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Ghostbusters

GHOSTBUSTERS has hit the headlines since it was devised and rightly so. The original 1984 classic is a part of many childhood memories and has stood the test of time as a cult classic and family favourite. GHOSTBUSTERS 2 came along in 1989 and was a decent follow up but with only a taster for animated series and comic adaptations, the franchise has been dead in the water for some time.

 

For many, the only way to introduce the third entry would be with the original cast despite this now being over 30 years after the original’s release. The news that this would be a female led film has caused a ruckus for the fanbase but could well be a welcome addition in a new age of cinema that rights the wrongs of the sexist nature of Hollywood.

 

First things first, GHOSTBUSTERS is not a bad film for being female led. It’s a bad film for the lazy writing and direction of its male director. GHOSTBUSTERS is not a great addition to the series and just about gets everything wrong in reimagining the franchise.

 

To be clear, this is not a sequel but a reboot/remake of its namesake. The events follow a similar path as they did in the 1984 classic but where that film put its focus on the ghosts and gang first, this rendition puts its comedy socks on with little or no consideration for story or drama.

 

This is a Paul Fieg film first, a GHOSTBUSTERS second. For those who’ve seen Fieg’s other films (BRIDESMAIDS and THE HEAT for two), you’ll know what to expect here. Lude and crude, these ladies are not the family friendly cast to carry the franchise and while there have always been comedy moments in the series, never has the action sacrificed for it. Here, for every scene of ghost busting is a plethora of swear words and bumbling jokes which takes away the tension of the central plot.

 

At times the film tries to pay homage to the earlier films with cameos and scenery drops but doesn’t live up to the expectation it should have had. GHOSTBUSTERS is a ghost of its former self and one that doesn’t even survive on its own merits, a shame as this could have proved the critics wrong under the direction of another director. Fieg’s humour doesn’t seem to gel with the subject and it suffers because of it. There is no Dana, only this tripe.

Director: Paul Fieg

Released: 24th November 2016

Running Time: 114 minutes

Age Rating: 12A

 

Reviewer: Martyn Wakefield

RATING


Plot: 2
Fear: 1
Gore: 1


R2/5​

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