Movie Review: Ghostbusters

March 3rd, 2016 was a crucial day in world history. At approximately noon EST, Columbia Pictures released the first trailer for their female-led reboot of Ghostbusters starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones. The release of this trailer triggered a catastrophic event that permanently changed the face of the free world as we know it. Upset nerds came out of every corner of the internet to spew intelligent comments like "WOMEN CAN'T BE FUNNY!!!!" and beg for mercy as writer/director Paul Feig completed the miraculous task of eviscerating the precious legacy of a film that's about four people running around New York City fighting ghosts with what are essentially leaf blowers that shoot laser beams four months before it was released. The trailer went onto to become the most disliked movie trailer in YouTube's 11-year history and the level of distress and emotional damage that it brought upon the deeply oppressed fanboy community will never be forgotten.

It's poetic that all of this outlandish, bone-headed and largely sexist outrage was aimed at a film that's as gleefully silly as Ghostbusters. This movie never stoops low enough nor aims high enough in terms of comedy or plot to elicit the type of extreme reactions it's been almost universally generating. This movie was intended to be a fun, lighthearted re-imagining of a classic big-budget popcorn flick and that's EXACTLY what it ended up being. It's unfortunate that the wild biases that led to over-the-top opinions on both ends of the spectrum has ruined any chance of Ghostbusters getting a fair shake in the court of public opinion. 

As expected, the leading actors are almost solely responsible for the film's success. When the central villain (Neil Casey in a Razzie-worthy performance) starts getting substantial screen time and completely moronic primary plot kicks in around the hour mark, the talent and immense likability of the top-billed actors prevents the film from imploding. McCarthy and Wiig do a good of job playing against type as the film's straightwomen while Jones and cast MVP McKinnon do a great job of shouldering the comedic load with their electric energy and relentless zaniness respectively. The mainstream accessibility this comedy/sci-fi blockbuster genre requires and the light PG-13 they went for in order to appeal to families definitely prevented McCarthy, Wiig, McKinnon and Jones from unleashing their full comedic arsenal, but there's no denying that each role was perfectly cast and that the foursome possesses the type of believable camaraderie that can't be manufactured by Hollywood. 

The only real surprise that Ghostbusters has up its sleeve is the emergence of Chris Hemsworth as a viable comedic performer. I knew Hemsworth was a naturally funny guy from seeing him interviewed on various late night talk shows since he became a fixture in American cinemas following the release of Thor in 2011, but I never expected his turn as the Ghostbusters dim-witted receptionist Kevin to be one of the strongest parts of the film. The sense of timing and fearlessness he approaches each gag with makes him seem like a seasoned comedian instead of a dramatic actor/action hero making his first sizable venture (he had a bit part in last year's Vacation reboot) into the genre. Given how much he stands out in a cast headlined by proven comedic heavyweights, Hemsworth can officially add comedic powerhouse to his rapidly growing acting repertoire.

Ghostbusters is amusing and pleasant enough to be a worthwhile viewing experience yet not nearly funny or inventive enough to be really memorable. I urge everyone that ends up seeing it to not let the thick cloud of online negativity surrounding it or the in-name and spirit-only affiliation with the beloved 1984 original influence your opinion in any way. If you approach Ghostbusters with an open mind and reasonable expectations, you'll probably have some fun with it.

3.5/5 Stars