I was cautiously optimistic about this going in but it met expectations and more. Funnier than I thought it would be and a great job mixing old and new. Also the cameos were fun and the best one in the bunch is not the one you'd expect. It's not a full 5 stars because stupid nitpicking issues that I can ignore when I'm yukking it up like unnecessary GH green screen and franchise setups. But a great time.
Is apparently a reboot that makes believe the others never happened. It just goes by Ghostbusters now and not Ghostbusters 3. So count me out.
75% good reviews make Ghostbusters probably the most overrated film of the year. The movie just wasn't as memorable as the original. I think Ghostbusters got so many good reviews just to shut up people who said a Ghostbusters reboot starring only women was a bad idea. Or someone is in denial that it was better than it was.
I can't even say Ghostbusters proves what Paul Feig wanted it to. Sorry but I only laughed hard during any Chris Hemsworth secretary scene. Hell, I even can say my 13 year old niece just laughed hard during his scenes. Especially when he showed a picture of the 711 logo saying that should be the Ghostbusters logo, for instance. He was perfectly stupid and that worked at least.
Kristen Wiig is just playing the dopely dry humored character she always plays. She gets slimed many times but none of those scenes are as funny as when Bill Murray got slimed once in the original. Melissa McCarthy is just a brainy version of the feisty character she always plays. Kate McKinnon is trying something different at least rather than just phoning it in. I am not too sure what she was going for but it was kind of entertaining at least. While Leslie Jones is basically just loud.
The original was full of quick sharp dialogue. Paul Feig's Ghostbusters lacks that even. Since a lot of the dialogue is the characters blabbing back and forth with dragged on conversations and jokes. Rather than the cast taking turns with funny one liners like the original cast. These ladies seem to never let up with competing on who's funnier. None of the cameos of the original stars were even too memorable either.
Paul Feig at least showed us Chris Hemsworth is funny since he got all the best lines. Feig didn't write anything too great for the women to say. Yet, they're who the movie was supposed to show off the talents of. As for the CGI, it looked like it was stolen from Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.” I think the villain might have fit in a Scooby Doo movie better as well.
When the villain makes the dude in the painting from Ghostbusters 2 look like a great villain, something is wrong. Spoiler Warning: Bill Murray as a Walter Peck like jerk who doesn't believe in ghosts is who had potential to make a good main villain. Unfortunately there wasn't enough Bill Murray.
The problem with films like Ghostbusters today is that it changes how we're used to characters being for 30 yrs. Sony especially pretty much says a lot "this is how a character is written now, deal with it." Forcing bad ideas on people will always cause controversy.
I always wished the original was longer. This movie shows why it was good that it wasn't. The jokes are dragged on here. There's not just one slime scene, there's many. Them fired in the original was short and sweet. Here they have an immature boss who tells them off in all different unfunny ways.
While everyone wants to be Dr. Vankman and be the one who gets the laughs. Which makes it easy for Chris Hemsworth to steal the show because he's not trying as hard and is naturally funny as Kevin, their secretary. Thank god, this didn't make enough money for a sequel. Since Paul Feig doesn't even get what made the original good.
I bought the Extended Edition hoping for more ghostbusting related scenes. However, the middle has even less ghost related scenes though. That's where I am coming from and I can't say the film isn't a very good Ghostbusters movie without being called sexist.
Just too many of the jokes had absolutely nothing to do with what the film should actually be about....catching ghosts. I mean I also get told, you have to move on from the original and be open minded about this film. Yeah, I was and as a Ghostbusters film, it's a pretty weak one until the city scene in the end.
By the city scene in the end though, I forgot what I was watching was supposed to actually be a Ghostbusters movie. Even if seeing Slimer was a slight reminder.
Really good movie and funny!!!
I don't know why this film caught the hate that it did, its a good movie. The original had slightly better suspense and horror, but this one wins in the comedy department hands down. The ladies and Chris Hemsworth were very funny. I thought the cameos from the original cast was great (really made me wish Rick Moranis would have done one, he would have crushed it.) I am doing my Ghostbusters re-watch before I watch the latest one and this one still holds up for me. If they were really planning on doing a sequel because of the end credits scene, i really wished I could have seen that.
Ghostbusters (2016) is a semi decent film living in the shadow of its predecessor. The acting and humour are definitely hit or miss and could use a bit of improving. However when it comes to the visuals and the action, it’s a fun time. Had it been it’s own thing, it probably wouldn’t have the huge hatred it’s garnered.
That was a fun experience, lots of laughs. Looking forward to more (hopefully)
Omg... Im going to be "that guy"... THIS MOVIE RAPED MY CHILDHOOD!!!
Loved it! Great bit of light hearted fun and the girls are hilarious! of course it isn't going to be the same as the original as that's a cult classic but I loved the story line and how they incorporated in the actors from the original and a few of the lines! A good few laugh out loud moments in there too!
overall I'd give it an 8/10
I‘m one of the few who likes that movie. It’s not a perfect movie but a good one. I even like it more than Ghostbusters Legacy - by far more!
I don’t like the character of Kevin, they just should have brought back the character of Janine, there are a few „poop jokes“ what do not fit in a Ghostbusters movie and it should be just a sequel and not a reboot. But besides these criticism, it’s a really good movie.
SO SO GOOD! It was funny, scary and amazing! Who can hate on this film, it's much better then everyone thought it would be, maybe better than the originals! Not a perfect movie but it is a really strong 9.
Wow, this is one of the worst movies I've ever seen in my life. What a waste.
The only good thing about this movie is the credits....
Ok the cameo apperances were a nice touch.
