activities that have suddenly seen a spurt and are joined by a woman who’s experienced the same – Patty Tolan (Leslie Jones), making it a quartet of ghostbusters. Add to this Chris Hemsworth as Kevin Beckman, a knucklehead assistant and you have Ghostbusters.
The film is unapologetically, unabashedly ‘80s and loves every single moment of its origins. Who’d put a Patrick Swayze joke or make a Jaws reference in a 2016 film? Who’d try to create a cocktail of science, sci-fi and the occult in 2016? Even the characters are right out of the glorious ‘80s. The smart girl, the dumb-but-intelligent girl, the butch and the token ethnicity – such a cast in the politically correct times of today is a bold step itself. This is the non-conforming soul that endears itself to the audience. The storyline is so pulp ‘80s that it is as durable as a soda-can, but it does what it is meant to – ensure that the ingredients inside it are consumed by the customer.
Image Source: comicbookmovie
So, what makes this film with an almost non-existent script interesting? The screenplay, the comedy – yeah, that’s a word that should come back, instead of the prim and proper humour – the crackling chemistry among the lead characters and the gobsmacking visual effects. The performances of the lead as well as the supporting cast are top of the rack. Full points to Mellissa for being a team-girl. The action scenes, which are basically digital magic, create the necessary ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ moments. The cameos by two of the original cast members (Bill Murray and Dan Aykryod) help too. Old toast Andy Garcia seems to be reliving his fantastic character in Ocean’s Eleven.
Ghostbusters should definitely make it to your viewing choices this weekend. We are already rooting for the sequel.
Thumbnail Image Source: allcatstars