GHOSTBUSTERS: Frozen Empire

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director Gil Kenan and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the next chapter in the adventures of the infamous GHOSTBUSTERS: Frozen Empire.

The Spengler family, along with Gary Grooberson (Paul Rudd), are now living in New York in the original Ghostbusters firehouse. Callie (Carrie Coon), Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and Phoebe (Mckenna Grace) are together going after the ghosts that are running rampant through New York City. The is only one problem in the form of now Mayor Walter Peck (William Atherton). He has made is clear that he still is aiming to stop the Ghostbusters and close down the containment that holds ghosts!

When Peck discovers that Phoebe is under age, he puts a stop to her being part of the group as well. Upset, she walks to the park where she meets ghost Melody (Emily Alyn Lind) and feels like there is finally someone who understands. At his store, Dr. Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd) meets Nadeem (Kumail Nanjiani) who wants to pawn off grandma’s weird collection. Stantz is interested in a brass shaped ball with writing that only Dr. Hubert Wartzki (Patton Oswalt) can talk about.

In the meantime, Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) shows Grooberson and Callie that their overcrowded containment area is about to be expanded with Lars (James Acaster) running things. His money has built another lab where they are finding a smarter way to do it all. But, while all this is going on, something weird is shaking the ground and trying to get out. When the group gathers to fight, some old friends show up like Dr. Peter Venkman (Bill Murray) and Janine Melnitz (Annie Potts) to put on the suit and make a stand.

The evil spirit Garraka is about to freeze out New York City but there are a few people that aren’t going to let that happen because, after all, who you gonna call?

I have to start with Murray as it is a moral imperative! Returning as Venkman just filled me with so much joy and laughter. There isn’t much that has changed about his portrayal other than he didn’t get enough screen time as far as I’m concerned. Aykroyd as Stantz gives us full on Ray-mode with his insatiable curiosity for all odd things and putting the suit on because nothing says ‘oh yea’ more than having the pack back on ones back. Hudson as Zeddemore may have gotten rich but that didn’t stop him from suiting up and I was all for it.

Rudd as Grooberson is with the Spengler family ghostbusting and having a family life. Making the transition in his life from teacher to parental figure is complicated by ghosts. Rudd gives his trademark performance as the guy who doesn’t ruffle feathers in between ghost captures. Coon as Callie is being a bit of a ghost parent running through the city catching specters but not really addressing family issues other than collecting laundry.

Grace as Phoebe is going through her Spengler-mode upset that the world doesn’t see her more grown up than she really is. Making friends with Lind’s spirit Melody seems like a nature progression for them both, but is it? Potts returns as Melnitz and she brings with her the attitude and the only thing I would LOVE to have seen is when the phone rang, SHE was the one who picked it up and said, “Ghostbusters what do you want!”.

Wolfhard as Trevor decides to take matters into his own hands to go after a green that seems to plague the upstairs. Hudson as Zeddemore returns with a pocket full of money and a way to make containment easier but there is an entity out there that has other plans. Acaster as Lars runs his lab but isn’t immune from what is out there. Oswalt as Wartzki is well versed in what is inside the cute little brass sphere currently in the lab shaking things up.

Shout out to Nanjiani as the new “Keymaster” Nadeem. He gets the chance to wear the iconic metal strainer and go through the weirdness of discovering his family underestimated his potential.

Other cast include John Rothman as the Library Administrator, Chris Tummings as the Police Chief, Logan Kim as Podcast and Celeste O’Connor as Lucky Domingo.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment encompasses motion picture production for television, digital content and theater releases. The studios include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films and Sony Picture Classics. To see what is coming to theaters and to home entertainment please visit www.sonypictures.com.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

Special features include Deleted & Extended Scenes, Easter Eggs Unleashed, Return to the Firehouse: Making GHOSTBUSTERS: Frozen Empire, Busted: Capturing the Ghosts of Frozen Empire, Manifesting Garraka, New York – New Gear, Welcome to the Paranormal Discovery Center, Knowing the Score and Commentary with Director, Co-Writer Gil Kenan.

