“Ghostbusters (2016)” is a remake of what many fans of the original film consider to be a classic. A reboot can be tricky because of people’s expectations. In this case, the Ghostbusters are all female and have a male secretary. However, some of the original concept remains, including the hearse, which is turned into the classic Ghostbusters’ car with the familiar logo, as well as the music and the uniforms. Even some of the old ghosts are back, or at least their look-alikes, and a certain “incarnation” of the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man makes an appearance.
The movie is actually fairly entertaining and features some humorous ghosts. In fact, one of the former “slime” ghosts of the original movie winds up with a girlfriend counterpart and, along with some buddies, they cruise the streets of New York in the Ghostbusters’ car. It was a funny scene and drew laughs from the audience. There are also funny moments from the stars, including Melissa McCarthy as Abbey, Kristen Wiig as Erin, Kate McKinnon as Jillian, and Leslie Jones as Patty. Chris Hemsworth plays their secretary and does a funny dance during the closing credits. Original Ghostbusters make cameo appearances, including Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Ernie Hudson. Annie Potts, the original film’s secretary, shows up briefly, as does Sigourney Weaver and a bust of Harold Ramis. Ozzy Osbourne makes an appearance. Seeing a very mean ghost wreak havoc at a rock concert, Osbourne cries out, “Sharon, I’m having a flashback!” The ghosts show up often in this movie.
The film does have its entertaining moments. Ernie Hudson plays Patty’s uncle, who owns the hearse they use. When he shows up to claim it, they have to explain that it was taken into a ghostly portal. Patty’s uncle only has one car and has a few funerals scheduled for the same day. When one character suggests he does a double funeral, he replies, “I can’t stack them on top of each other like flapjacks!” In another scene, a man, who is terrified after seeing a ghost, screams like a young girl. Despite some comedic moments, the film contains strong language, which prevents us from awarding it our coveted Dove Seal.
