For those who like slapstick comedy, sitcoms,
and special effects, this movie will be a blast (literally). It’s very much in the style of most of
the Melissa McCarthy films, where she is outrageous but smart. As Abby, she has three side-kicks here,
one a legitimate scientist (Wiig as physicist Erin), one a female
scientist-nerd (McKinnon as Jillion), and one a New York street-wise woman with
practical connections and a vast knowledge of New York’s history (Jones as
Patty). At first, Erin is put off
by Abby’s promotion of their co-authored book on parapsychology and ghosts from
some years back, until….sightings of ghosts are reported throughout the
city. And when she witnesses a
graphic ghost appearance, she is on board. Unfortunately, she is fired from her university job for even
being associated with such an endeavor.
Nevertheless, she goes on to form part of a team of ghostbusters who
will be discredited but remain committed and valiant.
Ghostbusters is remarkable for a number of assets
that are impressive, particularly the casting and the special and visual
effects. Cinematography (Robert D.
Yeoman) is likewise noteworthy. McCarthy and Wiig have demonstrated
their talent in numerous productions (Wiig: Bridesmaids, The
Skeleton Twins, Saturday Night Live; McCarthy: Bridesmaids, Spy, St.
Vincent), but McKinnon, new to moviedom, steals the show in her portrayal
of a character not seen in most of movieland—a female nerd who is an expert in
firearms. She doesn’t just shoot
them; she creates them. McKinnon’s
characterization of this odd, entertaining inventor is a rare treat, especially
since, for all its female empowerment, this Ghostbusters
pulls out all the tired female stereotypes we’ve seen in countless films: Girlie shrieks and jumping up and down
after a success, yammering and arguing over trivia, complete melt-down and
foolishness at the sight of a handsome man, and on and on. I’m disappointed in these actresses for
this, as well as the writer Katie Dippold and director, Paul Feig, whom I
thought previously was a champion of women.
In their defense, the Hemsworth character,
Kevin, who is supposed to be the receptionist for the ghostbuster group, goes
against the actor’s normally heroic persona to one who is rather dim and
narcissistic. He doesn’t know how
to answer the phone or respond logically to questions, and is completely
preoccupied with his own interests.
He, the mayor (Andy Garcia), and other males don’t come off much better
than the females. Maybe
female/male stereotypes were meant to be part of the jokes of the film.
Other casting strengths include the number of
the previous Ghostbuster actors (Bill Murray, Sigourney Weaver, Dan Akroyd, and
Annie Potts) as well as cameo appearances of notables like Ed Begley, Jr.,
Charles Dance, Michael Kenneth Williams, Andy Garcia, and Al Roker. These, as well as references to a host
of other films add a special element of fun.
A surprising thriller teeming with
goofiness.
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