Biggest Piece of Sh1t movie I have ever see. So much Woke unfunny BS. I hope this movie gets lost in the archives of SH1T movies forever. Go Woke Go Broke
Who ya gonna call? Not these clownshoes. Director Paul Feig reboots Ghostbusters as a screwball, feminist comedy. Former paranormal researchers Erin Gilbert and Abby Yates reunite when a museum curator comes looking for help with a haunting, and when they end up getting fired from their respective colleges for their ghost investigating activities they go into business for themselves. The cast stars Melissa McCarthy and SNL alum Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones, and therein lies the problem. The characters are all one-dimensional caricatures; particularly McKinnon, who delivers some of the best laughs but is always mugging for the camera and pushing the jokes past the point where they stop being funny. And Chris Hemsworth is poison, playing a character that’s too stupid to live (and annoyingly so). The funnies bits of the film actually come from the cameos of the original ‘84 Ghostbusters cast, which are all incredibly fun. It has its moments and delivers some laughs, but Ghostbusters is more concerned with jokes than character and story.
Well, it's an entertaining and funny comedy, with a good cast. The story builds up slowly until it reaches a point of no return and the stakes are high. About my only complain are the damn cameos. Every ten or so minutes, there was a cameo or a nod to the previous movies, and it was so damn distracting. This movie stands on its own, and doesn't need those tricks to lure the fans. I don't know if the film with make any profit at all for the studio in the end, but I'm willing to watch it again when it gets to Netflix.
It's not as bad as some people say it is. It's very lighthearted and, although some of the jokes didn't land very well in my opinion, it definitely had some genuinely funny moments (and not in like a so bad it's good type of way). One thing I didn't like was that the story was very generic and forgettable, but it's not really supposed to be a serious film. I recommend you watch the original film first before you watch this one.
I don't think this was so bad as other people said... Sure not that bad like other recent reboots...
These ladies are HILARIOUS! I really enjoyed watching this. I laughed out loud a whole bunch of times and really love the actors in these particular roles. I can already see several long-term quotable lines coming from it. Chris Hemsworth was also a riot.
While it's probably technically a remake, this movie has its own original plot and its own original characters. I'm glad for that. I loved the nods to the original without (always) hitting you over the head with it. Keep an eye out for some old friends.
Having said that, the movie does drag a bit around the 2/3 mark before kind of getting its mojo back for the finale. And make sure you stick around through the credits (which go by surprisingly quickly)!
There are going to be people who will hate this no matter what. But don't pre-judge this movie based on the trailer. Give it a chance and you may laugh as hard as I did.
Laughed 0 times, chuckled about 3 times. It was just boring from start to finish.
There sure has been a lot of hate for this movie, especially from those who haven't even seen it. The occasional joke misses the mark and there are too many throwbacks to the original. Chris Hemsworth's character is pretty much a one joke effort and is the weakest part of the film. However, the four leads are terrific and have great comic timing. The effects are great and for once are not all CGI. There is potential for a sequel and I would welcome it.
The film is a lot of fun and will probably convert the haters if they can remove their heads from their butts. The reason the 1984 film is so iconic is because it is over 30 years old and has become a classic. Take off the rose tinted glasses and people should see that the film isn't perfect. The 2016 film doesn't fall far behind the original and will be around for a long time too - at least until the apocalypse - so sit back and enjoy it.
Cameos from all the original cast including the late Harold Ramis (check out the museum in the early scenes).
The main problem I have with this movie is not that it's a bad movie - although it is certainly not good. No, the huge problem I have is that it was a stupid movie to make. Nobody asked for this. Nobody ever said, you know what I wish they'd remake Ghostbusters but with women. Now I know sometimes you don't know what kind of movies you want or don't want until you see them, but in this case people KNEW right away. You do not remake movies with a cult following like Ghostbusters, Goonies, ET or Jaws. You just don't. You are setting up yourself for failure, wasting people's time and money. It's a free country and people can watch the movies they wanna watch, but this should not have been made. It's an abomination and a slap in the face for every self respecting fan of movies. It deserves every bit of ridicule and shaming it got. They were warned that this would happen when they announced it and it happened. I hope this will be a warning to Hollywood execs who think they can just hijack an idea and make some money out of past success without coming up with anything new. There are too many remakes and sequels being made, but usually they stay away from classics. Not this time and it blew up in their faces. LEAVE THE CLASSICS ALONE!
movie appears to be made for women, did not enjoy it. Fan of the originals only.
Ignore all the haters - this is the Ghostbusters movie for the 21st century we all didn't know we needed.
Sassy, irreverant, scary, and with the correct amount of hat-tipping to an old classic, you can't ask for a better re-imagining. More please. Many many more!
I'm not sure what some of these people in the comments are talking about. This movie was garbage. It was filed with forced jokes and terrible interactions between characters. The only thing stopping it from being a 1 or 2 out of 10 were the visual effects. Some one actually said it could be better than the originals. Insane!
Just terrible. I would mark 0 hearts if i could
No no no and no. Lamest movie I've ever seen and I have seen a lot. Dont waste your time!
Astonishing how positive most of these comments here are while the overall rating is only at 68% at the time of writing these lines (not that bad, but not that good either). I see some obviously blind praise without any arguments backing it up.
It didn't have that much misandry, or I expected just too much from comments I read/heard, mentioning and discussing the "best" issues already. Although, I tend to not analyze every little sideblow and let some inappropriate jokes slide. But objectively spoken it wasn't a good movie if you see past the issues the trailer and cast raised months ago. Intentional provocation for better marketing and media coverage (and it sadly worked). It still had certain misandry aspects and scenes that are problematic. But that's how it goes these days.
