Comparing Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire to Ghostbusters II and Afterlife

In the vast and enduring franchise of Ghostbusters, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (FE) has been a subject of speculation for fans eager to place its position relative to its predecessors. Is it more akin to the original Ghostbusters, Ghostbusters II (GB2), or the reboot Ghostbusters: Afterlife (GB: Afterlife)?

Original Ghostbusters - The Classic

First, we turn to the original Ghostbusters. This seminal film set the stage for the franchise, enchanting audiences with its blend of comedy, horror, and heart. The original film is renowned for its memorable characters, including Dr. Peter Venkman, Dr. Ray Stantz, Dr. Egon Spengler, and Winston Zeddemore. The scares in this film are unique and memorable, with iconic moments that have stood the test of time. The humor is often dry, with witty one-liners delivered with just the right amount of subtlety, leaving audiences roaring with laughter. The heart in the original film is palpable, as the main characters form a close-knit team, facing adversity but ultimately triumphing together.

Ghostbusters II - The Reboot

Next, we examine Ghostbusters II. This film, released in 1989, aimed to capture the magic of the original but missed the mark on several occasions. While it maintained the core elements of the original film's writing and production quality, it fell short of conveying the same level of heart and humor. The humor in GB2 is still enjoyable, but it lacks the dry wit and sometimes deadpan delivery that made the original stand out. The scares are also present but perhaps not as effective or surprising. The plot and characters in GB2 are more formulaic, and the ensemble feels a bit less cohesive compared to the original.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife - A Modern Return

Ghostbusters: Afterlife, released in 2019, is a reboot that aspired to bring new life to the franchise while honoring the original. This film introduces the Winston family, headed by Chris Hemsworth's musician father, who inherits the original Ghostbusters facility. While it captures elements of both the original film and Afterlife, it struggles to fully encapsulate the magic and charm of the seminal films. The humor in GB: Afterlife is a refreshing change, with a more contemporary and sometimes more slapstick approach. The scares are effective and well-executed, though the plot may still feel as if it lacks a little something.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire - A Blend of Elements

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (FE), while an ensemble effort, tries to meld the strengths of both the original film and Afterlife. This film introduces Egon's granddaughter, Phoebe, played by Isabela Moner. However, Phoebe's character development and personality are a point of contention. In Afterlife, Phoebe is portrayed as Egon's granddaughter who possesses neurodivergent traits and a scientific genius at just 12 years old. These attributes are lost in FE, giving her a different personality that feels out of place. This shift in her character can be jarring and diminishes the charm and authenticity that Afterlife had built up.

Despite Phoebe's character changes, the direction of FE is primarily focused on capturing the essence of both the original film and Afterlife. However, the attempt to blend these elements is not without its flaws. The overall effect is a mixed bag, as it fails to fully connect with the audience on the same emotional level that the original film and Afterlife achieved. The humor in FE is present but not as sharp and effective as in the original or Afterlife. The scares, while effective, are also less impactful than those in the original film.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (FE) is a film that is a step in the right direction but perhaps not quite up to the standards set by the original film and Afterlife. While it captures many of the key elements and feels like a blend of both, the character changes and the overall tone fall short of achieving the same level of success. It is a film that will appeal to fans of the franchise but may not beseen as a must-watch for newcomers or as a true successor to the original Ghostbusters films.