Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Review - Not Bad But It’s Time To Put The Proton Packs Away

The TJCS crew discuss and review the newest film from the ghost busting franchise Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire starring Paul Rudd.
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[@jamespearson7871]

5:21 - Does Ray talk in the theatre!? Don't talk in the bloody theatre! I hate people who talk in the theatre. I want to concentrate on the movie not the inane commentary of some audience member who lacks an inner monologue.

[@zappa1971]

Hey Ray... Be quiet in the theater.

[@ssm100]

Are you honestly surprised that he is that guy?

[@JamesMeechan-os6sl]

I want them to keep the proton packs out

[@grandpallama]

85% audience score, opening weekend made $45.2 million (notably, an increase over Afterlife). There will be another film.

[@KDUBS79]

Being proud to be the annoying guy talking in the theater is an interesting L to just willingly take.

[@NormanNorthman]

I disagree. I want more Ghostbusters movies. Or at least a series.

[@user-ql9ub9qz5u]

I've had this realization recently with older actors like Harrison Ford and Patrick Stewart. I don't really want to see them in lead roles or their classic characters. They just struggle to preform the action the necessary action scenes or capture the necessary charisma. It just comes off as sad now. Samuel L. Jackson at 75 years old running down a hallway like an old man kind of breaks the immersion.

[@benjaminchristensen5678]

I really enjoyed the movie it was so fun such a wild ride the audience gave it an 87% and I loved it , I think a third and final film will work really well to wrap it up

[@yaboicatman]

I definitely would see another one if it has something original to it. This movie was solid to me, and I had fun with it.

[@photodude24]

I saw it last night. If you cared about the characters in the first one you will find enjoyment in seeing them in this movie. With that said the script felt like it was literally written by A.I. They start the main characters in completely the wrong spot that did not continue their story arcs well from the Afterlife film whatsoever. I completely agree with you John. The 3rd act saves the movie. The first two acts were clunky and not even. It was just “ok”.

[@photodude24]

The film makers really boxed themselves in by getting stuck and staying in New York. They should have had the first act of the movie take place in NY but then take the act on the road and taking it to a haunted town in another state or country. I could have imagined The Spanglers with Podcast and Lucky visiting Paul Rudd in NY after Rudd becomes a Ghostbusters. Kumail and Patton Oswalt could had been two of the new Ghostbusters with Paul Rudd. Winston could had gotten a huge ghostbusting request and have his new Ghostbusters and the Spanglers travel to assist. Lucky and Trevor could of stayed behind in NY with the old crew of Ghostbusters.

[@sirrocksalot87]

Ghost Corps has been in existence since the 2016 remake.

[@ssm100]

And it's pronounced CORE... My goodness, this review was painful.

[@Oldschool1943]

*reboot

[@Ko-D-Moon]

Ray looks like Toad from Mario with that hat😂

[@cardavas6851]

I love frozen empire

[@Thedogdad84]

I don’t understand some of the fans. Those of us who grew up in the 80’s and loved this franchise went without a GB movie in the 90’s and 00’s. Then we got a movie in 2016 that did not meet expectations of what the fans wanted. We got Afterlife which I loved but it was like a small glimpse into that world of what we remembered and loved. Frozen Empire is the movie we’ve been waiting for. How could you not have a smile on your face at the last scene?

[@christianmarmol3230]

Agree but it just wasn't a good movie and I've been watching ghost busters since the late 80's

[@Xavier.living.life.]

It's funny how John says he loves Afterlife and yet his criticisms for Frozen Empire are the exact same things people criticized about Afterlife when it came out.

[@Oldschool1943]

yeah, it did sidelined the actual ghostbusters but afterlife felt more like an tribute and a sendoff, frozen empire feels like a sony cash grab that's the difference.

[@Xavier.living.life.]

@@Oldschool1943 okay but that has nothing to do with my point, I just thought it was funny that what he's saying now is what people said then about Afterlife, it's this thing called "irony".

[@TheCrazyahbk]

It wasn't Horrible, it wasn't Great - I liked it. I'd watch it again.

[@tylerjames7986]

Same with Disney,Sony definitely needs a massive overhaul when it comes to their projects.

[@ThompsonBrosStudios]

There's too much going on and not enough time to actually do it all properly. It could have really used an extra 20 minutes to flesh out some of the too many characters and plotlines, and maybe cut a few out. That said, it was fun to watch and seeing Dan Akroyd have as much fun as he did was worth it. Not as good as the last one IMO, but definitely worth a watch.

[@LazyEyeNZ]

Gonna go and see it this week.

