Ghostbusters holds a very special place in the heart of any kid from the ’80s. Granted, it wasn’t the best thing to go down in pop culture history, but it did spawn good television and remains etched in memory. Then there were the animated shows that everyone in the early ’90s, this one included, hungrily devoured every early evening after school. To the uninitiated, the two films were introductions to comedy greats Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray. The two had plenty of recognisable work before the 1984 supernatural comedy, but with Ghostbusters, they entered a new league.
Like Hollywood is wont to do, reboots are the flavour of the season and a new Ghostbusters film was first announced in 2014. This would be directed Paul Feig, creator of the cult one-season wonder Freaks and Geeks and films like The Heat and Bridesmaids. An all-female cast just amped up everyone’s (those who are progressive enough, at least) excitement levels. Every trailer and sneak peek into the film only fuelled the anticipation.
When D-day arrived, however, it seemed like we were better off hanging up on Ghostbusters: Answer The Call. The film pales in comparison to the original and is a weak effort when observed on its own. Answer The Call wastes too much time setting up shop. Had the creators been more economical, they could have fit in a fight scene or two more, rather than laboriously explain our protagonists’ backstories. For instance, there’s one unnecessary portion where precious footage is wasted trying to develop a logo for their ghostbusting ways.
In short, after a lengthy effort to induce some laughs, doctors Abby Yates (Melissa McCarthy) and Erin Gilbert (Kristen Wiig) team up with eccentric engineer Jillian Holtzmann (Kate McKinnon) and NYC subway worker Patty Tolan (Leslie Jones) to fight ghosts in New York City.
In the end, the reboot borrows heavily from its predecessor and tries too hard to be original. Like the original, we have a demonic possession again, but there’s a predictable twist. Then there’s a mediocre version of the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man (the boss ghost in the original). This time, the giant fluffer has more teeth and less rolls of fat.
The ’80s film managed better effects for its time, and even now, if all things are considered. This film’s attempts are unimpressive, right from the proton pack beams to the gimmicky ghosts and a part at the end when our heroines enter a portal to another world.
Sadly, in its effort to subvert stereotypes, Answer The Call falls flat. Where usually a ditzy hot woman would be the eye candy, we’ve got hunky Chris Hemsworth as the imbecilic Kevin Beckman. With no redeeming qualities, the male receptionist continues to hold a place in the Ghostbusters’ hearts despite his thoughtless ways. But Hemsworth’s a (ogle) worthy addition to any film, so we aren’t complaining… that much.
Sadly, while all the actors try their hardest to please, only McKinnon steals the show with her weirdo antics (watch her hilarious Hillary Clinton impressions). And some of the best lines come from Jones (“OK, I don’t know if it was a race thing or a lady thing, but I’m mad as hell”). There are little bouts of excitement when a cameo is spotted. Watch out for a glimpse of Ozzy Osbourne at a rock concert. Even Murray makes an ironic appearance as do Aykroyd, Weaver Ernie Hudson and Annie Potts (who played the efficient receptionist Janine Melnitz in the original).
Watch the reboot purely for nostalgia, and to hear a rocked out ‘Who’re you gonna call’ theme song by Fall Out Boy and Missy Elliott (which should have been used a lot more). You won’t be blown away, but you will be transported, albeit for a little while, to a happy time in the past.
Genre: Supernatural comedy
Director: Paul Feig
Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, Chris Hemsworth
Run Time: 116 mins
Rating: Two stars