Let's condemn sexism towards women for decades, fight for equality until the majority is on the same page, then the toxic new generation of feminists arise, burn all previous work down to the ground and simply reverse the sexism what is supposed to be totally okay. Just as it is totally okay to classify each and every criticism as "it's not about you[men] anymore", implying everyone criticising the movie is male to begin with, or implying there aren't strong female characters here and there already, doing it much, much better than this Ghostbusters. While the counter "arguments" are like "man up", "you're sexist if you don't like it", "you are just a hater anyway" and similar. All while women are pressured to like this movie because, well, it's an all female cast, you have to like and support it! No matter what. The irony in this is hilarious and really sad at the same time. Cinemassacre's greeting and while I'm at it: Comic Book Girl 19 and Alachia Queen on Youtube raise interesting points and I feel inclined to stress that they are females. So their opinion might be - for some - more valid than mine, because sadly I've got a penis. (*gasp!*)
But I digress, the movie itself is terrible, it's highly unfunny, sexist towards women and men, mildly racist and most of all incredibly boring throughout with a recurring Bill Murray, while he isn't really recurring. But the latter was known, the movie was said to ignore the previous movies, so Murray is playing another rather unimportant character and is only a notch to fans of the previous movies, nothing more. Very disappointing.
The CGI effects aren't the worst (overall) but for 2016 mediocre at best. Dialogues are dragging for way too long at times, when the Ghostbusters were called in to talk to "the man" for example, the movie lost my attention for several minutes. Something that rarely happens. Mostly the dialogues are simply stupid to avoid silence/only exist to create noise. It feels like there's no real plot, nothing seems relevant with what happens in this movie and I don't "feel" the sense of it, there's no point in it.
The character Holtzmann was tedious and annoying to watch. Some could also say McCarthy is playing the same character in all movies she's appearing in and they might be right, there's no great difference as I can see it, but I like her in most movies (Spy was very entertaining). I have no particular issue with her character here but I wouldn't say she was any good either.
Still, most of the issues this movie has have only indirectly to do with the female cast and come mainly from the terrible, terrible script.
The plot thing, dialogues and Holtzmann are probably my biggest gripes with this movie and Hemsworth as the embodiment of misandry this movie has to offer (+the villain, but that one possesses his body for some time, soo...). An all female cast is just as interesting as an all male cast: not really, it's boring writing (exceptions apply).
While I dislike a forced diverse group to not attract any kind of "haters" just as much as an all-x-gender-cast, I'd preferred it if there would have been more variety in characters and a somewhat greater care and respect for all the characters that were actually there. Variety gives a writer more possibilities to write a good story but no one had this in mind for this movie, apparently. Perhaps because the involved decisionmakers knew this movie is bad?
The only entertaining thing this movie has/had to offer is what happened around it. What was shamelessly done to boost media coverage and how it on one hand wastes an opportunity and on the other exploits so-called "equality" on the backs of everyone who wants equality ("gender war" as Comic Book Girl says it). Generally, this movie isn't really worth all the controversy, because the movie itself has no relevance and will either be forgotten quickly or be another example for terrible reboots that get ruined because of money and money only.
I prefer my media to be without prejudice against a specific gender to push an agenda, be it money or superiority over the other gender. Good shows/movies that do something for equality treat every character no matter their gender, sex, religious beliefes, etc. with respect. Ghostbusters (2016) does not.
If you want realistically strong female leads, "empowering" women, while no one is insulted for their gender, watch and support shows like iZombie, or The 100. Not this money agenda driven movie that wants us to insult each other over the wrong issues to create buzz.
[Comic Book Girl 19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn_vAcFGTJU)
[Alachia Queen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJ0_Ke1-mYA)
Every member of the main cast here is a comedian, so why the fuck did they get involved in a remake of Ghostbusters? In Hollywood nothing is sacred I suppose, but it is still surprising that anyone was keen to get on board with this stinker of a script. Then again looking at the budget, it looks like some decent salaries were in play; maybe getting paid a few million makes shitting on one of the most beloved films of all time an easier pill to swallow.
If you’re familiar with the world of bullshit then this is pretty much what you’d expect from a 2016 remake of Ghostbusters. Big name cast, good production value, some ‘funny’ nods to the original (particularly painful in this case), flat jokes and a lazy, careless plot.
This is far from a dire film, but it’s so uninspired that it constantly makes you want to stop the tape and watch the original. Please stop this madness.
benoliver999.com/film/2017/05/07/ghostbusters2016/
What a terrible reboot of a classic. For a comedy it wasn't funny at all. The jokes were forced, the acting terrible. It was sexist, predictable, and just a complete waste of time. And I still have no idea where the main bad guy came from and what he wanted to do. This movie is on par with the new Independence Day movie, which was even worse (can you imagine?)
All the hate for this film is completely undeserved. Seen it today - excellent fun! Kate McKinnon kills it.
There is a reason why I don't write movies, it is because it would result in movies like this.
This movie was a huge disappointment! The only positive thing I can say about it is that the special effects where not half bad. The movie itself was childish, unfunny, unintelligent and generally really bad.
Some reviews giving this movie 9 or 10 stars (which is just ludicrous) are saying that people cannot handle the feminism in the movie. What feminism? Replacing the original actors with women is not feminism as far as I am concerned and anyway, if you care about such things should it not have been two women and two men to be politically correct? Also, the supposedly intelligent women in this movie behave in a typical old-fashioned Hollywood stereotype of women way. They are mostly downright silly. If I were a feminist I would actually have been insulted by this movie.
