Ghostbusters (2016) (Post-release)

[KrangPrime]

ahahaha...
http://kotaku.com/ghostbusters-deve...m_source=Kotaku_Twitter&utm_medium=Socialflow

Deliver something that looks like an N64 game, you don't last long.

 

[Solo4114]

So overall I'll say I liked it, but in a way that I will forget most of it in no time. I'll probably never watch it again.

It's a fine film, not really a good film, not a bad film.

Overall - 6.6 out of 10 - needed to be FUNNIER. If you are going for all out comedy. NEEDS MORE LAUGHS.

This is about what I've taken away from the breadth of reviews I've read.

It's...just a movie. It's a comedy movie that you'll go see, maybe have a few chuckles, and otherwise forget within a few months.


And that's all that it is.


As for the box office, it appears to be doing domestically...exactly what you'd expect. About 50% drops each week, which isn't great, but isn't atrocious. I'd bet it'll be out of theaters in at most another 6 weeks, and possibly sooner (again, domestically).

Foreign take appears to currently be nothing special. About half the domestic total.

Not a huge success, not a total disaster. Kinda depends on how far Sony wants to push this as a franchise, I'm guessing.


Again.....just a movie, really. Nothing special either way.

 

[KrangPrime]

Again, To some...


Anytime I see a response like that which tries to sum it up so simply.., I can't help but think..especially on a forum like this one..

Is there ANY franchise, where you would absolutely go ape crap over if they messed something up so badly, it no longer resembles what you love?

Also, Where has people's fire and passion gone these days?


Or are folks just so tired of people complaining about stuff these days that it's snuffed the flame? I can def see that being a case..

 

[Bryancd]

Again, To some...


Anytime I see a response like that which tries to sum it up so simply.., I can't help but think..especially on a forum like this one..

Is there ANY franchise, where you would absolutely go ape crap over if they messed something up so badly, it no longer resembles what you love?

Also, Where has people's fire and passion gone these days?


Or are folks just so tired of people complaining about stuff these days that it's snuffed the flame? I can def see that being a case..

You will find an abundant of hurt feeling in all franchise film threads including Star Trek and Star Wars. Vociferous and vocal dissatisfaction is easy to find but in regards to Force Awakens, the loudest voices represented the tiniest of minorities. The same is applicable in this thread, a handful of very vocal and high frequency negative posters gives a distorted view of the reality of the film being discussed. Instead of asking are people tired of complaining the better question is does constantly complaining about something others find innocuous or even enjoy the healthiest way to have a rational discussion?

 

[blakeh1]

I saw it last night with my wife and daughter. People in the audience were clapping when it was over.

Both my wife and I agreed it was much better than we thought it would be. We had actually just seen the original last week at a movie in the park night. y daughter is 9 and of course she liked the new one better. For her I think it appealed more than the original because it was much more modern both special effects wise as well as many of the references/comedy

While not a groundbreaking movie or one that I "must own" it was enjoyable and worth seeing.

It was entertaining, the cast had great chemistry, with the Patty and Jillian characters being the favorites. Even McCarthy was kept in check with her character Abby

It had some cringe-worthy moments but the originals did as well if we are being honest.

All in all a good modern update for the franchise and I am glad I saw it, and dare I say, looking forward to a sequel (especially if they go with what is hinted at at the end of the credits)

Better than Ghostbusters II, but not as good as the original.

All the cameos were great

 

[Snikt]

I saw it last night with my wife and daughter. People in the audience were clapping when it was over.

Both my wife and I agreed it was much better than we thought it would be. We had actually just seen the original last week at a movie in the park night. y daughter is 9 and of course she liked the new one better. For her I think it appealed more than the original because it was much more modern both special effects wise as well as many of the references/comedy

While not a groundbreaking movie or one that I "must own" it was enjoyable and worth seeing.

It was entertaining, the cast had great chemistry, with the Patty and Jillian characters being the favorites. Even McCarthy was kept in check with her character Abby

It had some cringe-worthy moments but the originals did as well if we are being honest.

