Answer the Call

Answer the Call

By Paula Tudor

The new Ghostbusters movie has generated a lot of buzz. It seems people have been talking about it since before it was even made. That is why I am surprised more people do not seem to be excited about it. I have to admit I went back and forth about whether I wanted to see this film or not. I am always wary of remakes, particularly when it pertains to movies that have become classics. As a child of the 80s I remember the original Ghostbusters movies vividly and fondly. My brother had all of the toys associated with the film; and I am pretty sure I had the theme song on some of my favorite mix tapes. So if, like me, you were a fan of the original Ghostbusters and have been hesitant to give this new Ghostbusters a chance, hesitate no more.

The 2016 version of Ghostbusters stars Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Kristen Wiig. Yes, in case you have not heard this is an all-female ghost busting team; but before you commence with the boos (pun intended) let me tell you I cannot imagine a better cast for this particular remake. I have heard a lot of people say they did not want to see this film because these ghost busters are female, a complete departure from the dynamic of the original film. However, I am not sure it could have been remade using another all-male cast. I mean which current male actors could fill the shoes of say, Dan Aykroyd or Bill Murray? At least with an all-female cast one is not faced with the problem of constantly comparing the two casts.

In this film we see how the new ghost busting team is formed and follow them as they find their way. They are not, as I would have thought, following in the footsteps of the original team. This movie is in every way a stand-alone film, despite the presence of some familiar faces. At least two members of this new team view themselves as serious scientists; with the term ‘Ghostbusters’ being a label pinned on them by the media. Make no mistake though this movie is fun. The Ghostbusters are even equipped with new gadgets specially designed to catch the ghosts running amok in New York City. Don’t worry though, the proton packs and ghost traps are still a staple of this new team, but the new tools make for some interesting situations.

I really hope this new Ghostbusters movie opens up the whole franchise again. I know that there are a lot of people who are reluctant to give it a chance. I know because I was one of them, but it is definitely a film that is worth your time and money. Everyone already knows these ladies are funny, so putting them together in a movie as people who are trying to catch ghosts using untested technology is a stroke of genius.

Ghostbusters is rated PG-13 and is now playing.