I think it's probably useful to start this blog by telling you that whilst I did see the original Ghostbusters film (1984) once in my childhood (shout out to my five male cousins for the screening in their lounge room), I really didn't remember it so I was basically coming into this film without the need or capacity to draw any connections to the original.
When the team behind this reboot announced that the four Ghostbusters would be women (Kristin Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Jones & Kate McKinnon), there was some outrage online from numpty trolls saying that they were ruining the franchise, women can't bust ghosts etc. OK they didn't say that exactly but you know what I mean. What bollocks.
I didn't love or hate this film and it had nothing to do with the gender of the cast. DER.
At first I thought they were pitching this at kids (lots of characters talking to themselves to explain what's going on, the kind of cues kids need) but then there was some bits that I thought would be way to scary for kids.
There was a group of guys who looked to be in their early 40s in my session and on a handful of occasions they and no one else laughed - gag gifts for fans of the original film I guess.
Kristin Wiig wasn't given enough gags to work with, Melissa McCarthy was given plenty & did them well, Leslie Jones was fun (the non-scientist in the group, required so they had to explain things to someone for the benefit of the audience) but Kate McKinnon was a stand-out star for me. She does the wacky professor vibe very well indeed. Chris Hemsworth as their hot receptionist was also good fun. And, you know, hot as hell.
Leigh Paatsch in News Ltd press gave it 2.5 stars and I agree. The Guardian gave it 4 stars, at least a whole star too generous for mine.
Trailer here. In cinemas now.