We Ain’t Afraid of No Sequel; Just Puzzled at Times

Pictured are “Ghostbusters” cast members, from left,  Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Melissa McCarthy and Leslie Jones.

I ain’t afraid of no sequel.  But I was a little skeptical going in. I wasn’t expecting much from this picture, but I ended up liking more about the picture than I thought I would. Not a lot of it, but some of it.

Indeed, there are many reasons to like this updated version of the 1984 comedy hit. The stars of the movie: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones, are fine comic actresses who know how to pull off a show regardless of the writing or anything else, really. They have the comic timing and the know-how to make things funny.

The group brought the right amount of chemistry and camaraderie to the movie. Each of them had funny moments and they end up doing a great job at making their own way through a familiar plot without stepping on the toes of the original busters.

Cuts from the film are sometimes very noticeable. McKinnon’s quirky little bits here and there are sometimes funny, sometimes “Huh?” evoking, and that’s simply because there must have been something left out. Most folks familiar with McKinnon’s work on SNL would have expected a lot of scene stealing, but we don’t see any of that. We don’t have much time to learn much about her or get a grasp on her character. Therefore, some of her comments seem a bit random. Not always funny, but most of the time funny. None of it is her fault.

The other girls also suffer a bit from lack of background information, most likely because some scenes were cut. Things move along pretty fast, but alas, that’s how the public wants it these days. Our attention spans just won’t allow for movies to give us enough information.

I wonder if some folks caught on to some stereotypical stuff in Jones’ portrayal. Some of her bug-eyed, frightened ghost-chaser looks reminded me of the politically incorrect old movies we used to laugh at because we didn’t know that what we were laughing at could be viewed as racist. She’s a great comic, and it’s too bad we didn’t see more of her talent. She could have been given a lot more to do as the “layperson” within a group of scientists. But again, not her fault either.

The film’s plot is pretty cut and dried; paranormal scientists reconnect after years of estrangement, brought together by a ghost sighting and the eventual uncovering of one demented guy’s plan to unleash the spirit world on the city. The four busters set up their fledgling business and are soon called upon to save the city.

I was never sure if this new film was more about the new idea of female ghostbusters or paying homage to the first movie. Maybe it’s about both. I felt the cameos by members of the first cast were a little lame and, actually, rather pitiful. The only one I thought was fun and even classy was the shot of the Harold Ramis bust found in the school where paranormal scientist McCarthy originally worked. I even had issues with the reappearance of the Stay-Puft Marshmallow guy and Slimer. Maybe I’m just being cranky.

This go round, instead of the endearingly loud and rude Annie Potts as the receptionist, the girls hire dumb-as-a-rock-yet-hunk Kevin, played by Chris Hemsworth. The gags showing how dim witted Kevin is are unfunny at first, but eventually his character plays a part and he does a reasonably decent job. Once again, the movie didn’t spend much time on Kevin. Therefore, the goofy outtakes and extra footage of him as the credits rolled made little sense to me.

For a person who likes closure, or at least likes to know the rest of the story, I was glad I went to see this offering. I like the actresses a lot. I just wish they had a little more to work with. The special effects were outstanding and of course, way superior to the 80s version.

I did laugh, and I thought the movie had a decent number of nice moments. As I said, I liked it better than I thought I would.

I kept wondering if it was just me. The test audience seemed to love it, applauding and laughing in spots that puzzled me a bit. Oh well. If it appeals to majority of folks, maybe it will do fine. After all, when it comes to movies, I’m a bit hard to please.

Should you see “Ghostbusters”? Yes. Will you enjoy it? Probably. However, if you might be so inclined, wait and get it from Redbox.

My grade: C+