Then we have the male clerk that is dummer than a piece of rock. If someone had stacked four supposedly intelligent men and a single blond bimbo that is totally devoid of any trace of intelligence together in a movie the social justice warriors would have cried foul so loud that you could hear it across the planet. But since it is four women and a stupid male it is okay (not really). It is even feminism according to some people. What a load of bollocks.
There is actually a story in the movie although it is well hidden under the silly jokes and silly behavior. It is paper thin and rather silly in itself but it could have worked if the rest of the movie was up to snuff but sadly it is not.
As I wrote above the only good thing about this movie is the special effects. The few scenes that I actually enjoyed was during the big shoot out at the end which had some cool moments. I especially liked when Jillian pulls a pair of pistols out of her Ghostbuster suit and goes on a ghost killing spray.
Apart from that this movie is best forgotten
Poor sense of humor.They tried too much to make it funny...Somehow it feels that they tried to lampoon every single dialogue.It cant work that way.Thats how I see it.I just chuckled a few times and thats that.I give it a 4 (hardly a 5 if I was in better mood)for the visual effects and the nostalgic theme song.
For me it felt like they were trying way to hard to be funny and it felt forced.
Reading the reviews made me feel a bit insecure... I must have a bad taste in humor since i didn't laugh once!
Awful acting, no chemistry, poor script and terrible editing, it seemed rushed!
Some visual effects were looking awesome, and that was actually one of the few reasons I kept watching.
In the original I adored the Marshmallow Man and I was glad to see him back in this movie.
Overall a very disappointing reboot that feels like a cheap politically motivated Hollywood cash in.
What a waste of an opportunity to make at least a reasonable modernized version of a great movie.
The original is so much better!
About as funny as plain oatmeal. If people didn't make some massive issue over hating/loving this movie it would have been released, pulled in mediocre numbers, and then been forgotten fairly quickly. The absymal writing killed this movie, not the women acting it out.
It's ironic how people who will complain about other people/feminists/boogymen being offended will also get super offended at a nutshot joke. This was a poorly-written paint-by-numbers remake with a mostly female cast.
Also, people don't really understand that Hemsworth's character was a parody of countless other movies/tv shows with a dumb bimbo secretary.
The good things:
- Chris Hemsworth
- Kate McKinnon
The bad things:
- Everything else
Update: Saw the movie. It wasn't that bad. This movie is geared towards women to enjoy. It is a chick flick. It was cute and funny. I enjoyed it!
Why are there so many bad ratings when the movie isn't even out yet? I'll hold off my rating until I have seen it.
If you love the classic ghostbusters stay away of this trash.
WOW ... so that was horrendous!
This movie was great fun! I didn't know what to expect, but I decided to ignore all the negativity and go in without any expectations. The first scene in the haunted mansion gave me goosebumps, and had me pretty scared. After that it was all good fun, with lovable characters, great cameos, and awesome CGI and color keys. I loved Patty the most, I was afraid they would make her the token angry black woman, and I hate when that stuff happens, but despite knowing little about her - and about McKinnon's character - she grew on me the fastest. She was kind, funny, and appreciated. I plan on seeing this movie again very soon!
Like everyone that's seen it, this movie is much better than the haters would have you believe. My expectations were very low, just based on the trailer, however it seems all the worst moments were actually shown in the trailer.
Movie stands on it's own merits, not better than the original but a very decent modernization of a classic. Solid acting, well written, some of the best "3D" effects I've seen on screen, Hemsworth was a lot funnier than expected.
Ultimately it's a movie I'll say go and watch yourself rather than listen to the haters that have ranked it super low before they have even seen it.
One of the most stupid and unfunny movie ever seen before. As told Tray Parker / Eric Cartman after watched this movie: "girls are not funny at all"
to all the guys who are talking nonsense things about the movie: it didn't destroyed your childhood, it destroyed your manhood
deal with that, not everything is about your stupid asses anymore
Loved it! Also love that it's making so many grown men uncomfortable. Wow. Getting uncomfortable when something isn't about you (for once), talk about petty as hell. Grow up.
If I could rate it 0(zero) I would...but the 1 that I did give it was for Hemsworth and him alone....
Horrible looking actresses playing main characters and sexist humor. For me it's too much and it's still impersonating a nice movie that was original.
This really kicked ass! I totally loved this funny movie, and I die for Kate McKinnon's character and performance.
An easily forgettable movie with a great and talented cast (easily the best thing of the film). Don't listen to the trolls out there, watch it, enjoy it, and move on to the next thing
Hot take: Having watched the original and this back to back this weekend, I have to say...I think I prefer this one as a movie?
Characters are more likable, have better motivations and the story flows better. It takes the lore and absurdity of the original and makes a fun action comedy of it. Hemsworths character is pretty one note and the gags around him wear pretty thin almost instantly, but everything else is a fun, extended and better executed version of what came before it.
Maybe because I hold very little nostalgia for the original?
At the height of the #Metoo movement, Hollywood came riding in on its white stallion to save the Damsels in Distress (Liberal Actresses who sell themselves like whores for movie parts) from the evil Meanie, who also just happened to be Hollywood (funny how that worked out) and decided to gut every franchise that they could and retool it for female leads in a hope to quell the decades-old status quo and somehow wipe the slate clean before everyone put the mental pieces together of what was really going on. Ghostbusters was one of those movies.
For over a decade there was talk about a third movie starring the original cast, even adapting the Video Game that was released in 2009 for the silver screen all to no avail. Mostly this was because Bill Murray refused to replay his part for whatever reasons, but then Harold Ramis died in 2014 and any further thought simply evaporated. This of course left the Ghostbusters Franchise ripe for the picking. However, this just couldn't be a standard reboot. Wrongs needed to be righted and messages needed to be sent to let the world know that GRRL-Power is superstrong. Therefore, Ghostbusters was turned into a 2-hour marathon of kicking the male gender in the neither-region while trying to convince the audience that anything men can do, women can do better.
