Ghostbusters returned in a brand new reboot. Yes, it features a new timeline, new reality and new cast.

Release Date: July 15, 2016
Writer: Paul Feig
Director: Paul Feig
Cast: Kristin Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, Chris Hemsworth

Erin Gilbert (Kristin Wiig) is a university professor of physics looking to obtain tenure at her job. Her problem is in the past she wrote a book with her childhood friend, Abby Yates (Melissa McCarthy) proving the physics around the paranormal. Basically, she proved through science that ghosts exist. Abby recently published that book and now Erin’s job is on the line.

Meanwhile, New York is experiencing an increased level of paranormal activity. Someone is place devices throughout the city that amplifies that manifestation of such ghosts. Abby with her partner, Jillian Holtzmann (Kate McKinnon), convince Erin to investigate the occurrence at a local historical landmark. Then again in a subway tunnel, where they meet Patty Tolan (Leslie Jones). This is the origin story of the new Ghostbusters.

The original Ghostbusters was never really a movie about guys who battle ghosts. It was an ensemble piece featuring Harold Ramis, Dan Ackroyd and Bill Murray. The purpose of the movie was to put these guys together and make a funny movie.

The new Ghostbusters is exactly the same thing. Bring together the talents of Kristin Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones and make a funny movie. The cast is perfect and well balanced. Wiig and McCarthy are the anchors to the team and together are a modern-day female Laurel and Hardy. Wiig playing the straight person and McCarthy walking the two into trouble.

Fans of Saturday Night Live will love the performances of McKinnon and Jones. Kate McKinnon has some brilliant moments on screen, especially at the end. Leslie Jones bring much-needed energy to the ensemble and plays the perfect contrast in attitude for the ensemble.

The story is fine. Paul Feig always manages to string together a solid story and the acting makes up for any perceived weaknesses in plot and science talk. The ending is a little problematic as all the little fantastic moments throughout the film lead up to a less than spectacular ending. What I’m saying is the small fight scenes with the ghost are exciting and fun to watch and it leads to a climax that does not match the events leading to it.

Feig manages to pay homage to the original Ghostbusters. The surviving members (sans Rick Moranis) make cameos throughout the film. Bill Murray manages to slip in the film with a character that moves the plot along. Feig also likes to throw a few curveballs at moments you would expect an obvious reference to the past. He’s real good at that.

But I laughed and that’s the job of comedies. Make me laugh and you will too. Put these four actresses in any movie and I’ll watch it.

7 out of 10 stars