[@atavious2491]

We're not allowed to have okay or averaged or dare I say it, "mediocre" movies and sequels anymore. Rotten Tomatoes this is all your fault!

[@JamesMeechan-os6sl]

I was not surprised there will be lot of people seeing Ghostbusters frozen empire

[@zchannelfan]

Was good, didn't blow me away but I liked it. Wish they could of touched base on the main story a little more, third act was a bit rushed. That being said I do hope they make another with the new cast, it's definitely time they go in a completely new direction.

[@BiblicalCinematicUniverse]

nope, it's time to let Ghostbusters continue as a franchise and just watch it if you like it, don't if you don't, and let Sony see if they are successful.

[@ACARDtvMusic]

The ending was anti-climactic, especially for a big baddie… so sad. Seemed too easy and no big battle, especially not seeing any of the escaped ghosts that were released in both Ghostbusters locations, even og ghosts like Vigo for a final battle with the ice dude…

[@christianmarmol3230]

It wasnt a bad movie, but wasn't good either, just alright. Alot didn't make sense in it and the ghost girl draged the movie everytime. I love ghost busters but it's over. Please don't make another ,it's done

[@JamalBernardPulliam]

I liked it. I thought it was really good 🙂

[@McdonaldeS1986]

Only found out today Jason reitman didn't direct it which was a big mistake

[@damoncrawford6054]

I loved it I hope they make more and I’m waiting for the new cartoon series if there is one

[@justin1871]

When the containment unit blew up in the old Ghost Busters, They should have done spin-offs of other countries dealing with Ghost.

[@joeljukus9129]

The thing is GB sprang from National Lampoons and original SNL humor. It was a slacker comedy with ghosts as the gimmick and it worked quite well. The time to pass the torch would have been 20 years ago to guys who carried on that tradition- Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughan, Owen Wilson, will Ferrell, etc… Having a bunch of kids and a miss mash of random characters doesn’t work. The comedy is secondary now. If you like the original cartoon show, then maybe you will like this style but it is not at all like the original movies.

[@OneManOnFire]

Ghost girl should've been cut The guy in the Library (Pat) should've been cut and replaced by Ray doing to the book hunting/reading. Fireman was only needed in the beginning to sell the ball. The last flight should've been at another location other than the firehouse. The Mayor didn't have enough screen time. I feel that movies in general don't do enough to make you feel like you're in the city. Afterlife did a good job of making it feel like You're in Oklahoma. GB1 and 2 did a good job of this. Regardless I love the movie. Slap anything with Ghostbusters on it I'll like it. Even the 2016 movie was dumb but I had my laughs.

[@ianscottcarroll1089]

I dug it. This one was clearly geared more towards kids with a few adult skewed jokes thrown in. "Satan's Testicle" or whatever Podcast called the orb. I didn't feel too hammered by nostalgia. It was a fun Ghostbusters adventure with some good production values. Good enough for me. Keep them coming.

[@heyerlaw]

I LOVED IT! It was a comedy again. And it built off of the set up by afterlife.

[@Oldschool1943]

[@Dude-oh8vq]

5:02 it's not all they have left... it's all SONY is willing to do. If there were different people in charge, and if we had Dan and someone else writing the next screenplay, things could be drastically different and perhaps better.

[@BOND19951]

This! Ghostbusters needs stronger writers there are those that can do it including an new director that can on things. I always I love to see the developers of cobra kai be consulates for the movie.

[@strattonsneedon5978]

Na the franchise needs to continue, their is still is so much that they can explore in this universe, yes this movie was flawed, but it was pretty good

[@natebrowell4646]

I’d put it in the middle near GBII. It’s a 6.5/10. I enjoyed it overall and would watch again. Willing to add to the collection at home. Mixed bag as far as member berries and new stuff. Be willing for them to do one more to see if they can keep it going. BUT if this is the last one, then I kinda wish they’d just stopped after GBAL.

[@TrueBlueMajikDewd]

I disagree. I really enjoyed it. I want to see a 3rd movie and have Phoebe maturing as an adult. This one had good character development for her being naive and making mistakes. If you just want a kneeslapper comedy, I'd say watch a movie that is purely designed to be a comedy. These critic reviews really come as overantagonistic of the movie.

[@nickromero9243]

100% agree!

[@fourthlandscapejazz]

I want them to go the Toy Story 3 route: come back in a decade or so with a GREAT story and make it like Afterlife where the story and action revolves around an emotional core.

[@robbyrob5057]

Loved this movie. Looking forward to what they do in the future.