Most of the male supporting cast are EXTREMELY feminine (of course never implying that they would be homosexuals because that would be insulting to the homosexuals) who scream, cry and/or are extraordinarily vapid without any possible intelligent thoughts. References to de-balling men are spread throughout the film - including the "Nutcracker" in the ending credits and shooting the big bad ghostie in the family jewels with the proton pack electron streams - and the only "Man" in the movie is the evil psychotic genius determined to end the world because he's been bullied (another recurrent theme message throughout the movie) his entire life.
Of course, since this movie carried the Ghostbusters title, there had to be some nods to the franchise. Curiously, the actor who created the largest roadblock to a sequel got the most screen time in this film (Murray). Every actor from the original, who was still alive, made at least a brief appearance, sans Rick Moranis (I guess nobody needed their taxes done in this film), however if you skipped the in-credits cameos you might have missed some of them. Even Slimer and Stay Puft get some screen time, however, even the Marshmallow Man gets it in the goodies in the end. Gotta keep up the motif, you know.
Besides all that, the plot is pretty predictable, the characters are pretty shallow and no real boundaries are broken. The female black character is the only non-scientist in the group, is the muscle when needed and keeps the white characters informed on the down-low of the "real" city life. For the rest of the crew, instead of three distinct personalities like we had in the first two films, we have a pair of Egons and a Ray/Egon-like character. The Annie Potts replacement (Chris Helmsworth) is her antithesis and is nothing more than beefcake eyecandy for the crew. The CGI effects, which were supposed to be the lifesaver of the film, are moving at such a high rate of speed that you only really see blue and green blurs; completely opposite of what we enjoyed in 1984. The nods to the franchise are nothing more than pandering and some of the cameos would be unrecognizable to those not familiar to how the actors have aged. The film did rate a #1 ranking for the week it was released, however that was because it was the only new film released that week and was achieved through some superior back-room maneuvering and compromise by Sony Pictures and the rest of the Hollywood Film Elite.
Needless to say, Ghostbusters for the new millennium was an extreme franchise disappointment, probably only equaled by the 1998 version of Godzilla (strangely enough, also released by Tri-Star/Sony Pictures). Like that version, if they had made the movie and had it stand on its own credentials, instead of looking to cash-in and ride the coattails of works previously released, it would have been an above average film. Nevertheless, since Hollywood opted for the "easy way," they lose points for the endeavor. Unless you are a female looking for some gender foundation-strengthening, stick with the original. Don't answer the call, let it go to voicemail.
Run of the mill reboot don’t bother didn’t make me laugh at all, typical girl flick when they just broke up with there man and need something to watch while eating ice cream, it’s just a P.C film with role reversal. It’s not a touch on the original
[5.8/10] Your childhood remains intact. Despite all the hand-wringing, hue and cry, and latent misogyny involved at every turn since the prospect of a female-fronted Ghostbusters reboot emerged, the end result does no harm to its 1984 predecessor. It is thoroughly fine at its worst, has its amusing stretches, and if anything, takes too much care in honoring and referencing all of the most recognizable elements of the original film.
But it’s also a widely unremarkable, middle-of-the-road studio comedy that would have otherwise risen and fallen without fanfare were it not for the everpresent specter of marketable IP and the ensuing manbaby revolt that followed. 2016’s Ghostbusters (or Ghostbusters: Answer the Call as it was rebranded on video) is an adequate, mostly forgettable flick, whose problems have nothing to do with either the brand name it adopted or the gender of its main characters.
Instead, Answer the Call stumbles by offering too shaggy a tale without strong or consistent enough humor to support the places where its narrative and pacing starts to sag. The plot of the film sees Erin Gilbert (Kristen Wiig), a lapsed ghosthunter re-teaming with estranged pal and true believer Abby Yates (Melissa McCarthy) and her gizmo-inventing second Jillian Holtzman (Kate McKinnon) once they finally get a bead on some real ghosts. Along the way, they add Patty Tolan (Leslie Jones), who offers an encyclopedic knowledge of New York City, to the group and a new quartet of Ghostbusters is born.
The four of them gain notoriety in New York for busting spooks at locales as varied as stuffy historical houses and raucous rock concerts. That brings them to the attention of the mayor’s office, which privately thanks them but publicly decries them as frauds, and also puts them in the crosshairs of Rowan, a creep who’s involved with each ghostly appearance and laments his history of bullying.
The plot is loose and rarely attended to, which is fine for a comedy. The film pays some half-hearted lip service to the notion of Erin and Abby becoming estranged when no one believed their ghost stories, and one retreated from their ghostly claims while the other doubled down, but it’s scant and generally unaffecting. Instead, Ghostbusters is essentially a loose connection of sketches around a specter-centric theme that don’t so much progress as roll into one another.
Again, that’s not an issue in and of itself. Lord knows that the 1984 film was far from a tightly-plotted master class in nimble storytelling. But if the progression of events isn’t going to power your movie and keep the audience on board from scene-to-scene, then your humor has to carry the load, and Answer the Call isn’t up to that challenge.
