I didn't think this "Ghostbusters" remake was any worse than the original. In fact, I liked it. It's pretty much what you would expect from a collaboration between several ex-SNL comedians and the director of Bridesmaids, The Heat and Spy. It's funny in places and there's decent chemistry among the leads. The highlights are comedic performances from Chris Hemsworth and Kate McKinnon. Perhaps the biggest weakness is director Paul Feig spending a little too much time on the special effects fights between our heroines and the ghosts and not enough story. (Although come to think of it, the original was short on story, too.) If you're a fan of the original, you'll see cameos from Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver and Annie Potts. Plus Ivan Reitman is the co-producer, Dan Ackroyd has Executive Producer credit and there's a bust of Harold Ramis early in the movie. There's even a nod to the Marshmallow Man.
Chris Hemsworth is hilarious as the dumber-than-a-sack-of-rocks secretary, not exactly what you would expect from an actor known for playing hunky roles like Thor and The Huntsman and Kate McKinnon steals every scene she's in. She quirkiness is just the spark that the often humdrum script needs. Surprisingly, the 'big' name stars, Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig are almost understated although they help to make the humor palatable. Was this remake necessary? Probably not, but studios seem to like remakes and sequels. The new "Ghostbusters" work well together. They have a strong rapport and have no difficulty commanding the screen for two hours. And the very end of the film (after all of the credits) suggests that there's going be (guess what?) ... a sequel. If you loved the original, don't see this one. Otherwise, you'll probably enjoy "Ghostbusters."
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