GHOSTBUSTER: Frozen Empire is a trip down nostalgia lane from beginning to end. It seems writers Gil Kenan, Jason Reitman and Ivan Reitman reached into the iconic grab bag to pull out everything but the kitchen sink. Anyone who remembers clearly the 1984 script can quickly see that there are a lot of similarities into the storyline. It is lovely, however, to see that keeping the spirit of Spengler alive runs through the story as well.

This is a full-on special effects film with everything from freezing, electricity, spooks, colanders, mysterious moving objects, talking ghosts, a bit of sliming, a lot of things in the air and destruction of all kinds but that is what happens when ancient entities get a little grumpy. The cast is a big which can test an 8-year-olds ability to keep up. My granddaughter would point and say, “who’s that” followed by “and that person?” until she caught up. She did say, when the film was over that GHOSTBUSTERS: Frozen Empire is now her favorite film so there’s that!

I could not get enough of Murray, Aykroyd and Hudson with Potts coming in from moment to moment because those are the characters I still hold dear. My laughter came from seeing memorable ghosts and small Stay Puft’s (and I would love it if they made those for sale because there would be several on my desk!) that brought me back to 1984 with ease. Talk about joy in this ole heart, these four, along with their misty friends, gave good.

Now, the rest, (insert heavy sigh), I get it, GHOSTBUSTERS has become a generational thing but, to be honest, I think it is time to graciously close the book. Clearly, I am not a fan of remaking iconic and beloved films of the past and trying to resuscitate them with a Thor-like hammer to the chest of an audience who has no other choice when going to the theatres. Go out on a good note and let this be the ending we all deserve.

That being said, get grandma, grandpa, mom, dad, aunts, uncles, cousins and all kids together to have a family movie night at home. Laugh, love and remember why we loved them all in the first place! Cheer for the hero’s, cheer for the spirits we love and sing the song that always brings a smile because we know who we are going to call.

In the end – there is only one call you can make!

GHOSTBUSTERS: Afterlife

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital and coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD from director Jason Reitman and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is GHOSTBUSTERS: Afterlife.

It has been five years since the Ghostbusters were heard from. Egon predicted that Gozer the Gozerian would return in 2021 but Ray, Peter and Winston all went their separate ways. Moving to a farm in Summerville, Oklahoma, Egon prepared for what was to come, well almost.

Living in the city is Egon’s daughter Callie (Carrie Coon) who is struggling with her two children Phoebe (Mckenna Grace) and Trevor (Finn Wolfhard). Evicted from their home, Callie decides it is time to move to her father’s abandoned farm. Once arriving they find a house that is a shambles and learning they referred to Egon as ‘the dirt farmer’.

Trevor immediately makes friends with Lucky Domingo (Celeste O’Connor) who works at the local drive-up restaurant. Going to school, Phoebe is afraid she will still be seen as a science nerd because in the city she did not have friends because of it. Right away Phoebe meets Podcast (Logan Kim), a very friendly kid who likes doing podcasts and loves a good conspiracy theory.

Immediately, teacher Gary Grooberson (Paul Rudd) realizes that Phoebe is not just a summer school student but very clever! Geeking out when Phoebe shows him a ghost trap, it opened up a can of metal eating worms. When Phoebe is home, she also begins to suspect there is something supernatural about their new home and learns more about her grandfather Egon being a Ghostbuster.

Trevor goes along with Lucky’s gang up to the Shandor mines for a day being a teenager, but he sees something frightening. Back at the farm, he also discovers the incredible Ecto-1 in the garage and is determined to help it start. At the same time, Phoebe is exploring a hidden place in the barn and what do you know, Egon’s proton pack is still there.

It all comes together when Phoebe, Trevor and Podcast go on their first chase of a ghost. That’s when Trevor tells Phoebe about the mines and what he saw. There is only one thing left to do, going into the mine they find Ivo Shandor (J.K. Simmons) and learn that both Callie and Mr. Grooberson has turned into, well, a dog.

