Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

The paranormal investigators who research the strange and bust ghosts are back with Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. Three years after the events of the previous entry, the Spenglers and Gary Grooberson have moved to Manhattan to become the new Ghostbusters, with some aid from the original crew. Both the new and old teams have to contend with a new threat in the form of a ghostly god with the power to cause another Ice Age. Gil Kenan takes over directing duties from Jason Reitman, though both return as writers after already writing Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Their biggest flaw with the writing is that they introduce too many new characters whose developments are often rushed by the end, such as Kumail Nanjiani's Nadeem and Melody, a ghost girl that Phoebe befriends. There's also Trevor's use of him throughout the movie wherein he's just trying to capture Slimer and not much else. But other than that, Kenan and Reitman continue to bring some great new and unique ideas to the franchise. They do bring back old characters and have some references to the original films, but mostly do it in a quick way without harping on it for too long. Story's got a good combination of dark twists and hilarious jokes add to that Ernie Hudson's Winston becomes a real standout compared to the other original characters. The cast all give strong performances who capture the mix of comedy, drama, and terror incredibly well, especially the chemistry between McKenna Grace and Emily Alyn Lind. Another person to return is cinematographer Eric Steelberg whose work continues to give this franchise a look that continues to improve. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is another fun entry in the franchise, and while it may not be as strong as Afterlife, it still carries the heart. Over all: 90%

2024 top list so far:

1. Dune: Part 2

2. The Book of Clarence

3. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

4. Drive-Away Dolls

5. Kung Fu Panda 4

6. Lisa Frankenstein

7. Argylle

8. Mean Girls 2024