One of 2016’s most fiercely debated films, Ghostbusters has been a lightning rod for online controversy and earnest think pieces for everyone. Now with the full film out for the world to judge, the time has come to step away from conversations of ‘ruined childhoods’ and perceived misogyny.
When separated from the cultural context, Paul Feig’s reboot of Ghostbusters is an otherwise normal film. At times flawed and often clichéd, it ultimately triumphs through a slick sense of style and a dynamic cast.

Set in a separate continuity from the original series, the 2016 Ghostbusters come together when Erin Gilbert (Kristen Wiig) is reunited with an old college friend (Melissa McCarthy). Their shared passion for the supernatural bumps heads with a series of spectral sightings across NYC. With few willing to believe their story, fate forces them to take matters into their own hands. The team is rounded out by Jillian (Kate McKinnon) and Patty (Leslie Jones), who form an outstanding comedic ensemble. Feig’s past projects (Bridesmaids, Spy) prospered by translating natural chemistry in improv to the screen, and Ghostbusters may be his finest achievement yet. Laughs can occasionally stray into the blue, but are mostly driven by honest, fun energy.
At first, Feig’s snappy editing style can be disorienting. Major plot beats feel skipped over, only to be retroactively answered later in the film. But surely enough, the cartoonish mix of snappy dialogue and neon-tinted spectacle will win over the audience. In a world where all major blockbusters feel obsessed with defining their universes, and laying out franchise ground rules – Ghostbusters is willing to eschew it all for the sense of comedic timing. The result is a film that can be difficult to penetrate at times, but very rewarding when the jokes hit.
This supernatural spectacle is at its most fun when largely ignoring the formula established by Reitman’s original. New ghosts follow a fun historical theme, giving a twisted neon vision into New York’s deceased ancestors. This bustin’ team takes a more aggressive approach to eliminating specters, employing proton-powered shotguns, fists and grenades and very little ghost trapping.
The result is a zany delight of an action climax, with some of the most cartoon-like combat since Scott Pilgrim. It’s hell of a lot of fun to watch, but begs the question: is this really a Ghostbusters film?
Ultimately, the most damning aspect of Feig’s Ghostbusters may be the baggage brought on by the name itself. Almost every major cast member from the original classic makes an obligatory cameo, each more distracting than the last. Iconic characters like Slimer and the Stay-Puft Marshmallow man are effectively brought back into the fold, but distract from original ghost creations, which are decidedly more interesting. Considering the aforementioned tonal differences brought on by Feig’s style, every reminder of the original just serves to widen the gap. Yet taken as an individual piece, it’s an enjoyably frantic piece of genre comedy.
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