Most of the humor in 2016’s Ghostbusters is broad and loud and occasionally gross. Despite (or maybe because of) having the talented Melissa McCarthy on board, the film defaults to corny slapstick humor, whether it involves Abby being bounced around an alley by the latest bit of tech, or briefly possessed and sent into fisticuffs by an evil ghost, or squished by a malevolent parade balloon. And while McCarthy brings some good laughs in the person-to-person scenes with less of those theatrics, Wiig is a vacuum of charisma as the film’s (relative) straight man, reduced to being continually covered in slime or awkwardly hitting on the Ghostbusters’ secretary, Kevin (Chris Hemsworth), in a vain attempt to generate yuks.
And Kevin is really the posterboy for the film’s middling sense of humor. He’s a surprisingly big part of the film, and the only joke Ghostbusters can up with about the character are variations on the same, TGIF sitcom-level “he’s really dumb” gag. That’s par for the course in this movie, where few, if any, of the jokes have layers. Instead, it almost always goes for the easiest, plainest gag.
That’s not helped by how lumpy the film’s editing and pacing is. There’s something to be said for preserving the improvisational atmosphere of a particular moment in comedy, but scene after scene in Ghostbusters just goes on forever, without any of the tight editing necessary to make sure the jokes don’t wear out their welcome. There’s a slack vibe to the movie, one where the funny moments are surrounded by too much flab to really hit with the force they should.
The saving grace in the comedy department is the three current Saturday Night Live cast members. Kate McKinnon steals every scene she’s in, between her silly dances and her affectionate technobabble for her latest inventions. Jones is extraverted as usual, but lands some of the movie’s best lines and asides. And Cecily Strong plays one of the mayor’s advisors, whose ability to politely encourage the Ghostbusters in private but condescendingly slag them in public becomes hilarious with Strong’s delivery.
Oddly enough, despite the greater focus on humor, the film manages to better in terms of action than comedy. While the compositing is a little off and obvious in places, the movie presents some creative and creepy-looking ghosts, and one of the film’s most enjoyable sequences features the Ghostbusters doing battle with a veritable horde of them. However much it falters in other places, Ghostbusters has a fun aesthetic, with colorful, neon hues on the purple-blue-green spectrum and enough smoke and mirrors to make the atmosphere spooky without veering too much into creepy, that makes the more kinetic scenes stand out.
There’s just not enough in the film to keep you hooked for through its logy, two-hour and fifteen-minute runtime. There’s beaucoup winks and nods at the franchise’s past trademarks, and signature bits and plenty of creative ghouls to do battle with. But there’s also a distinct lack of momentum, too many attempts to fill the dead air with gags that have a middling-at-best batting average, and a cast of talented performers who never quite jell.
Rest assured, the bones of the 1980s ghostbusting films remained undisturbed. There are worse ways to spend a couple of hours at the theater than 2016’s Ghostbusters, and in the final tally, the movie is more forgettable than bad. But strip away the baggage that Answer the Call was unfairly saddled with, and you’re left with a middling remake, without enough verve or laughs to make it more than just another piece of generic studio entertainment that’s not worth getting excited about one way or another.
It was ok. I expected more. Loved the character of Chris Hemsworth. I am surprised that he actually agreed to play in the movie. I did not find it funny. I think they should have cast male actors. Maybe it is just me, but i am used to see four guys and through the whole movie I had this feeling the girls just could not fit. Anyway the movie is not that bad at all, but you know what will happen after the first 15 minutes.
Worst movie ever! Awful remake. Not funny
I loved this movie! I watched the original for the first time recently and I couldn't understand the love for it. This new remake suits my humour much more and I highly enjoyed it! And since I watched the original I could get all the references to the original. That being said, Kate McKinnon was my favourite in this movie. Her character is so funny! I would definitely rewatch this given the chance.
I have no idea how people like this and find it funny. Too me it's only Jones that has a somewhat likeable character and acceptable performance. But the movie was not funny where the terrible attempts to slapstick really was the most cringe.
Who would have thought that in 2022 one of the most controversial films I would have given an opinion about was an all-female-lead remake of 1984’s Ghostbusters? But this is the world we live in nowadays. So let us start with a concise summary, Ghostbusters (2016) is nowhere near as awful as people made out six years ago and ever since. It is entertaining enough. It is not a great film and so flawed it could open a shop to sell the excess flaws it has but equally it has not precipitated the end of the world and Leslie Jones is not the Devil Incarnate.
It is fair to question the wisdom of remaking the original Ghostbusters, but it is likewise fair not to judge it on a film that was 32 years old and viewed through the prism of youth and in various people’s cases childhood. What you remember then and what occurs now are not only different countries but different planets. Clearly people clearly cannot let go of the past and have not really grown up.
Having said this, I am not going to be the champion of Feig’s Ghostbusters either. Using all female leads is well-intentioned and actually a promising idea but it is executed poorly. The main problem? This brings nothing new to the story, other than gender. That is it. If we are going to champion female actors and make films for them, and we should, there is plenty of room in the world of filmmaking, give them something to work with, give them a distinctive voice, say this is what women bring to this world. Too many times, with the best intentions I am sure, producers, writers, directors, even the actors themselves look at a story or film and just replace all the male leads with female leads, put a reference to tampons or other ‘women thing’ in and say, ‘job done’. It is not, it is lazy thinking, pat and doing a huge disservice.
Herein lies the rub, Ghostbusters is a giant Saturday Night Live sketch, with female members of that cast, and somehow what could be a strong point is fumbled. Kirsten Wiig is a talented actor nowadays and can play acomedy lead with her eyes closed is given the most infuriating ‘written by a computer’ nerdy strait-laced role that we have all seen a million times. Bland and too frightened to have her own opinion, flip-flopping from point to point, just to keep ‘in’ with some unpleasant and unworthy characters within minutes of her opening scenes my eyes were rolling like the best slot-machine in the world. It actually annoyed me – it was only because it was Wiig I could stand it at all.
