Look, we get it. You don’t want a Ghostbusters reboot. But maybe you should give it a chance.
I’ve written on the subject of reboots multiple times over the last few weeks, and each time when I’m deciding whether or not I like the idea of a remake or long-awaited sequel, I pause to take in all the facts, think about why it could or could not work, and factor in whether my nostalgia for the property will allow me to enjoy a new version of a beloved film or television series.
In the case of The Mummy, the premise and people involved don’t have me excited at all. In the case of Independence Day 2, the trailer confirmed this was a sequel I needed in my life.
As for Ghostbusters? I’m so into it, you guys.
I love Ghostbusters as much as the next guy or gal. It was a hilarious fun romp in 1984 when it hit our screens for the first time. It’s one of the few movies from 20 or 30 years ago that holds up in terms of acting and storytelling, if not special effects.
Did we need a new Ghostbusters movie? No, not at all. Is it nice to revisit this idea in a new and fresh way? Yeah, absolutely.
Or, at least, I think so. There’s been a lot of hate surrounding the reboot of this beloved franchise. It’s understandable. This movie was a huge part of many people’s childhoods. It surely was a staple in mine. There’s always going to be loyalty to the original.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a new version, especially one that is clearly trying to pay homage to the classic. So few remakes attempt to do that. We should be glad Ghostbusters wants to keep the memory of the original alive as much as it wants to give us something different.
“It looks stupid” is not a valid reason to hate this movie, especially since we have yet to see any footage from the actual film (and Paul Feig would agree). The promotional photos and character posters show off a group of women who look like they could kick your ass if you dared to say that to their faces.
And though we have very little visual representation of the remake, what I’ve seen so far proves it’s going to feel a lot like the original. The jumpsuits and proton packs look nearly identical to the ones we saw in the first movie. They haven’t been modernized or sexualized. The atmosphere looks a little campy and the characters look a little awkward.
If your issue is the fact the main characters are women and not men like the originals, I think you have some bigger problems to deal with first.
So few reboots are genderbent when, in reality, maybe they should be. Kristen Wiig has been bummed out by backlash on this particular front, which makes no sense when they’re working hard to honor the previous films. Why rehash an old story when you can give it a twist that will resonate better with modern audiences? In so many instances, female characters have been sidelined to the benefit of a male hero. It’s time women got a turn in the spotlight to bust some ghosts, too.
I’m not saying this Ghostbusters remake is going to be an instant classic. It’ll have to fight for its place in history, just like the original films. But I also don’t understand the instant hatred. At least wait for the first trailer, put aside your prejudices, and see if it looks like it’s going to be a good film all on its own. Judge it based on what it is, and not on what you think it will be. Maybe you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Ghostbusters stars Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon, and hits cinemas on July 15, 2016.