That means only one thing, Gozer the Gozerian (Olivia Wilde) is back, and boy is this one angry mutha from another dimension. Phoebe, Trevor, Podcast, Lucky and a little help from old friends means the Goz will be fore with asked to return to its dimension of origin – or not.

The Ghostbusters will do what they do well – come together and do what needs to be done!

Grace as Phoebe is wonderful as a young girl who loves science but feels like it makes her different and unlikeable. Once she arrives at her grandfather’s farm, it is clear that there is so much to explore and discover that is all science related. Phoebe has found the right playground as it were.

Coon as Callie has a biting sense of humor but wants to do what is best for her children. Feeling that her father Egon’s absence has caused her so much pain, she would rather not think about him than confront it all. The house is a chance to have a place to life until she can think of something else. Coon is actually very funny and when she becomes Key Master I could not help but giggle.

Wolfhard as Trevor is a typical teenager. He is not in town ten minutes before he discovers girls, gets a job to be near her and is doing what ever it takes to fit into the group. The problem is, when his peers realize he is living at the dirt farm, he gets a bit of harassing about it. Wolfhard gives Trevor everything I’d expect as a teenager and so much more.

Rudd as Mr. Grooberson is funny, and makes a fantastic Gate Keeper. His role might not be as big as the kids but be sure that when he is on screen he makes the most of it in a great way. Kim as Podcast is hilarious with his need to narrate everything and get it all on tape. Hosting his podcast on these theories, he has a lot to say and wonders who is listening. What a great kid! O’Connor as Lucky makes friend quickly with Trevor and does not hesitate to join in on the adventure, even if it sort of changes her a little – okay a lot.

Shout out to J.K. Simmons for his minuet role Ivo Shandor but I loved it anyway! Equal shout out to the original cast for giving us what we have always wanted. Bring tissue!

Cast also includes Shawn Seward as Skittles, Billy Bryk as Zahk, Sydney Mae Diaz as Swayze, Hannah Duke as Reseda, Bokeem Woodbine as Sheriff Domingo, Sigourney Weaver as Dana Barrett, Annie Potts as Janine Melnitz, Ernie Hudson as Winston Zeddemore, Dan Aykroyd as Ray Stanz, and Bill Murray as Peter Venkman.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment encompasses motion picture production for television, digital content and theater releases. The studios include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films and Sony Picture Classics. To see what is coming to theaters and to home entertainment please visit www.sonypictures.com.

The Bonus Materials includes We Got One! – Easter Egg Revealed, Ghostbusters: A Look Back, A Look Ahead, Bringing Ecto-1 Back to Life, The Gearhead’s Guide to Ghostbuster Gadgets, Special Effects: The Ghosts of Afterlife, Deleted Scene: Is it Ever Too Late?, and Summoning the Spirit: Making Ghostbusters: Afterlife.

The GHOSTBUSTERS Ultimate Collection includes Ghostbusters 4K Ultra HD, Ghostbusters Bluray, Ghostbusters II 4K Ultra HD, Ghostbusters II Bluray, Ghostbusters: Afterlife 4K Ultra HD, Ghostbusters: Afterlife Bluray and a litany of special features, auditions, dailies and more!

GHOSTBUSTERS: Afterlife had me worried for a bit while it was being made. I have been so terribly disappointed by remakes, remades, rethinks, and reimagined films that I refused to let my heart think anything about it. Even as the time came to see it, I just could not bring myself to be disappointed.

Now, having finally seen it – I just about lost my mind. Reitman did not try to re-invent the ghostly wheel but instead gave us everything remembered and to be remembered. To visit once again a storyline about discovery and change, he, along with co-writer Gil Kenan, brought in characters that we could wrap our arms around and cheer for.

