Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024) – A Full Review

Image Source: IMP Awards 

Title: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

Director: Gil Kenan

Writers: Gil Kenan, Jason Reitman

Producers: Jason Reitman, Ivan Reitman (posthumously credited)

Country: United States

Language: English

Release Date: March 22, 2025

Runtime: 115 minutes

Budget: $100 million

Box Office: $202 million worldwide

Main Cast: Paul Rudd, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson

Overview

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire marks the much-anticipated return of the Ghostbusters franchise, continuing the narrative set in Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021). Directed by Gil Kenan and written by Kenan and Jason Reitman, the film is the fifth in the series. The movie introduces a fresh new chapter for both the Spengler family and the Ghostbusters crew, combining the thrills of ghost-hunting with an eerie supernatural mystery involving a chilling ancient entity. With a mix of legacy characters and a younger generation, the film aims to bring together the best elements of the franchise while introducing a new adventure.

Taking place primarily in New York City, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire brings the heroes back to the city where it all began. It unites familiar faces like Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, and Sigourney Weaver with newcomers like Paul Rudd, Mckenna Grace, and Finn Wolfhard. The film’s blend of supernatural humor, thrilling action, and heartwarming character development makes it a worthy successor in the Ghostbusters universe.

Plot Summary

The movie picks up several years after the events of Ghostbusters: Afterlife, where the Spengler family (Phoebe, Trevor, and their mother Callie) have settled into their new roles as part of the ongoing Ghostbusters franchise. Phoebe, now an emerging scientist, takes on a central role in the new adventure. Along with her brother Trevor, the two work alongside their Ghostbusters mentor, Winston Zeddemore, to continue the family legacy of supernatural sleuthing.

The plot centers around a mysterious event that shakes New York City. After capturing a ghost known as the Hell’s Kitchen Sewer Dragon, which appears to be a localized haunting in the city’s underground, the team begins investigating deeper. This leads them to uncover something far greater—an ancient entity known as Garraka, a god-like being capable of freezing the entire city. This ancient entity was imprisoned centuries ago but has now been released due to the efforts of the ghosts the team captures, leading to an all-out supernatural crisis.

As the freezing phenomenon spreads, the Ghostbusters race against time to find a solution before Garraka's full power is unleashed. Alongside new characters like Melody and Lucky, a team of new and old Ghostbusters must figure out how to contain the ancient god. The stakes grow higher as they must balance their personal conflicts with the ever-escalating threat of Garraka. The climax of the movie takes place in the heart of New York, where the team must confront the entity head-on and use their knowledge of both modern technology and ancient lore to overcome the odds.

The team faces challenges not just from supernatural forces but also from political figures, like the infamous Mayor Walter Peck, who is determined to shut down the Ghostbusters for good. Amid these trials, old Ghostbusters legends are reawakened, and new alliances are formed. The film ends with the team successfully trapping Garraka, saving New York City, but leaving open the possibility of future challenges, as hinted at by a post-credit scene featuring the mischievous Mini-Pufts.

Cast and Characters

• Paul Rudd as Gary Grooberson: A central character from Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Grooberson is back, adding a layer of humor and charm. He teams up with the younger generation of Ghostbusters in the fight against Garraka.
• Carrie Coon as Callie Spengler: Callie, the daughter of Egon Spengler, returns to New York with her children, providing emotional depth to the film as she grapples with the legacy of her father.
• Finn Wolfhard as Trevor Spengler: Trevor, the son of Egon, is now more involved in the family’s ghost-hunting legacy. His character’s growth from a reluctant participant to an active member of the Ghostbusters team is central to the movie.
• Mckenna Grace as Phoebe Spengler: Phoebe, the scientifically inclined granddaughter of Egon, takes on a leadership role in the Ghostbusters' new generation. Her intellect and bravery are key to solving the supernatural puzzles the team faces.
• Celeste O'Connor as Lucky Domingo: A new addition to the team, Lucky is a capable and resourceful character who joins the Ghostbusters crew, offering her skills to fight the supernatural.
• Logan Kim as Podcast: The quirky and energetic character from Afterlife, Podcast, continues his journey with the team, providing humor and technological expertise.
• Bill Murray as Dr. Peter Venkman: The original Ghostbuster, Venkman’s return brings a nostalgic element to the film. His witty and sarcastic nature provides comic relief in the face of danger.
• Dan Aykroyd as Dr. Raymond "Ray" Stantz: Another original Ghostbuster, Ray’s presence in the movie adds weight to the legacy of the team. He plays a key role in unraveling the mystery of Garraka.
• Ernie Hudson as Dr. Winston Zeddemore: The final member of the original Ghostbusters team, Winston’s character continues to be a stabilizing force as the team faces ever greater threats.
• Annie Potts as Janine Melnitz: Returning as Janine, she provides both emotional support and comic relief, particularly as the Ghostbusters navigate their new and evolving mission.
• William Atherton as Walter Peck: The ever-difficult Mayor Peck is back, antagonizing the Ghostbusters and serving as a reminder of the bureaucratic hurdles the team must overcome.
• Kumail Nanjiani as Nadeem Razmaadi: Nadeem is a new character introduced to the Ghostbusters universe, providing both comedic and critical support to the team during their investigation.
• Patton Oswalt as Dr. Hubert Wartzki: An eccentric scientist who helps the team piece together the mystery of Garraka.
• Emily Alyn Lind as Melody: A new ghost who befriends Phoebe, she becomes an important ally in the battle against Garraka.
• James Acaster as Lars Pinfield: Lars is another new character whose role is critical to solving the mystery of the ancient entity.

