Movie Review

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire – A Nostalgic Thrill Ride for All Ages

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If you’re a fan of the original Ghostbusters movies from the 80s, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” will feel like a trip down memory lane. For the new generation, it’s an exciting introduction to the world of ghostbusting that manages to capture the essence of what made the originals so beloved. As someone who grew up with the classic films, I found “Frozen Empire” to be a perfect blend of nostalgia and fresh excitement, making it a must-watch for both longtime fans and newcomers.

A Chilling Plot

“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” takes the franchise in a new, frosty direction. The movie opens with an eerie, supernatural event that blankets New York City in an unending winter. The plot thickens as our beloved Ghostbusters, now a mix of the original team and some new faces, come together to uncover the mystery behind the sudden freeze. The storyline is engaging, filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Villain: Garaka’s Icy Reign

The villain in “Frozen Empire,” Garaka, is one of the movie’s standout elements. Visually, Garaka is an imposing figure, with a design that combines both the grotesque and the supernatural. His icy appearance and menacing aura make for a formidable antagonist. But it’s his backstory that truly sets him apart.

Garaka hails from an ancient era, long before recorded history, where he was a powerful sorcerer who sought to control the elements. His quest for power led him to discover a forbidden ritual that granted him dominion over ice and cold, transforming him into a being of immense power. However, this power came at a cost, trapping him in a cycle of vengeance and hatred. Garaka’s origin story is meticulously crafted, revealing his rise to power and his descent into madness. This depth adds a layer of intrigue and intensity to the film, making Garaka not just a mere obstacle but a pivotal character in the Ghostbusters journey.

Characters Old and New

One of the highlights of “Frozen Empire” is its cast. Seeing the original Ghostbusters back in action is a treat for fans. Their chemistry is just as delightful as it was decades ago, and their witty banter brings back fond memories. The movie lovingly reunites us with the legendary team: Dr. Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Dr. Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), and Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson). Their return is not just a nostalgic nod but a crucial part of the story, as they bring their years of experience and unique personalities to the forefront.

The new additions to the team fit in seamlessly, each bringing their unique flair and energy. Phoebe (Mckenna Grace) continues to shine as the brilliant and brave young ghostbuster, showing incredible prowess with the proton pack. Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) adds a youthful energy and a knack for mechanical tinkering, making him a valuable asset. Podcast (Logan Kim) provides comic relief with his quirky interests and enthusiastic documentation of their adventures. And Lucky (Celeste O’Connor) rounds out the team with her courage and quick thinking.

The interplay between the old and new cast members is particularly enjoyable. The seasoned ghostbusters bring a sense of history and experience, while the newcomers add fresh perspectives and enthusiasm. This dynamic is highlighted in several key scenes, where the older characters share their wisdom and the younger ones bring innovative ideas to the table. The witty banter between the characters is a perfect mix of humor and heart, making their interactions a joy to watch.

Nostalgia Meets Modern Fun

For those who grew up in the 80s, “Frozen Empire” is packed with nostalgic references. From the iconic Ecto-1 to the familiar proton packs, every detail is designed to evoke memories of the original films. The movie also includes several nods to classic scenes and quotes, making it a treasure trove for die-hard fans. At the same time, it introduces new elements and updated special effects that will captivate younger audiences. The balance between honoring the past and embracing the present is masterfully done.

One of the most delightful throwbacks is the conversation between Ray and Winston about their golden years. Their reflections on their past adventures and the acknowledgment of their age add a touch of humor and warmth to the movie. These moments are not only nostalgic but also grounding, reminding viewers of the characters’ long-standing friendship and their journey over the years.

Slimer and the Mini-Pufts

No Ghostbusters movie would be complete without some familiar supernatural faces. Slimer makes his much-anticipated return in “Frozen Empire,” bringing with him a wave of nostalgia and plenty of laughs. His scenes are as chaotic and fun as ever, with his mischievous antics adding a delightful touch of humor to the film. The interactions between Slimer and the Ghostbusters, especially the newer team members, provide some of the most entertaining moments, blending the old-school charm with new dynamics.

The movie also introduces a new set of tiny troublemakers—the Mini-Pufts. These adorable yet mischievous little versions of the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man cause all sorts of mayhem throughout the film. Their scenes are packed with humor and creativity, offering a fun and light-hearted break from the more intense moments. The Mini-Pufts quickly become fan favorites, their antics reminiscent of the original Stay Puft’s iconic rampage but on a much smaller, yet equally entertaining, scale.

