Ghostbusters 2016 - My Two Cents

The awkward storm of political sexism controversy surrounding the new Ghostbusters has calmed down almost completely. The most hated movie trailer on the internet is mostly in everyone's rearview mirror now.

After reading all the hate for this movie, I wasn't going to see it. But, a friend of mine really wanted to see it, so I gave it a shot. The result was a very pleasant surprise.

Generally, I hated the controversy that happened. Director Paul Feig, in my opinion, was inappropriate when he bashed "fans" and "geeks" on Twitter, calling them horrible names. There are some elements of the new Ghostbusters movie where his contempt for the very fans who love the original Ghostbusters is obvious. For example, making the new movie as a reboot rather than a sequel was the first slap in the face. I thought this was where the movie was most lacking, and my least favorite thing about it.

However, I was happy to find that there are more positives to the new Ghostbusters than negatives. Here's a breakdown:

Cons

1. The pointless and dumb political correctness controversy that ruined this movie for most fans
Was any of the animosity and hate necessary? I don't think so. No one benefited. Everyone was annoyed and the drama was volatile.

2. A reboot NOT a sequel
SEMI-SPOILER ALERT: The original cast makes cameo appearances of different kinds. This isn't really a spoiler. However, it was annoying that they didn't play their original characters. Rather, they played half-baked, completely cheesy and unnecessary cameo roles. It was a huge missed opportunity. Having all the original Ghostbusters cast (minus Harold Ramus, RIP) was like gold! They (meaning Paul Feig) should have taken the opportunity to make it a memorable and special recollection of the originals. (Kind of like Star Wars: The Force Awakens did) Because it was a reboot, the plot was flimsy at times, and the script had more of a television sitcom sensibility rather than a major blockbuster sensibility. But, whatever.

Pros

1. Hilarious Cast 
People have been complaining about the lack of chemistry between the new Ghostbusters. I, however, thought they were great. And funny. Kate McKinnon is a jewel as the eccentric Jillian Holtzmann. Melissa McCarthy was passable as Abby Yates.  Kristen Wiig was mostly phoning it in as Erin Gilbert, but had funny moments. And Leslie Jones was an absolute scene stealer as Patty Tolan. That should come as no surprise to anyone who is familiar with her on Saturday Night Live. She's brash, New York, loud, and her timing is impeccable. She was thoroughly enjoyable.

2. It Was Fun
Please, let's not forget, at the end of the day, this is a popcorn movie about exterminator scientists in New York who hunt and trap ghosts. The original cast was a comedic cast. The new cast is comedic. I understand the first two (mostly the first) Ghosbusters movies hold a special place in the hears of geeks and nerds around the world. (Me included) But, let's remember that these movies are just for fun.

3. The final Ghost villain
I won't spoil it, but I thought the final ghost villain was cool and astounding. I absolutely loved it and thought it was the perfect ghost villain. Haters gonna hate. Oh, and I loved Slimer. I was totally cracking up out loud at him. Totally awesome.

Overall, Ghostbusters is a fantastic and fun summer movie distraction. It's got funny slapstick, satire, poop joke(s), ghosts, jump scares, creepy visuals, and fun vibes. It also retains a nostalgic component of the original Ghostbusters. Yes, dweebs will complain about the physics of this proton pack, or the original "rules" of such and such ghost catching. But, who cares? Don't let that stop you from seeing it! Don't let all the anger and hate on the internet keep you from seeing this flick. It's just for fun, so everyone calm down.


Bottom Line:
I gave it three stars because it was really fun and gave me the feeling of going through the Haunted Mansion at Disney World. The special effects were fun. Some of the jokes were lame, but some were absolutely hysterical. See it for yourself and don't let internet hate stop you.



Now, enjoy the most hated trailer of all internet time:




Comments