Dead & buried

Ervell E Menezes

That “Ghostbusters 3D” has come out almost three decades after the parent film is a clear handicap. But that the ghost-busters now are women (because of deaths in the cast) surely works to their advantage. But it is another slam-bang FX- heavy entertainer and with a very slim story.

Dr Erin Gilbert (Kristen Wiig) and Dr Abby Yates (Melissa McCarthy) have written a book that points to the existence of paranormal activity such as ghosts. But this becomes unpopular, so Dr Gilbert distances herself from the project. Meanwhile, all of New York is worried as ghosts will be swarming all over.

Soon, Dr Julian Holtzman (Kate McKinnon), a technocrat, joins the team along with MTA worker Patty Tolan (Leslie Jones), who has seen a ghost. Dr Gilbert too returns. But are these four women ghost-busters or themselves the victims? The foursome hires handsome Kevin Beckman (Chris Hemmsworth) as receptionist, maybe for dramatic relief.

Director Paul Feig has an enormous task connecting with the audience and the weak script doesn’t help either. What’s more, action is unduly extended (116 minutes). These FX-heavy movies should never exceed 90 minutes. The only saving grace is the slick performances of the women, especially Kate McKinnon and Melissa Mccarthy!