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Writer's pictureStephen Yanni

Ghostbusters (2016) - Who Ya Gonna Call? Not This Reboot

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5 Stars)

Released 07-11-2016

Watched 01-05-2024

Reviewed 01-10-2024

Rented From iTunes




"I heard something really weird, what's 'Zuul'?"



"Ghostbusters (2016) emerges as a reboot that struggles to justify its existence, muddling the cherished legacy of the original series. The film introduces us to a new team of ghostbusters, led by Abby Yates (Melissa McCarthy) and Erin Gilbert, who, alongside Jillian Holtzmann and Patty Tolan, tackle paranormal disturbances in Manhattan. Despite this promising setup, the movie falters significantly in its execution.



The first issue is the film’s disregard for the original Ghostbusters timeline. Opting for a complete reset rather than a continuation, it misses a golden opportunity to integrate the all-female cast into the existing Ghostbusters universe. Imagine if the original team had started franchising their ghostbusting operations - this could have been a natural and exciting expansion of the original storyline.


Another perplexing choice is the cameos by the original cast members, who appear as entirely different characters. This decision feels like a missed opportunity to bridge the two Ghostbusters eras, leaving fans of the original series feeling disconnected and nostalgic for what could have been.


The script itself suffers from forgettable writing and poor pacing. The special effects seem to be somehow worse than the 1984 Original. Key dialogues that could have added depth and humor are overshadowed by unnecessary dance sequences and awkward moments. Moreover, the character of the receptionist, Kevin (played by Chris Hemsworth), is a glaring misstep. Presented as a dim-witted male counterpart to the smart and assertive Janine from the original series, Kevin's character feels like a step backward and adds little to the narrative.


Overall, this iteration of Ghostbusters fails to capture the charm and wit of its predecessors. Its attempt to reboot a beloved franchise ends up feeling unnecessary and disjointed. Fans of the Ghostbusters saga might find this film an easy one to skip, as it does little to enhance the series and might be better off forgotten."

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