From Ivo Shandor to Zuul, I went along for the ride cheering, giggling and having so much fun. I am so glad my family had a GHOSTBUSTERS binge-fest before watching GHOSTBUSTERS: Afterlife because it was an awesome way to see how all three films will go hand in hand so easily. That is the three that shall always be a part of our home entertainment library.

In the end – discover the past and save the future!

 

 

SPIRIT UNTAMED is Filled with Family and Horses

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Elaine Bogan and DreamWorks comes the story of family, friendship and being SPIRIT UNTAMED.

Lucky Prescott (voiced by Isabela Merced) is a young girl raised with her grandfather and Aunt Cora (Julianne Moore) after an accident took the life of her mother. Father Jim (Jake Gyllenhaal) felt that sending Lucky to live with his family would keep her safe. The problem is Lucky seems to be just a little too much now for the Prescotts.

Aunt Cora packs Lucky a bag and off they go into the West to see Jim in the town of Miradero. Looking for a little excitement, she gets her first taste when a horse runs next to the train and Lucky is thrilled. Getting to Miradero, there is an odd reunion between Lucky and her father but she takes the opportunity to get to know the town.

She meets Abigail (Mckenna Grace) who is just a ball of song and Pru (Marsai Martin) the amazing horse rider whose father Al (Andre Braugher) owns the local coral. In the coral she is surprised to find the horse that was chasing the train! She wants so much to make a connection with him, but her father warns her to stay away!

Well, he does not know that Lucky is determined to bond with the horse she names Spirit and is appalled when she sees an underhanded wrangler (Walton Coggins) treating him so badly. A few apples later, Lucky has made a friend and wants to help Spirit.

With the help of her friends and a long perilous journey, Lucky and Spirit will reunite and create a friendship that will last them both a lifetime.

Merced voicing Lucky gives her animated character a unique personality. She is feisty, curious and a bit wild but that is what makes her amazingly wonderful. At a young age Lucky thinks she knows who she is until that all changes learning who her mother was to so many people. Fighting for the right thing is never wrong but can be a little dangerous for Lucky without the help of friends and a horse named Spirit.

Moore as Aunt Cora is actually quite hilarious to me. She seems to have the water on a ducks back mentality because nothing gets to her. It might grab her attention for a second, but she always adjusts. She sees a need for Lucky to be with her father and also to straighten out Jim’s household for Lucky’s sake. Gyllenhaal as Jim is a man that has not come to terms with his wife’s passing or how to handle a young daughter that is growing up quickly. Trying to be a father is not easy and Lucky does not exactly make it easy either!

Grace as Abigail is too lively, spirited and knows how to handle little brothers. Give her a horse and a rope and its all good and together. Seeing the relationship grow between Lucky and Spirit, she encourages it along with friend Pru. Martin as Pru is a young lady made for a horse and loves every moment of it with the support of her dad. She also sees how patient Lucky is with Spirit and helps her learn how to be a friend to the wild mustang.

Coggins as the wrangler is as evil as he wants to be but that is the best part of being in an animated film. He gives us the face of someone you would never want to meet in a dark alley and just as stubborn as Lucky – and they both want Spirit.

DreamWorks Animation brings amazing animated entertainment to films, television specials and series for the young and young at heart audiences around the world. For more of what they have to offer please visit http://www.dreamworksanimation.com.

SPIRIT UNTAMED is the story of friendship, love, loyalty and justice all wrapped up in a young girl discovering her heritage and a horse that knows exactly who he is and where he belongs. Finding each other began a test of patience and trust for both Lucky and Spirit that grows into something extremely special.

Having friends like Abigail and Pru who also see the injustice caused by the wrangler, are just as determined to help Lucky and Spirit make things right again. Lucky is learning that you can know true friends from both the two legged and four legged creatures of the world.

The film is also about family for both Lucky and Spirit. In Lucky’s case, she is learning about her mother and the heritage shared in Miradero. Meeting so many people who not only remember Lucky’s mother but see the same fire in the young girl. Spirit learns to trust the humans learning what they are about but also holds fierce to his herd as their leader.