Visual Spectacle

The special effects in “Frozen Empire” are nothing short of spectacular. The icy landscape of New York City is visually stunning, creating a sense of both wonder and dread. The ghosts are creatively designed, each one more terrifying and impressive than the last. The action sequences are thrilling, with the Ghostbusters battles against the supernatural forces being some of the most exciting scenes in the movie. The blend of practical effects and CGI is seamless, making for a visually immersive experience.

Heart and Humor

At its core, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” is a movie with heart. It explores themes of friendship, legacy, and the importance of working together. The humor is spot-on, providing plenty of laughs without overshadowing the more serious moments. The film manages to strike the perfect balance between comedy and drama, making it a well-rounded and thoroughly enjoyable experience.

The serious moments are handled with care, adding depth to the characters and the story. Whether it’s dealing with the weight of their legacy or facing the fears that come with battling the unknown, these scenes provide a strong emotional core. Coupled with the sharp, witty dialogue that fans have come to love, the movie creates a dynamic narrative that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” is a fantastic addition to the franchise. It’s a movie that respects its roots while paving the way for future installments. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the world of ghostbusting, this film is sure to entertain. It’s a nostalgic thrill ride for those who grew up with the originals and a fun, exciting adventure for the new generation. Don’t miss out on this frosty ghostbusting adventure—it’s a blast from the past that’s sure to warm your heart.

Feel free to share your thoughts on the movie in the comments below. Did it live up to your expectations? What were your favorite moments? Let’s keep the ghostbusting spirit alive!

Godzilla: King of the Monsters Review

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king-of-the-monsters-625x352.pngGodzilla: King of the Monsters quickly sets the tone that it won’t be the same thing we’ve seen in the past. 2014’s Godzilla rebooted the classic king of monsters for modern audiences, but the latest portrayal of the iconic monster gives us huge monsters everywhere within the first few minutes of the film.  If you came to see monsters, then you came to the right spot as this film is loaded with a more classic outlook on Godzilla and other monsters from the past.

This film was well written and directed in my opinion from co-writer and director Michael Dougherty who you might know from an interesting horror film released on Christmas a few years ago called Krampus.  Dougherty has an eye for suspense and building a story, and Godzilla: King of the Monsters wasn’t short on drama, action, or suspense by any means.

Godzilla-KoM-Banner.jpgMonsters everywhere in this film! Besides Godzilla, we get to see classics like Mothra, Rodan, and the Hydra King Ghidorah but this time with a little more classic thrown in that takes you back to their origins.  As for Godzilla, as we saw at the end of the 2014 film, he is clearly set on the side of hero and ready to do battle to help protect humanity. If you came to see an award-winning film loaded with Academy Awards and the best acting you’ve ever seen then this isn’t the film for you.  This is purely an action-packed monster film loaded with HUGE monsters destroying everything they touch.  The human interaction between the monsters is well done in most scenes, between the moments of fear to the occasional understanding that Godzilla is here to help.  All in all the actors pulled off a fun and exciting movie that was a blast to watch and fun to see what the director had around each corner.

TITANS_GODZILLA_KING-OF-THE-MONSTERS_.jpgWe came to see Godzilla kick some monster butt, and this film delivered on that more so than any other to date including a massive monster battle including an exciting, final battle between all the monsters.  King of the Monsters keeps you engaged with its story, monsters, explosions, and more…..and if you are a Godzilla fan then this movie is everything you could have possibly hoped for.  The film looks absolutely amazing with its impressive beasts, to technology it brings.  One major thing King of the Monsters did was to give the audiences MONSTERS and a lot of them as the 2014 Godzilla film was a bit lacking, but I’m excited about the next installment…..that is if they pursue the little hook they left at the end of the film.