McCarthy is just playing the general McCarthy role, she is either submissive and awkward and wins the day, or aggressive and annoying and sort of wins the day, here she falls between two stools but like a lot of actors, both male and female, an overall role or character is found that makes them wealthy and famous and then they get trapped into it, although I believe McCarthy has enough clout to break this mould and is at least trying to with some of her other work, but here it is familiar and although there are laughs, ultimately it is a bit boring. McKinnon who has always played her screen roles turned up to twelve is not reigned in at all by Feig and overacts and gurns so much that nothing she does is funny. It reminded me of the excited and overenthusiastic 7-year-old at a school play.
This brings us to Leslie Jones. What on earth did she do in this film that produced such vitriol and let us face it downright evil when the film was made and shown on the big screen? Having watched the film and the other performances as listed above I can only honestly presume it is because she is black and no other reason. Okay the role is standard again, the sassy black women working in a rough area of New York – another eye-roller – but Jones works as well with the limited material she had. In fact, out of the four main characters on show Patty Tolan is the one that I took a shine to more than the others. Even if the performance could have been polished a bit more we are talking about a film that would use up a lot of Duraglit for every aspect of it.
Having bogged myself down on the problems with the main leads this leaves only a little to be said about the actual story. Considering the extended version of this Ghostbusters is well over 2 hours long we have no real character development and just seem to pop onto CGI ghost set piece to the next set piece. I still could not really work out what suitably weird and creepy villain Rowan North [Neil Casey] was trying to do and in the end gave up trying to figure it out. Watch the ghostly stuff and laugh at any funny bits. This is how you spend your time but it does not necessarily make a good film.
Chris Hemsworth as the dim secretary, I see what you did there writers, is fun for a few minutes but even though his role is pivotal, it is too over the top and too silly, although you do laugh when he does really dumb things.
The special effects, criticised in some quarters, look fine on my big TV screen, and the locations and set pieces all fitted well and looked good but in the end the tale was too lite and brought nothing new to the world of Ghostbusters. I was hoping we would move on tell a different tale not more of the same but stirred counterclockwise.
A good opportunity missed, but I did not get angry or want to kill anyone because I saw the film and I did laugh during the running time.
People need to calm down about these types of films, honestly.
Great film, wanted to watch after watching afterlife...
Too much "hidden" allusions to the original, characters that are shallowly scripted and who obviously get tired of the role, spoil the potential of the film.
First things first, the following is worth noting: I have no attachment to the 1984 film, nor do I particularly like it; I rated it and its sequel 5*. I'm not saying it's overrated or anything, I just personally don't enjoy it that's all.
With that said, I'd class 2016's 'Ghostbusters' better than the original. However, as you tell by my rating, that's not me saying this is a good film. I don't believe it is. It's incredibly slow paced, with a very forgettable and untidy plot. It felt longer than a 116 minute run time, that's for sure.
It's not all bad, though. I actually rate the casting. Melissa McCarthy can be hit-and-miss, but this is one of her more solid performances. Kristen Wiig, great in 'Bridesmaids' alongside McCarthy, is a decent performer too. Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon are alright, while Chris Hemsworth is pretty amusing.
I, despite not being a fan of it, still enjoyed the callbacks to the '84 film; as well as the use of the superb theme song. As for the special effects, they look good but none of the ghosts stick in my memory; both visually, but also in terms of the story. It would've been nice to have a standout ghost. Likewise with the film's villain, who is ridiculously plain.
In conclusion, it does positive things but there are certainly negatives. All in all, I think the latter just outweighs the former unfortunately. 6*.
why did I watch this?
Could have been much more better.
Good thing they did enjoyed making it, so it wasn't complete waste of time on their end. Could not say the same for myself.
Well i'm a reasonable man and i will not get nostalgic about the original but it was a fair movie, i laughed at some part and the cameos were do justice for all of them. I don't understand the bashing from the people. Good try and enjoyable flick. For me Kate McKinnon stole the spotlight with her comedy.
This was HILARIOUS. New fans of the franchise will have no problem keeping up but there are also a lot of nods/references for the older fans.
The film is good in the most and has a number of small laughs but nothing outstanding, the CGI really kicks up the fun and it's got a real feel good factor about the whole thing.
The Colours are so vivid and beautiful throughout all the CGI scenes and really add to the stunning look of the effects certainly in the first section of the main scene.
In particular I enjoyed the cameos, references and easter eggs.
It's great to see the firehouse included and of course the main cameo comes from Bill Murray who has more than just a small pop up in the movie. I have to say my favourite cameo did come from Dan Aykroyd in the Taxi as he says 'I ain't afraid of no ghost'.
I'll rewatch this one for sure and it could possibly be a reboot I approve of although not as great as the first it certainly has its merits, well worth a trip down to the cinema to check out
It's hard to love, but hard to hate. The cast, as well as the pop culture references, cameos, and easter eggs, make this comedy work. The cgi and production quality shocked me for it being a spoof. I love how it played with the ratio, jumping out the letterbox at me, feeling almost 3D. The soundtrack was fine, and so was the plot. I'm struggling to know what to think of it because the whole thing is one big joke, but i love spoof movies, and I love Ghostbusters. It wasn't good, but it definitely could have taken itself seriously and been ALOT worse.
It's actually better than the original, on every aspect. From characters, through humor, storytelling and up to the story itslef.