Lucky and Spirit come to understand one another and that is everything.

In the end – nothing will break their spirit!

ANNABELLE COMES HOME Needs to Stay in the Box

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director/writer Gary Dauberman, James Wan and Warner Bros. Pictures is ANNABELLE COMES HOME.

Lorraine (Vera Farmiga) and Ed (Patrick Wilson) are bringing the doll Annabelle back to their locked room of evilness. What they haven’t realized yet is daughter Judy (McKenna Grace) is having difficulties of her own in that arena when an article comes out in the paper about her parents and what they do.

Leaving town for a night, the Warren’s leave their daughter in the care of trusted babysitter Mary Ellen (Madison Iceman). When her friend Daniela (Katie Safire) learns where Mary Ellen is babysitting, she wants to see the house of the demonologists.

The sitter has other plans which are to make a cake for Judy who is going to have a birthday soon. Seeing the parents off, the two settle in for a little cake baking time but are interrupted by Daniela who barges in. Mary Ellen isn’t thrilled but when Judy wants to skate around the block, Daniela volunteers to watch the cake baking.

In fact Daniela has other plans as she finds the keys to the artifacts room. Instead of being curious, she has opened the door to a room full of things that have been waiting to get out – especially the doll Annabelle.

That’s when a night of scares begins and the reality of what has been freed means the Warrens need better locks!

Iceman as Mary Ellen is as sweet as can be and looks very responsible from the get go, but then she is easily swayed by a someone who doesn’t seem to care about a friendship. Once the evil is out, Iseman gets a chance to show her flashlight skills but not her common sense.

Grace as Judy is a kid living with parents that are demonologists – let that sink in! Judy is a moody kid but with reason yet that reason seems to disappear as quickly as it came. She seems more disturbed about her birthday party than a doll wreaking havoc on her home.

Sarife as Daniela is an arrogant, self-absorbed and disrespectful teenager who, at the era the film is supposed to represent, would have gotten an ass whuppin’. She is asked to leave – doesn’t, she is asked not to touch anything – does – repeatedly, and is given a gentle slap on the wrist for endangering a child’s life? Yea, didn’t work for me.

Wilson and Farmiga return for a bit before and after the film which saddened me. They ARE the reason for all of the films success and are whittled down to practically a cameo.

I do, however, give high fives to Bob (Michael Cimino) for his cuteness, scared tenacity in the name of love and wolves and knowing how to use a guitar properly under pressure. I cheered for Bob!

ANNABELLE COMES HOME is a sad ending to a series of films that otherwise always got my attention. I’ll be honest; it’s mainly for the story’s that included the Warrens. The characters played by Farmiga and Wilson are the very reason people crowded to the theatres. They Warren’s made us jump, scream, grab and throw popcorn in fright. Without them, there really isn’t anything left and there shouldn’t have been an attempt to try.

But this is Hollywood milking the last bit of cash from a doll that has clearly lost her mojo. The first ten minutes I thought were a peek at what the film’s frights might be but instead I got a pre-teen and teen film filled with the most ridiculous happenings. I laughed at the comedy of it all.

Yes, there were “scary” moments but nothing along the lines of what we have seen in Wan’s prior Warren-based THE CONJURING stories. The tease of what could happen shows up and then falls flat. It’s like this story was thrown together with everything but the kitchen sink and the only reason they didn’t use that is because it was full of unwashed dishes.

There was so much more than could have been done in this film, the artifacts are there for the telling and yet it gets the slight of hand and the odd remark here and there. The ending is ridiculously pat and layered on thick like the icing on Judy’s cake.

Let’s hope the doll stays in her case – permanently – or at least until someone takes THE CONJURING/ANNABELLE genre a little more seriously and remembers what made us all jump and cheer in the first place. Get back to that, get back to the basics and for gawd sakes bring Wilson and Farmiga back into the game coach!

In the end – she comes home to stay!