Being an 80’s kid, I know Ghostbusters. In fact, it is one of the favorite movies of my sister and I. Every Halloween, we love decorating our room into like a pseudo-Horror House Room and we would play as if we are the ghostbusters. We both have our favorite characters.

I was excited to hear that they have a new installation of the movie franchise, this time with women ghostbusters! Some were not comfortable with women playing the loved characters but hey, shouldn’t we be more supportive of the Girl Power Movement of this generation. I am all for it since I am a woman and I love Ghostbusters so many girls like me can identify with the characters.

PLOT:

Friends, Dr. Erin Gilbert played by funny Saturday Night Live comedian, Kristen Wiig and Dr. Abby Yates played by the popular Melissa McCarthy, has long been passionate with the study of paranormal and ghost. They even wrote a book together. But somehow they gotten into a bit of rift and they parted ways. But years after, Erin discovered the book was republished much to her annoyance since it threatens her reputation in her current occupation. She sought-out Abby to ask her to stop the republishing of their book. Abby was still very much continuing her love for paranormal study with a brilliant scientist, Dr. Jillian Holtzmann played by current favorite Saturday Night Live comedian, Kate McKinnon.

The reunion of Erin and Abby maybe a little sour at first but let them to witness a real ghost which somehow sparked back  Erin’s interest in paranormal and reconciled with Abby. However, this encounter with the ghost was documented in film with Erin in it, it was discovered by Erin’s boss in the Academia, she was eventually was fired from her work.

This became the start of the Ghostbusters team: Erin, Abby and Jillian. They got a hunky but hopelessly dumb secretary played by Chris Hemsworth. Yes! Thor himself. Later, they were joined by Patty Tolan, street-smart subway ticketing staff, played by Leslie Jones who witness a strange occurence in the subway station.

Soon, the Ghostbusters are on battle with a nerdy occultist named Rowan who is bringing about an apocalypse by opening the vortex for ghosts to enter and hunt the humans.

REVIEW:

This Ghostbusters movie franchise is fresh and interesting due to the new characters in the movie. It was nice to see here how they started the Ghostbusters gang. The plot was mediocre and nothing very special about it. The villain wasn’t memorable at all and wasn’t as villainous to love or hate. Kirstin Wiig showcased her typical awkward funny comedic act which worked best for her character. I have never liked Melissa McCarthy especially on her character in Bridesmaids but surprisingly, I find her endearing in this film and not annoying (if I often find her in most of her portrayals) at all. She was the glue that holds the whole gang together. But the one who really shine among all of them was Kate McKinnon. She hardly have speaking parts but her animated expressions and body language was fun and marvelous to watch. I was thinking if other actresses would have played her role, they would looked very over-acting and awkwardly annoying but McKinnon played it beautifully. She is the comedian to watch for. I guess Wiig would have given her SNL crown to McKinnon now. Leslie Jones was a fun addition to the group. I haven’t seen any of her old works before. I am not comfortable seeing Chris Hemsworth playing all stupid and cute. I hate that stereotype – the handsome but brainless actor-model type. I was great to see a lot of cameos from the original cast so watch out for them. The special effects were amazing especially the malevolent ghosts. Though I don’t like how they made Slimer look more sinister than usual. Just imagine if you watch it 3D.

Overall, it’s a great fun film for family and friends to watch. Though, don’t let younger kids watch because they might get nightmares from some of the scary effects. It brings back childhood memories and a shout-out to all nerdy brilliant amazing women with weird interest.

So who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!!! 

Here is the trailer of the movie:

Do catch it in theatres near you….

Disclaimer: This is a free advanced screening through invitation by VML Singapore for  Sony Pictures Singapore.