By Renee’ Collins
Rating: 3.5 (Out of 5 Reels)
Following a ghost invasion of Manhattan, paranormal enthusiasts Erin Gilbert (Kristin Wiig) and Abby Yates (Melissa McCarthy), nuclear engineer Jillian Holtzmann (Kate McKinnon), and subway worker Patty Tolan (Leslie Jones) band together to stop the otherworldly threat.
Having an all-woman main cast for this remake is inspiring and McCarthy is the perfect choice for the role of Yates which is liken to Bill Murray’s role as Dr. Peter Venkman in the original 1984 film. All four lead actors do well in their roles and each are able to steal the show in their own way throughout the film. Chris Hemsworth role as Kevin is unexpected and not what you think it would be based on his leading man roles in other films like Thor.
My favorite ghost is revealed in the opening sequence while a tour group is shown through a century old house in downtown Manhattan. The tour guide is poking fun at the supposed haunted basement when creepy things begin to happen. Thirty years of progress in visual and digital effects definitely adds to the overall effect of this film because the ghosts are extremely well made especially the one at the beginning of the film.
Almost of the actors from the original film make cameos and my favorite is Murray. While this film does drag bit in the middle it is entertaining and worth a look just for the special effects alone. Fans of the original will definitely enjoy this remake.