Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

 

   Based on the success of the sequel, "Ghostbusters: Afterlife", it was inevitable that the franchise would continue. Building upon that story, the cast from "Afterlife" has been transported to New York and taken up residence in the firehouse from the original film.

    Returning are Carrie Coon as Callie Spengler and as her kids, Finn Wolfhard and McKenna Grace. Paul Rudd is also back as Gary, Callie's boyfriend and surrogate dad. Celeste O'Connor and Logan Kim also return (with a poor excuse for their move from Oklahoma). 

     The additional casting of Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts and even William Atherton (all from the original film) add a jolt of welcome nostalgia to the story. In addition to the returning cast members, we also get many references from the original film and even a snippet of Ray Parker Jr. singing the original song. 

      Joining the cast this time are Kumail Nanjiani (in a significant role), Patton Oswalt, James Acaster, and Emily Alyn Lind. Ms. Lind plays a ghost in scenes with McKenna Grace that almost seem romantic and out of place for this story. Of course the story itself is overstuffed with the odd mix of ghosts, an undead God and the coming of a second ice age (which has nothing to do with ghosts except here to fatten the plot).

       Individually, Ms. Grace has the largest part. Mr. Rudd is there to basically wisecrack (which he does so well), Mr. Wolfhard's scenes involve "Slimer" from the original film but everyone does team up for the big finale. And of course, lets not forget the cute army of "Staypuff" marshmallow men who even have a cute mid-credit scene.

        It's harmless family fun for preteens and up and definitely nostalgic fun for adult fans of the original.