Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024) is a visually captivating and nostalgic continuation of the beloved franchise, delivering the perfect blend of supernatural action and humor that fans have come to expect. Directed by Gil Kenan, with a screenplay co-written by Kenan and Jason Reitman, the film offers an exciting mix of old and new, seamlessly integrating the original Ghostbusters with the newer, younger team. Set in the iconic backdrop of New York City, the film brings back the charm of its predecessors, while introducing a fresh, chilling villain: the phantom god Garraka.
From the beginning, the movie grabs attention with its high stakes. The storyline focuses on a newly uncovered artifact that unleashes a freezing power capable of plunging the world into a second Ice Age. This central conflict sets the stage for the Ghostbusters to unite once again, with the Spengler family returning to the scene to help the original team fend off this supernatural menace. The interaction between the older, more seasoned Ghostbusters and the younger generation—represented by Phoebe (Mckenna Grace), Trevor (Finn Wolfhard), and Podcast (Logan Kim)—brings an engaging mix of humor, character development, and action.
One of the film’s standout aspects is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while simultaneously pushing the franchise forward. The return of Bill Murray as Peter Venkman, Dan Aykroyd as Ray Stantz, and Ernie Hudson as Winston Zeddemore provides a welcome nod to the franchise’s origins. These original characters, while still maintaining their comedic personalities, exhibit growth and maturity, reflecting the passage of time since their last on-screen ghostbusting adventure. Their interactions with the younger team members form the emotional backbone of the film, blending generations of Ghostbusters into one cohesive unit.
The introduction of Garraka, the film’s main antagonist, raises the stakes significantly. As a god-like phantom who wields the power to freeze people with fear, Garraka poses a much more imposing threat than previous foes faced by the Ghostbusters. His presence in the film elevates the tension and adds an ominous atmosphere, giving the movie a darker edge than its predecessors. The concept of fear-induced coldness, which ties into the city-wide freezing, is cleverly executed, allowing for both intense action sequences and moments of eerie suspense.
The visuals in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire are stunning, with impressive special effects that bring Garraka’s icy wrath to life. The frozen landscapes of New York City are beautifully rendered, creating an apocalyptic setting that contrasts with the usual bustling energy of the city. The effects used to depict Garraka’s power are chilling—literally and figuratively—and the use of CGI blends seamlessly with the more practical effects that fans of the original films will recognize. Despite the increase in visual spectacle, the film stays true to the franchise’s roots, with plenty of classic ghost-busting gadgets and proton packs making an appearance.
In terms of character development, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire does an admirable job of fleshing out both old and new characters. Phoebe, portrayed once again by Mckenna Grace, remains the heart of the younger team. Her intelligence, bravery, and scientific curiosity make her a worthy successor to her grandfather, Egon Spengler. Paul Rudd’s character, Gary Grooberson, provides comic relief and warmth, while Kumail Nanjiani’s Nadeem Razmaadi adds a fresh dynamic with his connection to the artifact that holds the key to defeating Garraka. These new characters blend well with the veterans, ensuring that the film appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers.
The pacing of the movie is generally strong, though there are moments where the film leans heavily on nostalgia, which may slow down the narrative for those unfamiliar with the previous films. That said, these moments are a treat for dedicated fans, offering callbacks to classic scenes and lines from the original movies. The balance between humor and action, a hallmark of the Ghostbusters franchise, is well maintained, with witty banter and physical comedy woven into the supernatural spectacle.
One potential critique of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is that the film’s reliance on nostalgia could overshadow its new elements. While the return of original characters and familiar ghost-busting tools are highlights, some viewers might find that the younger characters don’t get as much room to shine as they did in Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021). However, the film does enough to further their development, particularly Phoebe’s continued growth as a leader and scientist, which suggests that future installments could give these characters more of the spotlight.
Another notable aspect of the film is its emotional core. Much like Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Frozen Empire places a strong emphasis on family and legacy. The Spengler family’s continued involvement in the ghost-busting business ties the film to its predecessors, while also exploring themes of responsibility and courage. The relationships between characters—both within the Spengler family and between the original Ghostbusters—form the foundation of the movie’s emotional weight. These heartfelt moments provide a nice counterbalance to the film’s action-packed and comedic sequences.