Ghostbusters gave me everything I hoped for – and so much more. Extremely relevant and simply the perfect horror comedy!

Unlike the many, very vocal, whiny fanboys – both those born before and after the original Ghostbusters from 1984 – I’ve really been looking forward to this movie. I grew up with the original movies and loved them, and honestly, a remake with new male leads would actually have been redundant. This one is not!

The idea of doing a genderswap is simply brilliant. And don’t worry, it definitely doesn’t mean the jokes aren’t still crude and crazy. I mean, we’re talking about Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones, and Kate McKinnon, who individually represents a crazy force in the world of comedy. Regardless of gender. Also, ladies tend to be even more crude – or actually, it’s probably just perceived that way because whenever we’re not being demure “ladies” it does quickly tend to be too much.

In this Ghostbusters remake, McCarthy and Wiig play the brainy and rational scientists, who want to do things right. McKinnon is the crazy brilliant scientist, who builds the most amazing – and scary – weapons. And Jones is the civilian in the group and the voice of reason, who pretty much represents the audience. She nails it as Patty. Actually, they all do!

ghostbusters 2016 cast

Also, Chris Hemsworth is simply divine as the receptionist Kevin. He is the perfect illustration of every female “dumb blonde” character, we have ever seen. Yes, this is really what woman are being presented as. He is super objectified and owns it. Also, in a hillarious twist, only one of the ladies actually find him attractive, while the rest of them just think he’s sweet and ditzy. Oh, and yeah, Jillian Holtzmann (Kate McKinnon) is definitely not a straight character. Not gonna label her, but I will say that that label doesn’t work on her. Also, she has the coolest action scene I’ve seen in a long time. Such a kick-ass scene!

I watched Ghostbusters at an advanced screening, so it was with an actual “real live audience” (which I always prefer) and it was clear that people loved it. The theater was almost full of both male and female audience members, and the men clearly loved it every bit as much as the women. Sometimes the men laughed even louder than the women in the audience, because – once again – these ladies nail the jokes, time after time. Sure, comedy is subjective, but this is quite frankly the perfect horror comedy.

 

The story was written by director Paul Feig (Bridesmaids, Spy) and Katie Dippold. The duo previously worked together on The Heat, which was yet another Melissa McCarthy-led film. And, of course, the story is based on the original Ghostbusters from 1984. For this remake, Feig and Dippold have managed to create a story that is super contemporary and completely encompasses the spirit of the original Ghostbusters, while also being a movie in its own right. Also, keep your eye out for Katie Dippold in a small role as the rental agent, when the Ghostbusters are looking for their new office space.

It’s no secret that this remake also has cameos from every living original Ghostbusters (1984) cast member – except for Rick Moranis, but since he retired from acting in 1997, and only does occasional voice work, it was to be expected – which is a perfect stamp of approval for this remake. Also, they include a beautiful tribute to Harold Ramis – as well as dedicate the entire movie to him. Please, be sure to stay seated during the end credits to get all the cameos!

ghostbusters 2016 still ghost

Besides the cameos, you will also get to see a whole slew of iconic actors like Charles Dance, Ed Begley Jr., Steve Higgins, and “cult actors in the making”-actors like Karan Soni (Deadpool). Basically, you will just be bombarded with amazing performances from start to finish. Honestly, I can’t wait to see it again. And again.

I can’t even begin to imagine the amazing and beautiful impact this will have on young girls – and boys – but it will definitely transcend anything I could’ve even hoped for. Watching this movie made me feel like a kid again but with an added feeling of being free and able to do whatever I want and dream of.

 

Bottom line: If you loved the original Ghostbusters – and you’re not a total misogynist – then you will most definitely enjoy this remake. It is actually as simple as that!

Ghostbusters (2016) is currently playing in movie theatres in the US.

Details

Director: Paul Feig
Writer: Katie Dippold and Paul Feig
Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones, Kate McKinnon, Chris Hemsworth

Plot

Following a ghost invasion of Manhattan, paranormal enthusiasts Erin Gilbert and Abby Yates, nuclear engineer Jillian Holtzmann, and subway worker Patty Tolan band together to stop the otherworldly threat.

Karina
Karina "ScreamQueen" Adelgaard
I write reviews and recaps on Heaven of Horror. And yes, it does happen that I find myself screaming, when watching a good horror movie. I love psychological horror, survival horror and kick-ass women. Also, I have a huge soft spot for a good horror-comedy. Oh yeah, and I absolutely HATE when animals are harmed in movies, so I will immediately think less of any movie, where animals are harmed for entertainment (even if the animals are just really good actors). Fortunately, horror doesn't use this nearly as much as comedy. And people assume horror lovers are the messed up ones. Go figure!
Karina
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