Good to see that you got the review sorted nice and early Mark! I was so taken with it,, I was putting together my thoughts at 2am...Anyway, my take -
Ghostbusters (2021)
"New York in the '80s...It's like The Walking Dead."
Having been my most anticipated movie of both 2020 and 2021 (Covid saw it delayed from it's original June 2020 slot), it was a relief somewhat to see this finally land in cinemas, and not be relegated to a streaming platform.
I've a feeling this will have more than it's share of detractors, whether it's bemoaning the loss of it's New York City backdrop, or the over reliance on/ lack of (delete as appropriate) the nostalgia element. As much as I miss the Big Apple being utilised, Reitman Jr makes the right call here using a completely different environment to allow new characters to evolve and a fresh story to unfold. I certainly have no problem with a bit of nostalgia, and having seen the original at cinemas back in '84, it was a utter joy to return to this world all these years later. It's a feeling I've only ever replicated with Blade Runner 2049, Doctor Sleep, Tron Legacy and The Force Awakens - belated sequels I'd never imagined I'd see. There's plenty of callbacks and nods to the original film for those that have seen it many a time, but the majority were tastefully done, a whole lot of fun, and always respected what Ivan Reitman created all those years ago. It's very Amblin like in it's content and tone, but that works in it's favour, and then some.
The SFX were on point throughout, with maybe only a couple of minor shots in an Ecto-1 chase sequence where it could have done with more work. Refreshingly, even with the third act, it never overcooks things to become a huge cgi mess. A lovingly crafted near perfect meld of old school practical effects, and cutting edge new ones.
The set design was impressive too, and I was very taken with how well realised and effective Dirt Farm was in particular.
The new score by Rob Simonsen is never very far removed from the creepy original synth heavy one by Elmer Bernstein, and it's familiarity is a big part of drawing the viewer back into this cinematic universe.
After a very strong opening sequence, there's a couple of grumbles in terms of the pacing, where some slightly tighter editing could worked during the second act, and a little predictability in terms of the finale, but these are very much outweighed by the film's many positives. The said finale, provided quite possibly my favourite cinematic moment(s) of 2021, and it proved to be unexpectedly emotional too. If your invested in these characters, new or old, you won't fail to be swept up in the proceedings.
The new cast are generally all nice additions, with MCU regular Paul Rudd bringing an enthusiastic energy, and his flippant tone ensuring (the admittedly fun but silly) matters don't take themselves too seriously. Carrie Coon, so awesome in Gone Girl, is a good casting choice for the mother figure, but the film's trump card, and slaying all comers is young McKenna Grace. She's very much the focus here, and shoulders the weight of such a role fantastically well. She's got a knowing tone to her scientific spiel that many actors try and fail to deliver, and proves to be quite the charismatic big screen heroine. Finn Wolfhard I could take or leave as he wheels out his similar Stranger Things persona, and I won't get embroiled in other potential cast members, as they're a surprise best left unspoiled....
Refreshingly, having seen all the trailers, there's still plenty of undiscovered goodies that have been held back and I wasn't left feeling the best scenes/money shots had already been used in the advertising.
Having a modest budget of $75 million (before marketing), it's peanuts by many blockbusters standards, and will hopefully ensure it makes the healthy profit it deserves. And whilst the ending doesn't necessarily call for one, news that Reitman Jr is already developing a sequel is very welcome.
Oh, and don't miss the mid and post credits scenes. Unlike much of the recent MCU output, these stingers are absolutely worth the wait, and might have just made an already great film experience even better.
In years to come, will it be as beloved as the 84 original? - I'm not so sure, but in the meantime I'm more than happy to bask in what Jason Reitman has achieved here. Never less than hugely entertaining (I defy you NOT to reach the end without a big smile), with a bigger heart, and what a trip to the cinema should be all about.
8.5/10