Stephen King’s IT – Chapter 1 Review

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it.jpgOne of the most iconic horror characters in history has got to be Stephen King’s IT and the first time I ever saw it I was 10 when the TV mini-series aired.  I remember having nightmares and hating clowns pretty much from that point on…..I don’t really have nightmares anymore, but I sure do hate clowns still!  Stephen King has always been a favorite of mine and the screen adaptation captures a disturbing quality in this latest version of IT

If you watched the 1990’s version of IT, then you probably loved Tim Curry as his performance of the demonic clown was absolutely amazing, but honestly doesn’t hold a candle to this new adaptation, which brings a new level of visual screen horror to the popular demonic clown.  They’ve done a fantastic job of playing the nostalgic card for those who had seen the older IT, and playing into the new generation with those childhood memories and the perspective they bring to the film.

it-kids.jpegSpeaking of those childhood memories, let’s talk about the story of the Losers Club, those seven kids who got locked into a summer nightmare back in 1989.  Filled with disappearance after disappearance of young people throughout the small town of Derry, Maine these seven kids have a whole host of fears they have to tackle and face, along with that clown named Pennywise, now played by Bill Skarsgard who brings a whole new personification of scary to this story!

One of the best things the director did for part one of the remake of IT was building the foundation of the story with the Losers Club. Each one of the kids has a unique family life, traumatic experiences they’ve had to deal with, friendships and the young cast did an amazing job of building their characters! There was a fine line of exploring the problems each of the kids faced and how they had to overcome those situations and fears. Each one of the kid actors brought a memorable moment to each of their characters, and honestly built a well-rounded movie that didn’t have a monster clown in it.

wp4630763.jpgIT spends a significant amount of its lengthy running time on each of The Losers’ Club’s personal experiences with Pennywise in sequences that are both gruesome and horror inducing.  One downfall to the film is the repetition of how each kid begins to face their specific “Phobia” and how they resolve it.  The typical horror movie, oh look something scary down that hallway moment, where someone wonders off alone to go check it out.  Pennywise being a monster clown, of course, takes advantage of each of those perfectly timed moments where someone wonders off alone to invoke fear and torment each of the kids.  But even if you notice the pattern, each set piece is different enough to be scary and brings each character a well deserved moment of terror in the film.

What makes IT, or at least this first half of IT (since the film adapts only the first half of Stephen King’s novel, which we will be writing the review on IT chapter two in just a few days as well.  The director does a beautiful job of telling Stephen King’s story and bringing the words from his book to life on screen.

Personally, for me, IT captured the look of simpler times from when I was a kid with those constant visual references to 1980s nostalgia, like theater marquees showing double-features Batman and Lethal Weapon 2, or arcade machines of the Street Fighter 1. It’s no coincidence that this new version plays ‘80s nostalgia with the same feel that Stephen King had for the ‘50s in his original telling of IT.  Emotions are more powerful when you’re a child because you’re experiencing them for the first time and IT pulls that scare tactic of beautifully and forces the audience to re-experience that childhood fear.

IT may not be the best Stephen King movie but it sure is one of my favorites!  This movie was all about re-experiencing that childhood horror, with an in your face psychological hit to stir up emotions and connect us to the story.  Nightmares are exactly what films like this envoke and we haven’t seen all of IT yet as we still have part two to review.  Things like IT are an intense roller coaster filled with emotions, jump scares, and a connection to the characters, including the creepy killer clown Pennywise.

All Things Geekery Podcast S3E12 – Shaping A Cinematic Universe (Podcasting for Blaugust)

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In this episode: We are going to discuss the top genres of the cinematic universe that have shaped our lives from childhood through adulthood.  We will start off discussing the wonders and magic of the Sword and Sorcery genre. Moving into the folklores and myths we will talk about the Fantasy genre. Finally. We will wrap up the episode by discussing lasers, space travel, and aliens as part of the Sci-Fi genre. 

Click to Listen: S312 – Shaping A Cinematic Universe

Show Notes

Sword and Sorcery Genre

  • Definition: Sword and sorcery is a subgenre of fantasy characterized by sword-wielding heroes engaged in exciting and violent adventures. An element of romance is often present, as is an element of magic and the supernatural
  • Top 3 Films
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      • Krull
        • Is a fantasy swashbuckler which follows a journey of Prince Colwyn and his group of outlaws on the planet Krull to save future queen Princess Lyssa from the Beast and his constantly teleporting Black Fortress.
      • The Dragonslayer
        • Is a medieval fantasy set in a fictional kingdom that follows a young wizard who experiences danger and opposition as he attempts to defeat a dragon 
      • Conan the Barbarian / Conan the Destroyer
        • Is based on stories by Robert E. Howard, a writer of the 1930s, about the adventures of Conan in the fictional world of Hyboria
    • Victus
      • Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
        • The film has the same title as the video game and is primarily based on it. Elements from Warrior Within and The Two Thrones, the two other titles from the Sands of Time trilogy of the Prince of Persia video game franchise, are also incorporated. 
      • Clash of the Titans
        • Perseus – Son of Zeus
      • Warcraft
        • (The film portrays the initial encounters between the humans and the orcs and takes place in a variety of locations established in the video game series) Draenor, the homeworld of the orcs, is being torn apart by a mysterious force known as fel magic. Gul’dan, a powerful orc warlock, unites the orc clans and forms the Horde, and creates a portal to the world of Azeroth. 

