Starring Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Jones, Kate McKinnon, Kristen Wiig and Chris Hemsworth, Ghostbusters is simultaneously everything I expected and also what I did not expect. The former because the trailers were so very disappointing that I really ought to have known. The latter because the director is Paul Feig, the man who brought us big comedy hits such as Bridesmaids (2011) and Spy (2015).
Surely, if anyone could do right by the much-loved Ghostbusters classic, it would be Feig. Apparently not, because the words that went through my mind as I watched Ghostbusters were ‘Oh, this is bad and slow.’ ’Why does the green slime feel ridiculous, unfunny and the special effects dated?’ ‘Why am I not laughing?’ ‘Is this movie made for nine to fourteen-year-olds?’ Was the production just a mad rush?’ ‘Where did it all go wrong? I had such high HOPES! (before I saw the trailers).’
Even though the trailers did leave plenty to be desired, I didn’t really believe that we’d end up with what feels like a wasted opportunity and a Paul Feig movie I’d much rather forget.
Within all the madness, I did manage to find a few highlights. Firstly, there’s the great line or two delivered by Kevin (Chris Hemsworth), when he’s questioned about his glasses. Second, Leslie Jones’s energy and commitment to her character is something that really helped with my engagement levels. Third, the role played by Zach Woods – because he has great facial expressions and eyeballs.
Last but certainly not least, Bill Murray. His character’s appearance actually helped lift things for a good few seconds, far from long enough, obviously.
At this point, I’d just really love for Feig’s next movie to be great because rightly or wrongly, he’s the one I’m most disappointed in.
Happy Film Loving,
G
The Movie My Life 