As a fan of the original and its sequel, I must say that this film actually does do respect for the original while at the same time it stands on its own very well.
The characters were actually quite likable, though Kevin is going to get some mixed opinions. Still, he manages to be pretty funny at times, like when he fails to repeat the jargon that Erin speaks (something I'd be doing in the exact same situation). Abby isn't really loud or obnoxious, contrary to initial expectations; she's pretty awesome when it comes to the ghostbusting. Patti herself is not some racial stereotype but an average girl whose knowledge of the history of buildings come into play and she comes up with the plan that saves the city. Jill is delightfully nutty and Erin is a true heroine, willing to risk life and limb for her city and friends. And the villain is a cunning genius whose plan unfolds from the start, even things that seems like setbacks.
If there's one thing I truly loved it's that Patti is established early on as opposed to later on. It gives her a stronger connection to the team, something the original would have benefited from.
The jokes were actually quite good and at times the humor blends with the seriousness. The opening itself is pretty damn funny as the Tour Guide recounts the story of the haunted house. It bounces from utter seriousness to outright hilarity in an even manner. There's also Ozzy saying he's having flashbacks.
The film even delivered on the heartwarming level. All the cameos from the original were excellent to see. And there's even some traditional animation towards the end. Like their predecessors, the ladies played well off of each other and truly bonded as a team, as friends. The city thanks the team at the end of the movie via very touching light signals.
T. Shapiro's score is a worthy successor to E. Bernstein's and is nothing short of spectacular. It's appropriately creepy and uses the theme as a leitmotif for the ladies' heroics. Battle of Times Square is a perfect example. Not only is it the best track but the scene itself is damn awesome as the ladies fight their way to the Mercado, busting ghost after ghost. Jill herself gets the best moment from it.
The special effects are nothing short of amazing. The ghosts were amazingly detailed (ex. the first ghost having a shadowy ribcage). If you go to see this movie then please see it in 3D. It adds both depth and substance to it. The proton lasers look like they're coming out of the screen and the electric ghost's sparks look like they'll come into the theatre. Heck, I swear it felt like there was a chill in the theatre every time a ghost appeared.
This all being said, the films is not without its flaws. There's not enough backstory between Abby, Erin, Jill has next to none, and even the villain himself needed more. It also felt like there's a piece missing between the Ghostbusters meeting the mayor.
A Truly Worthy Successor - Spoiler free
As a fan of the original and its sequel, I must say that this film actually does do respect for the original while at the same time it stands on its own very well.
The characters were actually quite likable, though Kevin is going to get some mixed opinions. Still, he manages to be pretty funny at times, like when he fails to repeat the jargon that Erin speaks (something I'd be doing in the exact same situation). Abby isn't really loud or obnoxious, contrary to initial expectations; she's pretty awesome when it comes to the ghostbusting. Patti herself is not some racial stereotype but an average girl whose knowledge of the history of buildings come into play and she comes up with the plan that saves the city. Jill is delightfully nutty and Erin is a true heroine, willing to risk life and limb for her city and friends. And the villain is a cunning genius whose plan unfolds from the start, even things that seems like setbacks.
If there's one thing I truly loved it's that Patti is established early on as opposed to later on. It gives her a stronger connection to the team, something the original would have benefited from.
The jokes were actually quite good and at times the humor blends with the seriousness. The opening itself is pretty damn funny as the Tour Guide recounts the story of the haunted house. It bounces from utter seriousness to outright hilarity in an even manner. There's also Ozzy saying he's having flashbacks.
The film even delivered on the heartwarming level. All the cameos from the original were excellent to see. And there's even some traditional animation towards the end. Like their predecessors, the ladies played well off of each other and truly bonded as a team, as friends. The city thanks the team at the end of the movie via very touching light signals.
T. Shapiro's score is a worthy successor to E. Bernstein's and is nothing short of spectacular. It's appropriately creepy and uses the theme as a leitmotif for the ladies' heroics. Battle of Times Square is a perfect example. Not only is it the best track but the scene itself is damn awesome as the ladies fight their way to the Mercado, busting ghost after ghost. Jill herself gets the best moment from it.
The special effects are nothing short of amazing. The ghosts were amazingly detailed (ex. the first ghost having a shadowy ribcage). If you go to see this movie then please see it in 3D. It adds both depth and substance to it. The proton lasers look like they're coming out of the screen and the electric ghost's sparks look like they'll come into the theatre. Heck, I swear it felt like there was a chill in the theatre every time a ghost appeared.
This all being said, the films is not without its flaws. There's not enough backstory between Abby, Erin, Jill has next to none, and even the villain himself needed more. It also felt like there's a piece missing between the Ghostbusters meeting the mayor.