 

  • Top Honorable Mentions
    • The Beastmaster 
      • the film is about a child who is stolen from his mother’s womb by a witch. The child grows into Dar, who has the ability to communicate telepathically with animals. Dar grows up in a village, where he learns to do battle, but the village is destroyed by a race of beast-like warriors under the control of the sorcerer Maax. Dar vows revenge and travels with new friends to stop Maax from causing any more problems.
    • The Sword & The Sorcerer 
      • Is a film about a mercenary with a three-bladed sword who rediscovers his royal heritage when he is recruited to help a princess foil the designs of a brutal tyrant, and a powerful sorcerer, in conquering the land
    • The Deathstalker
      • Was the first in a series of four films about the Deathstalker character and his adventures

Fantasy Genre

  • Definition: Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction set in a fictional universe, often inspired by real-world myth and folklore. Its roots are in oral traditions, which then became literature and drama. From the twentieth century, it has expanded further into various media, including film, television, graphic novels, manga, and video games. Fantasy is distinguished from the genres of science fiction and horror by the absence of scientific or macabre themes, though these genres overlap. In popular culture, the fantasy genre predominantly features settings of a medieval nature. In its broadest sense, however, fantasy consists of works by many writers, artists, filmmakers, and musicians from ancient myths and legends to many recent and popular works.
  • Top 3 Films
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      • The Princess Bride
        • Is a fantasy adventure comedy film, adapted by William Goldman from his 1973 novel The Princess Bride, it tells the story of a farmhand named Westley, accompanied by companions befriended along the way, who must rescue his true love Princess Buttercup from the odious Prince Humperdinck. The film essentially preserves the novel’s narrative style by presenting the story as a book being read by a grandfather to his sick grandson
      • Ladyhawke
        • A medieval fantasy about a young thief who unwillingly gets involved with a warrior and his lady that are hunted by the Bishop of Aquila. As he comes to know about the couple’s past and secret, he finds himself determined to help them overcome the Bishop’s oppressions, both in arms and in the form of a demonic curse.
      • Excalibur
        • Is an epic historical fantasy starring that retells the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table
    • Victus
      • MCU
      • Lord of the Rings
        • Set in the fictional world of Middle-Earth, the films follow the Hobbit Frodo Baggins as he and the Fellowship embark on a quest to destroy the One Ring, to ensure the destruction of its maker, the Dark Lord Sauron.
      • Harry Potter
        • The film’s chronicle the lives of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends, all of whom are students at Hogwarts. The main story arc tells Harry’s struggle against Lord Voldemort
  • Top Honorable Mentions
    • Time Bandits
      • Is the first of a “Trilogy of Imagination”, followed by Brazil, and ending with The Adventures of Baron Munchausen.  All are about the “craziness of our awkwardly ordered society and the desire to escape it through whatever means possible.  All three films focus on these struggles and attempts to escape them through imagination: Time Bandits through the eyes of a child, Brazil through the eyes of a man in his thirties, and Munchausen through the eyes of an elderly man.
    • The Secret of NIMH
      • The film is an adaptation of Robert C. O’Brien’s children’s novel Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. The film follows the life of a widowed field mouse, Mrs. Frisby, who seeks the aid of a group of former lab rats and mice in rescuing her home from destruction by a farmer’s plow. 

