Ghostbusters Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Four scientists fight ghosts and sexism, ultimately shooting a ghost in the crotch to save the world… from itself.

🍿 Ghostbusters: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Aldridge Mansion and Initial Investigation

Paranormal enthusiasts Erin Gilbert and Abby Yates, who co-authored a book on ghosts, reunite after years apart. Erin, now a physics professor, seeks to suppress the book’s republication, fearing it will jeopardize her career. However, a haunting at the Aldridge Mansion draws them back together, along with eccentric engineer Jillian Holtzmann.

Forming the Ghostbusters

After documenting a ghost encounter at the mansion, Erin is fired from Columbia University. Undeterred, she joins Abby and Jillian to form the “Conductors of the Metaphysical Examination,” later dubbed the Ghostbusters. They set up shop above a Chinese restaurant and hire the dim-witted but handsome Kevin Beckman as their receptionist.

First Encounters and Growing Credibility

MTA worker Patty Tolan joins the team after witnessing a ghost in the subway. Patty provides invaluable knowledge of New York City and a repurposed hearse, Ecto-1. The Ghostbusters develop their technology and capture ghosts, but face skepticism from the public and the media, including a myth-busting scientist, Dr. Martin Heiss.

Rowan’s Plan and the Fourth Cataclysm

Unbeknownst to the Ghostbusters, Rowan North, a disturbed occultist, is summoning ghosts with devices he builds. His plan is to unleash a horde of spirits upon the city as payback for his mistreatment. The Ghostbusters discover Rowan’s plot and confront him at the Mercado Hotel, where he electrocutes himself.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Abby Yates (Melissa McCarthy): A paranormal researcher and enthusiastic believer in ghosts, Abby dedicates herself to proving their existence alongside her friends.
• Erin Gilbert (Kristen Wiig): A physicist who initially distanced herself from paranormal studies, Erin rejoins Abby to investigate ghosts and validate their research.
• Jillian Holtzmann (Kate McKinnon): An eccentric and brilliant nuclear engineer, Jillian creates the Ghostbusters’ gadgets and provides a unique, quirky energy to the team.
• Patty Tolan (Leslie Jones): A knowledgeable New York City subway worker, Patty joins the Ghostbusters, offering her expertise in local history and providing practical support.
• Kevin (Chris Hemsworth): The Ghostbusters’ dim-witted but attractive receptionist, Kevin provides comic relief and becomes unwittingly involved in the paranormal events.
• Rowan North (Neil Casey): A disgruntled occultist and the film’s main antagonist, Rowan seeks to unleash ghosts upon New York City as revenge for his mistreatment.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Patty Tolan: “What part of ‘small and friendly’ did he not understand?” – Patty says this about Rowan’s huge transformation into a giant ghost.
• Patty Tolan: “What’s Zuul?” – Patty asks what Zuul is in a post-credit scene after listening to an audio tape from a ghost encounter.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $144,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $128,350,574
• Worldwide Gross: $229,147,509

💥 Ghostbusters Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie with some trepidation given all the online chatter, but I was pleasantly surprised. The cast had great chemistry, and the effects were top-notch. I particularly loved Kate McKinnon’s performance; she just stole every scene she was in! The final battle felt a little over-the-top, but overall, I had a blast and would definitely recommend it to other fans of the original.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig”
  • “Viewers looking for a lighthearted action-comedy”
  • “Those interested in a modern take on the Ghostbusters franchise”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Supernatural themes and imagery”
  • “Mild language and suggestive humor”
  • “Some scary scenes and jump scares”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “The new Ghostbusters delivers its own brand of supernatural fun while honoring the beloved source material, proving that a franchise can be successfully revived with a fresh perspective.
• Chicago Sun-Times: “The chemistry among the four leads—McCarthy, Wiig, McKinnon, and Jones—is fantastic, and they play off each other beautifully. McKinnon is particularly hilarious as the wacky Holtzmann.
• Entertainment Weekly: “Ghostbusters is funny, energetic, and full of creative visual effects. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the original, it’s a worthy addition to the franchise.

Audience Reactions

Kate McKinnon’s performance as Holtzmann was a standout, stealing every scene she was in.: The strong chemistry between the four female leads was widely praised.

The updated special effects and creative ghost designs were visually impressive.: Many viewers appreciated the movie’s blend of humor and action.

Overall Consensus: While divisive, many found the new Ghostbusters to be a fun and entertaining reboot with a strong cast and impressive visuals.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The bust of Harold Ramis’ head appears just outside of Erin’s university office near the beginning of the film. The bust was later donated to the Harold Ramis Film School at Chicago’s Second City.”
• “There are several cameos from the original cast, including Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, and Sigourney Weaver, although they play different characters.”
• “The extended Blu-ray version is 2 hours and 13 minutes long.”

🖥️ How to Watch Ghostbusters?

Ghostbusters (2016) is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on demand through services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable or satellite options. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are also widely available through online retailers and local stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Ghostbusters, you might like these similar films:

• Ghostbusters (1984): The original movie that started the franchise, featuring a team of paranormal investigators and eliminators.
• Men in Black (1997): A government agency that polices and investigates alien activity on Earth. Features a blend of comedy, sci-fi, and action.
• Paul (2011): A comedy about two sci-fi fans who encounter an alien on the run and help him escape. A road trip with a quirky alien.

🛒 Ghostbusters Related Products

• Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered – Nintendo Switch: Relive the classic Ghostbusters adventure with this remastered version. Hunt ghosts with the team, using iconic equipment. A must-own for fans of the franchise.
• Ghostbusters Ecto-1 Diecast Vehicle: A highly detailed diecast replica of the iconic Ecto-1. Perfect for display, this collectible captures the spirit of the Ghostbusters films.
• Rubie’s mens Ghostbusters Costume: Embrace the spirit of the iconic movie! Dress up for Halloween, costume parties, or just for fun. Includes jumpsuit and inflatable proton pack.
• Ghostbusters (2016) [4K Ultra HD]: Experience the Ghostbusters reboot in stunning 4K Ultra HD. Enjoy enhanced visuals and immersive audio for a premium viewing experience.

🎧 Soundtrack

Ghostbusters features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Ghostbusters” – performed by Ray Parker Jr.
• “Good Day” – performed by Nappy Roots

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

LEGO GHOSTBUSTERS

Get ready for a brick-tastic adventure in this creative LEGO animation that brings the Ghostbusters to life! From iconic scenes to hilarious moments, it’s a must-watch for any fan of the classic movie.

The LEGO Ghostbusters Movie by MonsieurCaron

Experience the Ghostbusters through the eyes of a LEGO enthusiast! This stop-motion film captures all the action and humor of the original, making it a delight for fans of both LEGO and the movie.

VIGO the CARPATHIAN (GHOSTBUSTERS II Explored)

Ever wondered about the enigmatic Vigo the Carpathian? This detailed analysis takes you deep into the backstory and motivations of this iconic villain, giving you a fresh perspective on Ghostbusters II.

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