[@Oldschool1943]

this has no future

[@hollywoodmkx]

No. We need a final sequel featuring The Boogeyman. That was the best episode of TRG and that would be terrifying.

[@hamhockbeans]

That would be perfect but then you would need a Boogeyman returns.

[@Oldschool1943]

might as well lol this garbage already introduced that ghost can play chess, hold a lighter and lighting up a match. putting the Boogeyman in it ain't to far fetch anymore 😂😂

[@shimshambam]

Pretty sure Ghost Corps was initially created as arm for Sony Pictures with the 2016 film. Afterlife as well.

[@ssm100]

And it's pronounced CORE. This review was painful.

[@monkeytoung]

It wasn't the worst thing but I'd rather they bring Jason back the last one was better. Still not as bad as the reboot

[@TheKillerNut]

It seems like all the bad reviews are just complaining that the legacy characters aren’t legacy charactering haha

[@MaxxRemKing1]

Accurate

[@Oldschool1943]

no, it's just these forced new characters aren't interesting and it feels like they're trying to replace the legacy characters with their shit new characters that nobody cares about. while misleading in the trailers as if the legacy characters had a bigger role. fucking Ghostbusters: The Video Game is the real ghostbusters 3 and the conclusion to ghostbusters. afterlife was a good tribute and sendoff to Harold Ramis but this movie flat out awful.

[@Oldschool1943]

@@MaxxRemKing1 *inaccurate

[@MaxxRemKing1]

@@Oldschool1943 Its accurate to me. I won't watch these new Ghostbusters movies because I don't care about the kids I just want the old legacy characters but that isn't going t happen so I don't care about these movies

[@MySurfBoard]

This movie was clearly their magnum opus. I found it to be entertaining, satirical and relevant. The marshmallow minion esque guys was great. Each actor played to their strengths and the nostalgia was excellent.

[@juanluismendoza8655]

I saw it yesterday and I really enjoyed it. It’s not perfect but my family and I loved it. One thing I love about this film is that this is the first Ghostbusters sequel where the team is already formed and the movie is about the team chasing ghosts. Ghostbusters 2 had to reform the team again after they were separated, Afterlife didn’t have a new team formed until the third act. Frozen Empire didn’t have to go through an origin story again and we actually got to see the Ghostbusters being active with a new facility and weapons while seeing them in their normal life. That alone made this movie really enjoyable for me.

[@spicymemes7458]

This should be the pilot episode for a live action Real Ghostbusters tv show.

[@ghostcenturion4956]

Viewer correction: "Corps" is not pronounced "Corpse," and the Ghost Corps branding existed for Afterlife as well.

[@williamradke4290]

I can definitely see how this franchise can continue, BUT it needs to evolve a little bit in order to do so. As someone who wasn't that into Ghostbusters, i enjoyed how they delved into the mythology of the ghosts or how they came to be. They need to lean into that in order to not be stale. The other thing that needs to be done(and it will be harder) is they need to let the old cast retire and let a new cast take over, but maybe have the older cast there more as mentors.

[@fredcasdensworld]

'have the older cast as mentors'.... WHICH IS WHAT IS DONE IN THIS MOVIE YOU FRAKKING GIT!

[@Alton7771]

Here come the you should listen to the critics you should listen to the fans comments coming

[@jean-francoisjoanisse1445]

Had a great time. But the middle part stretches too long. Had they shown the Spengler family busting ghost when they got calls to intercut with the story exposure, would have been much better.

[@sagate953]

I still say they should have went with the Extreme Ghostbusters. The charecters are more likeable and interesting. Plus the continuation from the original series seemed more organic.

[@efinden]

I’m surprised you didn’t point out some plot holes and tear it apart.

[@wraithx7]

I haven't seen the movie yet, but I'm definitely going to check it out. That all being said, like I have said many times before, future Ghostbusters films should follow the formula of both THE REAL GHOSTBUSTERS and EXTREME GHOSTBUSTERS animated series and tell stand alone original different type stories that DO NOT REPEAT THE FORMULA OF THE FIRST FILM. This might be an unpopular opinion, but I think that both THE REAL GHOSTBUSTERS and EXTREME GHOSTBUSTERS were batter than ALL of the Ghostbusters films (with the possible exception of the first film). Hell, I would happy as hell if Sony just made animated Ghostbusters films set in those two animated series universe/continuity.