Sci-Fi Genre

  • Definition: It typically deals with imaginative and futuristic concepts such as advanced science and technology, time travel, parallel universes, fictional worlds, space exploration, and extraterrestrial life. It often explores the potential consequences of scientific innovations. 
  • Top 3 Films
    • Detached
      • Predator
        • Follows a leader of an elite military rescue team on a mission to save hostages in a guerrilla-held territory in Central America.  The team is stalked by a technologically advanced alien
      • Aliens
        • The film follows Weaver’s character Ellen Ripley as she returns to the moon where her crew encountered the hostile Alien creature, this time accompanied by a unit of space marines. 
      • Star Wars
        • Star Wars was released in theaters in the United States on May 25, 1977. It earned $461 million in the U.S. and $314 million overseas, totaling $775 million. In 1989, it became one of the first films to be selected as part of the U.S. Library of Congress’s National Film Registry as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” Today, it is regarded as one of the most important films in the history of motion pictures. 
    • Victus
      • 1 – Star Wars
      • 2 – Star Trek
      • 3 – Avatar
  • Top Honorable Mentions
    • Back to the Future
    • Robocop
    • Star Trek

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Sword & Sorcery Series: Remembering Krull

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krullapOne of the greatest sword and sorcery fantasy movies of all time!  This is one of my top three films from this genre and it was very hard to remain objective about a film I enjoyed so much as a kid.  Krull pulled from some great influences and that is more apparent than ever in 2016 as I’ve just recently watched it again. It “borrows” freely from Tolkien, Greek and Arthurian mythology and Star Wars.  Even with all the borrowing of themes for this 80’s sci-fi / fantasy cult classic it was hard for me to not have some genuine affection towards this film. Seeing this film in the 80’s as a young boy just sparked that already intense drive I had for my wild imagination for the fantasy realm. Though this film is starting to show it’s age in places, Krull overall is a very well-made film, and far from one of those cheaply made knock-offs that showed up in the wake of the fantasy, sci-fi, and sword & sorcery era of film making.

What’s notable about Krull, is the genre mixing as it draws from the fantasy / sci-fi films mentioned before with all the swords, castles, epic battles, and beasts but it, for the time period had some great laser and lighting effects.  From start to finish this film brings us an epic adventure of good vs. evil and it was never a dull moment to watch.  Krull opens with what seems to be a gigantic ship travelling through the dark of space, but this ship is in fact, the Black Fortress.

krull-black-fortressThis ship is, in fact, the Black Fortress, a massive stronghold for the Beast and his army of Slayers.  This ship touches down on the planet Krull which opens our story for a great battle of good vs. evil like most of the great fantasy films.  We have a hero of the story, a prince named Colwyn who is about to wed a fellow kingdoms daughter, the princess Lyssa.  During the wedding the Beast sends his Slayers to attack the castle where the wedding ceremony was being held to take the princess and bring her back to the Beast in the Black Fortress.

Soon after the battle a very old wiseman named Ynry from the mountains traveled down to find prince Colwyn, and together they head off to rescue the princess from the clutches of the evil beast.  Sounds like an epic story of fantasy proportions right?  Along the way Colwyn and Ynry amass a band of allies to help with their quest.  This band of allies is a rag tag group made up of a wizard named Ergo the Magnificent who can’t get a spell right to save his life.  Then you have Bernard Bresslaw who played the melancholy Cyclops and then you have a band of outlaws in which we get to see a very young Liam Neeson make his third film appearance.

Krull is a film that shines and comes to life in individual scenes rather than as a whole, nevertheless this film is full of quite captivating designs and special effects. Colwyn’s Glaive weapon, which he retrieves from a pool of lava, is one of the most iconic sword and sorcery weapons of all time.

krull4The Slayers, are one of the best parts of the film, though they are silent other than a horrific scream they emit when killed they make a mark onscreen for a foe. Their laser spears and ominous silhouette of armour, and the worm-like creature that erupts from them when they’re defeated, make them far less derivative than they may otherwise have been.  In fact, one of my enduring memories of Krull from when I was a child was just how scary it could be. There’s a great, tense scene set inside the lair of a giant spider, and a creepy sequence in a swamp, where a the Seer is taken over by a shape-shifting clone with black eyes.

The Black Fortress was full of great set designs like moving floors, and that mainstay of action fantasy, walls that sprout spikes.  It’s in Krull’s concluding act, as Colwyn and his loyal band fight their way through the Fortress, that the film becomes most exciting.  With the 70’s and 80’s being the grand era of sci-fi and fantasy themes, Krull is no stranger to this theme as it had some fantastic photography, and set locations to bring all this fantasy to a very fond place in our hearts.