“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” takes us on a thrilling ride back to the iconic firehouse, where proton packs hum and slime awaits. As the OG Ghostbusters return, we’re greeted by familiar faces: Bill Murray’s Venkman, Dan Aykroyd’s Stantz, Ernie Hudson’s Zeddemore, and the ever-sweet Janine (Annie Potts). But it’s the new generation that steals our hearts.
Enter McKenna Grace, a rising star who effortlessly embodies the spirit of adventure. Her portrayal of Phoebe, the science-whiz daughter of Callie (Carrie Coon), is nothing short of extraordinary. With wide-eyed curiosity and a dash of Egon Spengler’s genius, Grace crafts a character we root for from the first proton stream.
The passing of the proton wand from one generation to the next was one of the highlights of Ghostbusters: Afterlife which was beautifully woven into the narrative. Phoebe’s journey to discover her grandfather’s legacy tugged at our heartstrings. And yes, Egon’s memory looms large, but “Frozen Empire” wisely avoids exploiting it for cheap tears.
Rudd and Kumail Nanjiani inject humor into every ectoplasmic encounter. Their banter, witty one-liners, and sheer likability keep the film buoyant. Whether they’re wrangling ghosts or learning about there place in history, their presence is electric. Emily Alyn Lind’s performance adds an intriguing layer to the supernatural chaos. As Melody, a ghost with an unexpected connection to the ice ghost, Lind brings a winsome quality to her character. During a nighttime chess game in Washington Square Park, her very human-looking ghost interacts with Phoebe, creating a brief but tender relationship. Lind’s portrayal stands out as a welcomed addition in this story line.
The opening chase scene is a rollercoaster of thrills. Ecto-1 zooms through New York City streets, sirens blaring, as Phoebe’s gadgets come alive. We’re reminded why we fell in love with the franchise—the adrenaline, the slime, and the joy of ghost-busting.
The film introduces an ancient malevolence accidentally unleashed—a creature with visual effects so substantial, it chills our spines. The stakes are high, and the Ghostbusters must rise to the occasion. But it’s Phoebe’s scientific prowess that holds the key. Director Gil Kenan deftly balances old and new. Iconic images—Slimer, the firehouse, and the proton streams—coexist with Phoebe’s inventions. The late Harold Ramis, our beloved Egon, has been honored throughout these films. No holograms in this one though—just reverence. His legacy lives on in Phoebe’s quest for truth and her unwavering belief in science.
Remember when we believed in ghosts under our beds? “Frozen Empire” rekindles that wonder. It’s a film for the kid in all of us—the one who dreamed of proton packs and slime traps.
Yes, I’ll say it: “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” is the best movie I’ve seen this year. It’s a love letter to fans, a torch passed, and a celebration of curiosity. And McKenna Grace? She’s our beacon—a star destined to shine across the cinematic universe.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