[@KGBookkeeping]

Hope we get a third one! This one wasn’t the greatest thing ever made but it was really good and this franchise could cook and end-up ratcheting-up that greatness in sequential sequels

[@NostalgicCinema48]

I’m still looking forward to checking this movie out to see for myself

[@geeloco1600]

Thanks for letting us know kiddo

[@SS-or7mz]

I enjoyed afterlife but didn't like how the OGs just kind of showed up at the end. After watching this one I believe afterlife will be felt a little different the next time I watch it. Now it's like the last part of afterlife was their introduction to each other and frozen empire was the after/friend, mentor, family moments that came from that.

[@geeloco1600]

@@SS-or7mz cool story dude

[@NostalgicCinema48]

@@geeloco1600 of course kiddo! I’m glad you appreciate it kid

[@NostalgicCinema48]

@@SS-or7mz I agree!

[@THEREALJHEDITS]

Loved it!

[@jakenight5147]

Is it weird to want to see something about actually busting ghosts? Why these movies have to involve kids and their angst and personal relationships is beyond me? I feel like there was a whole story there missing. How New York just lets them bust ghosts...just don't destroy property? How there's one team/family...protecting the whole city.

[@tophercabba]

does ray just go to movies to sleep lol hes always falling asleep in movies , geez dude go to bed at night lol

[@SunnyLovetts]

ikr his literal only job is to sit around and watch movies and talk about them, and he can't even do that lol. Adult toddler hahaha

[@damien9056]

Imo,Frozen Empire was good but not great like Afterlife was. I agree the 1st two acts kinda drag and are kinda boring. 3rd act ok. 3rd movie should just be the younger generation imo. Time to let the OG’s retire for good lol

[@Oldschool1943]

this franchise need to retire for good bcuz this new cast is awful

[@leebuck8532]

I liked it. I hope they keep going. I also like the idea of Ray being around doing the book work.

[@MichaelWilinski]

I liked it. It wasn’t great but not bad at all. I wish they would have shown them getting to the fire house and starting from there.

[@broke602]

Why do movie critics hate nostalgia? Usually the biggest complaint I hear from them

[@fredcasdensworld]

Hating nostalgia is the critics way of saying 'they didn't watch the film'

[@erac5855]

I think nostalgia is great when done well and can move the plot along or give some kind of feels to the audience. Ray seeing the ghost in the library could have been fun and funny but the clip, all 5 seconds of it, was there simply to be there.

[@donaldhavrejr8283]

I liked it. It was a little darker than Afterlife but still had the charm of it.

[@leondonnelly6271]

There are plenty of unique supernatural threats, so there are plenty of stories to tell.

[@Oldschool1943]

just not with this cast

[@MovieReviewExpress1]

I really enjoyed the movie

[@slewiscurious]

I just saw it and thought it was great. Had the monster lore. Just enough of the old. Lots of new gadgets. Sure there’s nostalgia but it didn’t feel over the top. The comedy all landed for me. I’m not sure what people expect out of this franchise. This felt like they were at least trying to push it forward. They are ready to cut the cord on the old cast. If this gets another movie. But with the haters club. It might not. I’d rather see more of these than Star Wars. Talk about an IP that won’t take risks. Star Wars is Old and tired. It’s just funny that people have begged for ghostbusters, and yet they throw a fit. Nothing lives up to our childhood. Even the original is kinda goofy. But it was new and unexpected. I’m not taking up for bad writing. Sure that exists and Sony has a bad track record. I think it’s just easy to sit and critique. I wanna hear great script ideas. Then hear someone go shop that idea to a company like Sony. See how pure it is after they meddle with it.

[@reviewbomb85]

so the only critique you will accept, is one offered by a person who try's to sell a script to SONY?

[@paulneves3469]

I enjoyed it yes there are a few problems with the film but still watchable

[@SS-or7mz]

I enjoyed this new one a lot more than afterlife. This new one flows really well and the balance of the old in with the new is well done.

[@jimp1060]

Not a bad movie and worth a watch.

[@azn1011]

i dunno, i think some things just weren't meant to be franchises. i might put Ghostbusters in that category. i also can't be the only person who's sick of the nostalgia baiting

[@JamesMeechan-os6sl]

You did not get what they were doing with the Easter eggs john in the first two acts

[@MetFreak42]

Take it as you will, but RT has it tracking a 44% (nagative) Tomato meter, but 85% (positive) Audience reaction.

[@ivanusestheknife5014]

I had fun. It's good to expand. It was entertaining.

[@ILikeNerdShit]

Tell me you have no taste without telling me you have no taste

[@actioncomics]

I'm in the minority here but I absolutely loved this movie. It was a Ghostbusters dream come true for me. They expanded on the universe and it felt like a big episode of the cartoon. It was a little sloppy in execution but I had a good time anyway. But to each there own.