Officially the worst film I have ever seen, truly awful. :disappointed:
OMG does this movie suck. And it cracks me up that the directory who did not want this movie to follow canon, got pissed when they didn't include this POS movie in the Ghostbusters bluray collection. So they added it in after with a digital release because of his whining. Most trash movie I have seen in a while. Take boy's fav movie as a kid and try to make it a chick flick..... FAIL
Melissa McCarthy is the worst thing to happen to Hollywood in years. I can't stand people who are funny only because they are fat. It only worked for Farley and Candy
So boring it was disgusting. Terrible acting and fart/queef jokes. Had to stop it.
Why the bad criticism? It was funny, good acting, good throwbacks to the originals, good effects,... It was relly entertaining.
You know the movie is bad when the most funny characters is not even a comedian nor protagonist. _Thank you Chris. without you this movie would be a 4 or even less.
Oh, wait, the special effects were also good.
Tolerable but not by much
5.2 on imdb, i can't believe it, there are some real haters out there.
**Great movie to watch if you won't bother watching a deep film! Good characters, acting.**
I've been wanting to see this movie for quite some time. As many has stated before, the old movies are classic and that's what they should be. I went in with expectations that this new one was going to be a remake, but got surprised that it mostly wasn't. Sure, you had the classical lead - this time all female - with the obligatory dark-skinned actor, but to me it didn't matter. The four characters were all shaped in a unique way which in turned just added to the interactions. Not to mention their funny secretary (who doesn't love an attractive, but slightly dumb guy?). The ghosts were nicely shaped and you got to see a bit of nostalgia from the classical movies.
I didn't laugh all the time, but most of it. It's a perfect film when you can't care to think too much about plots and just want a ride for the evening. I'm saying bravo for making a pretty good remake! Seen on 4K. Great effects!!
I am 31 years old and loved the first "Ghostbusters" when it was released in 1984. (Born three year later.)
My Score: 7/10.
Stupidly dumb fun movie!
Seen with a smile...
Not as bad as I was afraid it would be, especially since it's staring both Leslie Jones and Melissa McCarthy.
Still a pointless remake though.
Ghostbusters, re-imagined with 4 women? Magic! It's funny, well made and simply fun. Reminds me a lot of Baywatch in terms of style, neither take themselves too seriously!
I was not really a fan of the Ghostbusters so I never felt the need to watch this movie – in addition I like the idea of women playing the group but I was afraid with actors like Melissa McCarthy or Leslie Jones which I don't necessarily enjoy on screen, that it would be really bad. I have to admit that I was wrong and the movie was quite enjoyable. Most jokes were funny and I especially like that there's guest cameos of both the dead and living. Chris Hemsworth's character was a bit too annoying to be honest but in general the effects were amazing and acting was quite good as well.
This movie was super funny and all the ladies had really great chemistry! There were some parts that were kinda dull and I wish that the bad guy, Rowan, got more character development, but otherwise I thought it was a super fun movie. I really enjoyed all the characters (even Kevin) and I'm excited to see them in another GB movie (if that ever happens!).
it was a nice movie if you never seen the first ghostbusters. story with some twist little different than before.
So for the younger people e oke I think
Awesome remake! And I love love love seeing a strong chick movie! Funny, gorgeous, strong women! Great story with really really good special effects!
Surprise how much I would enjoy this film, I thought it would be just okay.
Pretty decent considering I went in with low expectations...cameos totally made the movie worth watching also...except Vince Clortho...he was too busy filming Honey, I shrunk my nads
I can agree with that a remake of this movie was not really something needed. That said, this movie got a lot un unfair hate even before anyone had watched it. It didn´t matter that the original cast supported the movie, lots of people hated it just becaue it had a female cast.
It´s not a great movie, but it works. It´s fun and entertaining (sometimes they try too hard to be funny though), even scary for kids.
I approached this movie expecting nothing. I wanted a pure 'session of fun' and wasn't disappointed. If you don't take any of it seriously it's actually a funny movie with excellent special effects.
It really cheered up my weekend, exactly what I wanted.
Chris Hemsworth is for me the run away 'star' of the film, particularly when he is possessed; that was just class
not a very good movie if there is a part two ✌ the franchise will be through
totally NINJA!!! Pretty hilarious, just amazing!!! I dare to say that this Gostbusters it is even better than the original!!! These girls ROCKS!!! Literally, oh boy I wish more!!! ;)
After all the hate around it, I was worried it was going to be just an average movie that was harmed by it's (incomprehensible to me) controversy. Having seen it, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. The film is funny and entertaining with great jokes. Many scenes seem to actually be the characters responding to all the rants and hatred, and they work great. I don't know it they are meant to be read that way, but it's better that way. The characters are charming and likeable although Kevin seemed to me a bit too stupid; some of the jokes made in his behalf are just too much and they land flat, IMHO (Really? He doesn't know how to answer the phone?). The movie also kind of falls apart near the end when it tries to pull off some action movie tropes that don't really fit very well.
But all in all, it's a great, funny movie that people should see.
Also, WTF is all this about being a movie for women? I don't see it. Just because the main protagonists are women doesn't mean that it's catered to them. There's nothing in this movie that can't be universally enjoyed.
Nice, thats all. Dont think its the same,but nice.
explain to me why the ghost at the end was so powerful compared to the others.
thumbs down plot was trash
Most funny movie I saw this fucking year.
Pretty good movie, no it's not the same as the original, I think it was ultimately lighter than the original, but you know what? Who cares? It is its own thing, swimming in creative liberty and that's okay. It is a movie that is fun for the whole family. My one year old watched the whole thing, something unheard of for his impossibly small attention span.
Did you guys watched "This is not ghostbusters"? Well that is not ghostbusters either.
Shout by DeletedBlockedParent2016-07-11T21:11:15Z
amazing. beautiful. the best thing i have ever seen. iconic.