Ghostbusters (2016)
Director: Paul Feig
Screenwriters: Katie Dippold, Paul Feig
Starring: Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Jones, Kate McKinnon, Chris Hemsworth, Neil Casey
The 2016 Ghostbusters reboot revisits a familiar premise: a small team of brilliant but unconventional investigators tackle strange, supernatural disturbances across New York City. This version centers on Erin (Kristen Wiig) and Abbie (Melissa McCarthy), two scientists whose friendship had frayed until a new ghostly threat forces them to reunite. Erin, who long suppressed any talk of the paranormal to secure her academic standing, is reluctantly pulled back into belief. Abbie, still fiercely practical and determined, finds an unlikely partner in the eccentric and unpredictable Jillian Holtzmann (Kate McKinnon).
When Patty (Leslie Jones), a subway worker and local history enthusiast, is attacked by a spectral entity, she seeks out Abbie, Erin, and Holtzmann for help. Together, and armed with improvised gear and a borrowed hearse, they become the Ghostbusters. As they investigate, the team uncovers a plan by an antagonist with deep knowledge of the occult to manipulate ley lines for a dangerous and grandiose scheme. The film blends familiar ghost-chasing action with comedic set pieces and character-driven moments.
Paul Feig and Katie Dippold wrote this film as an affectionate nod to the original 1984 Ghostbusters. That reverence is both a strength and a weakness. The movie contains numerous references and nods to the original franchise, which will resonate strongly with long-time fans, but those same callbacks can overwhelm the new film’s individuality. At times the script struggles to carve out its own identity, relying heavily on nostalgic beats and in-jokes that may leave new viewers feeling excluded from the full experience.
Running close to two hours, the film leans into generous exposition in its first act. The deliberate pacing is meant to set up the new universe and explain the characters’ backgrounds, but some viewers may find the opening stretches slow. Despite this, the film’s tone remains light, leaning on physical comedy, situational humor, and the actors’ strong comedic instincts to carry the story forward.
The cultural context surrounding the film’s release affected its reception. Prior to and during release, the production faced a vocal online backlash that, in many cases, included misogynistic and racist commentary aimed at the cast. The filmmakers even acknowledged this by including a scene where the Ghostbusters read and react to hateful online comments. That controversy amplified scrutiny and may have skewed public perception before many had a chance to see the movie with fresh eyes.
‘Ain’t no bitches gonna hunt no ghosts.’
It’s worth noting that having a female-led cast does not make the film exclusive or gendered in purpose. Outside the four lead women, several key roles are filled by men—Chris Hemsworth’s comic turn as a hapless assistant and Neil Casey’s sinister antagonist add balance and variety to the ensemble. The movie’s humor ranges from cheeky and self-aware to broad slapstick, with moments like Kate McKinnon’s wildly physical performances standing out.
Script-wise, Ghostbusters (2016) sometimes depends on coincidences and familiar archetypes, making a few characters feel less layered than they could be. The archetypal qualities—Patty’s sass, Holtzmann’s oddball genius—mirror traits from the original team. Some viewers may see this as derivative, while others will view it as faithful homage. The primary goal here isn’t to deliver an awards contender but to provide a fun, supernatural adventure that embraces the franchise’s playful spirit.
Technically, the film mixes practical effects with CGI; not every visual effect lands perfectly, but the occasional clunky moment rarely spoils the overall enjoyment. The production’s affection for the Ghostbusters universe is evident: the set pieces are imaginative, the ghost designs are plentiful, and the chemistry among the principal cast helps deliver many genuinely funny and heartfelt scenes. When judged on its own terms—as a crowd-pleasing, genre-blending comedy—the movie succeeds in offering an entertaining two-hour escape.
Viewed without the noise of pre-release controversy, the film is a reasonable, amusing way to spend 116 minutes. It offers laughs, spectacle, and a clear enthusiasm for the source material, even if it sometimes relies too heavily on nostalgia and references to upright the original films. Fans who appreciate modern comedic sensibilities and a fresh ensemble will find much to enjoy here.
Score: 14/24
Rating: 2 out of 5.
Recommended reading: 10 Best Ghostbusters (1984) Moments