[@nickromero9243]

I couldn't agree more. I loved the movie!

[@thekingassassin7992]

I enjoyed the movie watching the early reviews I was expecting a disaster and as I life long ghostbuster freak I was hesitant on even seeing it and all I can say is critics are dumb I mean it’s not life changing but a solid movie and even better my son loved it at one point I looked over and saw my son with a look in his eye sitting up straight locked onto the scene and I saw my 6 year old self in him discovering what is ghostbusters not kidding I shed a tare what a great way for me and him to connect

[@NoahAG]

I enjoyed it sorry

[@ColonelSternlove]

Afterlife was for the fans, Frozen Empire was for the future. Such a mosh mash of ideas, a teased large scale battle that massively wimped out. The most interesting hit was when her spirit left her body - that could’ve been really interesting.

[@ssm100]

Ghost Corps (CORE) has been around for years.

[@TheCountMosquito]

Thank you. People don’t call the Marine Corps the Marine Corpse.

[@studior2962]

I’m interested to see what they do with the animated Ghostbusters movie coming up

[@hanifameen4056]

Only better health ads now.

[@henryk.5192]

Felt like it was a pretty little decent movie. Could’ve been a more “epic” movie, like the first two iterations of the franchise.

[@DarMar106]

I enjoyed it; the whole setup with the Ghostbusters R&D could make for a fun streaming series

[@anthonyphares4099]

They could continue with the younger cast while updating their Ghostbuster gear. Imagine a new improved 2026 Ecto 1.

[@jonathana6429]

I still think there’s room for this franchise to evolve, it’s just that they can’t seem to get past the first 2 movies. There is no identity beyond nostalgia for ghostbusters. The concept should be able to survive and evolve without the OG 4.

[@yourbigpalal83]

I felt the ending was a letdown. The ending should have been the end of the 2nd act leading into a much bigger 3rd act

[@agmcroom2374]

Just saw the movie and it’s ok at best. I felt the person who did the movie is a fan and love the old arrangement of the original soundtrack and the fact that bought it back to New York. There’s just too many characters and the story doesn’t focus on the important characters which are the original characters.

[@CarlitosAPC]

I think the path at the moment is another, Comics (which will soon be released showing what happened between GB Afterlife and Frozen Empire) or a new animated series in the style of The Real Ghostbusters or Extreme Ghostbusters, where they can develop the characters more and have unlimited level of villains

[@doomtomb6522]

*Good movie*

[@melvinlee9263]

It was time to put the packs away in 2016...

[@terabitez3374]

I don’t think it should entirely end the best case scenario I think would be making a new animated series or maybe a streaming since I feel the series has always fit the monster of the week with a few bigger story arcs here and there a lot better

[@morecringe89]

I have enough with the first movie. I am not watching movies to create nostalgia to another thing that worked back then.

[@Br0wnCh3]

It was ok but just felt like a tv episode then an epic movie.

[@WhatShallEyeDo4U]

Funny... The third act is almost literally the same as Afterlife.

[@SAM-up6ym]

Honestly I liked this one. Not great but solid

[@jamesrokel9517]

By the third act, it’s too late

[@colmastro4373]

I enjoyed tf out of it! even more so than afterlife. Afterlife was a slow burn whereas this one was non stop from the beginning. is it a perfect movie? Fk no, but it's a damn ghostbusters film, stop being snobs and enjoy it for the ridiculous garbage fun ride it's meant to be. This guy's review is literally from afterlife lol, did he even watch the new one? Slow burn? That was afterlife Nostalgiabait? That was afterlife 😂😂😂😂😂

[@Dartanyoogles]

Yeah, it's crazy to me to hear all of these critics that loved Afterlife, but don't like this one. Afterlife sucked, and Frozen Empire is way better!

[@houseoftoffee6910]

I rather enjoyed the movie.

[@MrLewisDuval]

I could see Ghostbusters as a streaming service and it just might work out. What no one is asking…where is OSCAR, Dana’s Kid or Louis Tully???

[@BAMyankees614]

Yeah there are so many missing details and questions that they could have answered by now. Who was Egon's wife? Who was the father/husband of the new family? Where did Slimer come from? Was he hanging around for 30 years or was he released from the trap?

[@isaacmartinez6904]

I saw the movie today and it was ok. Had some good jokes, amazing effects and brings back to the original.

[@solonolo-ng5kn]

I truly hope we get a new ghostbusters movie after this ❤❤❤ ghostbusters ghostbusters ghostbusters! Sony if u see this please keep it going ❤