Production

Development and Script

The development of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire began shortly after the success of Ghostbusters: Afterlife. In 2022, Jason Reitman, who co-wrote and directed Afterlife, and his father Ivan Reitman, were working on ideas for a sequel. However, Jason Reitman eventually handed over directing duties to Gil Kenan, a decision that ultimately provided fresh energy to the production.

The script was co-written by Kenan and Reitman, and it was crafted to incorporate both nostalgia for long-time fans of the franchise while introducing a new generation of characters. The film’s plot was designed to expand on the supernatural elements established in Afterlife, particularly with the introduction of Garraka and the supernatural forces threatening New York City.

Filming Locations

Principal photography took place between March and June 2023, with filming locations including New York City and London. The production team carefully recreated iconic locations from the original Ghostbusters films, such as the firehouse, while also exploring new supernatural environments that offered fresh visuals for the series. A significant portion of the film was shot on location in New York City, grounding the movie in the franchise’s roots.

Visual Effects and Music

Visual effects were a major part of the movie’s production, with special attention paid to the appearance of the ancient entity Garraka and the various supernatural phenomena that occur throughout the film. The special effects team worked to make these elements feel grounded within the reality of the Ghostbusters world.

The film's music score was composed by Dario Marianelli, who is known for his work on films like Atonement and Pride & Prejudice. The soundtrack combines elements of suspense, horror, and humor, evoking the atmosphere of the original films while adding a contemporary edge.

Release

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire was originally slated for release in December 2023, but was delayed to March 2024 due to production and scheduling issues, including the impact of the SAG-AFTRA strike. The film premiered in New York City on March 14, 2024, and was released to theaters across the United States and other territories on March 22, 2024.

The film was met with a significant promotional push, including teaser trailers, character posters, and social media campaigns aimed at building anticipation for the film’s release. A special IMAX release also highlighted the film’s stunning visual effects, particularly during the larger action sequences.

Reception

Box Office Performance

The film performed reasonably well at the box office, grossing over $200 million worldwide. It was particularly strong in the United States, where it opened at number one, beating other major releases in its opening weekend. However, its box office gross saw a sharp decline in subsequent weeks, a typical pattern for blockbuster films in today’s cinematic landscape.

Critical Reception

Critics were divided on Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. Some praised the film’s nostalgic callbacks to the original Ghostbusters films, while others criticized its reliance on fan service over storytelling innovation. The film holds a 68% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics citing the blend of humor, supernatural action, and emotional depth as key strengths. However, some felt that the film could have done more to build upon the Ghostbusters legacy rather than simply playing to nostalgia.

Audience reception was more positive, with many fans of the franchise praising the return of classic characters and the strong performances by the new generation of cast members. The film earned a B+ CinemaScore, indicating generally favorable audience feedback.

Accolades

Though it didn't win major awards, the film was nominated for several accolades, including a Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film and Best Supporting Actor (Paul Rudd). It was also considered for visual effects and sound editing awards due to its impressive use of CGI and sound design.

Marketing

The marketing campaign for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire focused on both nostalgia and the introduction of new characters. Sony Pictures utilized a variety of methods to promote the film, including social media campaigns, teaser trailers, interactive fan experiences, and behind-the-scenes featurettes. The film’s website included exclusive content, including character bios, new ghost designs, and sneak peeks at scenes from the movie.

Conclusion

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire succeeds in delivering a supernatural thrill ride that fans of the franchise will enjoy, while also introducing fresh elements to keep the story evolving. Though it has received mixed reviews from critics, its entertaining action, beloved characters, and supernatural mystery provide a fun and engaging experience for both new