Patty (Leslie Jones) was just doing her job when she met Rowan (Neil Casey) – she didn’t realise he wasn’t your ordinary subway anomaly. Abby (Melissa McCarthy) and Jillian (Kate McKinnon) were enjoying another day at work. And Erin (Kristen Wiig) always believed in ghosts, but when she’s reunited with Abby, her humdrum-college-professor life is splattered.
The Story
As a whole, this gender-reversed remake follows the original plotline with a serious upgrade in technology. The changes are in the character foundations that shape the film with its own series of ghostbusting antics. It begins with two old school friends (unwillingly) reuniting after Abby, and her colleague, Jillian, ask Erin to help her with a paranormal distress call.
As soon as they encounter their first real ghost – one that proves several of their scientific theories – they’re all kicked out of the collegiate payroll.
The uniqueness of this film stems from the traces of estrogen that dusts its self into the back story of Kristen Wiig’s character. Haunted for a year at the age of eight by the mean-old-lady-next-door; scarred for life by the repercussions of knowing that no one believed her. This traumatic history gives way to small pockets of Erin’s psychological need to prove herself to everyone who don’t believe in ghosts; proving that she really does matter in a world that doesn’t care.
To add a nice little role-reversal cherry at the top of this cake, Chris Hemsworth (a.k.a. Kevin) features as this film’s Janine (Annie Potts), to show that men can sometimes be just as useless as women.
The Cast
Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy were as hilarious as they were endearing. Wiig was great at balancing Erin’s awkward geekiness with her trauma-based need to be believed. She gave us just as many belly-clenching moments as fearfully saddened empathetic thrills. McCarthy was both comical and fierce as the leader of the pack. Unlike Erin’s constant need to be believed, Abby simply cared about continuing the work and didn’t give a stuff about what people thought about her.
Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones matched Wiig and McCarthy in their depiction of Jillian and Patty. Jillian is your typical tech-geek whose quirkiness lies in her suave approach to science and life. Patty is you resident New Yorker who asserts herself as resourceful and necessary to the operation. As an ensemble, this foursome beautifully playoff one another and never overshadowed each other. They’re solid unit and you know you’re always in for a good time with these ladies. So…who you gonna call?
Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Earnie Hudson and Sigourney Weaver also make their own unique cameos in this film, gaving the original audience a nostalgic hit. Not to metion Slimer, Stay Puft Marshmellow Man, The Scoleri Brothers and the Ancient Dragon ghosts all pay a visit to wreak havoc on New York City once more.
Overall…it’s one for all ages. You’ll be laughing until your sides are hurting just as much as be yelling at the person who brought you to see this film. It’s as light hearted as it is scary.
sL Star Rating: ★★★
Next on sL: The Legend of Tarzan
Next on sL: The Legend of Tarzan