‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ is a cold form of nostalgia

Ghostbusters Frozen Empire official poster | Image: Columbia Pictures

In the newest installment of an enduring franchise, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” resurrected familiar features, storylines, and characters, intending to spark a sentimental feeling in its devoted audience. Despite the attempt to balance the nostalgic premise, introduce the lore to the younger, current generation, and give it a modern twist, it fails to elevate its plot elements and themes that will integrate this entry into the franchise’s legacy.

Set against the backdrop of New York City, Callie (Carrie Coon) moved to the Big Apple with her two children, Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and Phoebe (Mckenna Grace), and boyfriend Greg (Paul Rudd), to revive her late father’s Ghostbusters business. Frozen Empire brings together the original and current crew of the Ghostbusters club, the cast of the 1980s films, and the stars of the 2021 installment, while also adding some new faces with whom the younger generation could resonate.

As a common feeling among the youngsters—an identity crisis and the feeling of being left out—Phoebe feels excluded from her family as she is still not yet allowed to be part of the team and fight the spooky creatures, so she finds herself creating an unexpected bond with Melody (Emily Alyn Lind), who happens to be a ghost. Amid their newly formed friendship, the film’s heroes face a new danger in the frozen hands of an evil ancient god determined to freeze the world. 

Frozen Empire is a decent watch, that starts on a promising note and satisfactorily sets the fun mood that the franchise is known for; however, as the story progresses, the slow pacing and the poor attempts at humor unplug the switch for this latest entry to meet its full potential. Despite the CGI and practical effects that are visually appealing to the eyes, the lackluster plot provides little to no soul or moral to the build-up. 

In the moments of edging suspense, there are also a few moments of comic relief that are mostly delivered by Kumail Nanjiani’s character, which contributes to the little amusement viewing experience. However, the lack of a solid character arc and the lack of emotional appeal make this entry mediocre and an afterthought to its predecessors.

The Ghostbusters franchise has probably played its course, making every new entry to the story most likely walking on thin ice—the battle between “would it be dull” or “would it sell.” Despite the familiar footing that some viewers could still find delight in, it might be time to put this ghost to rest because even if this latest installment could serve as a cold comfort to the nostalgic fans, for the audience who’s more into something unique and fresh, the cold form of nostalgia might bother them someway.

“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” opens in Philippine cinemas on April 10th.