All in all a good modern update for the franchise and I am glad I saw it, and dare I say, looking forward to a sequel (especially if they go with what is hinted at at the end of the credits)

Better than Ghostbusters II, but not as good as the original.

All the cameos were great

I bet they were clapping cause it was over.

What were some cringe moments in the original?

 

[batguy]

What were some cringe moments in the original?

Pretty much any time Venkman deals with women, for one thing.

I have always thought he was more off-putting & creepy than funny in those scenes. It bugged me even when I was a young kid.

 

[Solo4114]

Again, To some...


Anytime I see a response like that which tries to sum it up so simply.., I can't help but think..especially on a forum like this one..

Is there ANY franchise, where you would absolutely go ape crap over if they messed something up so badly, it no longer resembles what you love?

Also, Where has people's fire and passion gone these days?


Or are folks just so tired of people complaining about stuff these days that it's snuffed the flame? I can def see that being a case..

A few things here.

1. When I say "It's just a movie" I'm speaking in terms of how the public at large will respond to it. This is just another movie to them. This isn't anything special one way or the other. It's not especially bad, it's not especially good. It's just a movie they go to see to kill time.

2. I DID get pissed in a big way about the prequels years ago. I got over it. Mostly because life's way too short and has way too much good stuff in it to spend your time being constantly pissed about the direction a movie franchise took. I get the sense of...more than just ownership, but connection...to a film franchise. I know how a film can feel close to you and part of you. And I recognize that when that film goes in a direction you didn't want that it really, really sucks. But life goes on and, really, if that's the worst thing to ever happen to you, you're living a pretty sweet one at that. I will also say that I found myself much more able to enjoy movies in general and my favorite franchises in specific when I learned to simply ignore the crap I didn't like and enjoy the stuff I did.

3. Where has people's passion and fire gone? I would venture that (A) many never had it about this franchise in particular, and (B) past a certain point, you're just howling into the void, and the void is indifferent to your howls. So, why bother? Better to just move on.


At this point, I find this film interesting to follow in terms of what happens next with the franchise, and how the studio responds, as well as what other studies take away from its performance in terms of object lessons (if any).

 

[KrangPrime]

gotcha..

personally...it's still very very fresh wounds here... so i'm more than happy to still rail on it for at least a little while longer.

Sooner or later, though, I'll turn into mr.burns if i keep this up...the transformation has already begun...but when something so oddly tears at it's own fan base apart like a rabid bear...It is still immensely rewarding to see it hit new lows.

 

[d_osborn]

2. I DID get pissed in a big way about the prequels years ago. I got over it. Mostly because life's way too short and has way too much good stuff in it to spend your time being constantly pissed about the direction a movie franchise took. I get the sense of...more than just ownership, but connection...to a film franchise. I know how a film can feel close to you and part of you. And I recognize that when that film goes in a direction you didn't want that it really, really sucks. But life goes on and, really, if that's the worst thing to ever happen to you, you're living a pretty sweet one at that. I will also say that I found myself much more able to enjoy movies in general and my favorite franchises in specific when I learned to simply ignore the crap I didn't like and enjoy the stuff I did.

3. Where has people's passion and fire gone? I would venture that (A) many never had it about this franchise in particular, and (B) past a certain point, you're just howling into the void, and the void is indifferent to your howls. So, why bother? Better to just move on.

Man, I couldn't agree more. I'm a die-hard GB fan and have been my entire life. As long as I can remember, anyway. GB16 wasn't even close to the third film I've been making in my head since 1989. I knew going in that it was never going to be. There's no lack of fire or passion on my end-- I'm an absolute nut for this stuff. However, I've read enough of the GB3 scripts to know that it was never going to be directed at me. That tinge of disappointment has long since left. Nothing that Sony would have made, short of Murray and Aykroyd killing puppies on screen for two hours, would have dinged my appreciation of the original films. A modern GB film was always going to have modern sensibilities, modern action sequences, modern comedy, modern casting, etc. Going in to a modern GB film expecting what you love out of the originals is a recipe for disappointment.

Being disappointed by modern Hollywood sequels and reboots shouldn't be new to anyone here. SW prequels, Indiana Jones 4, Trek, whatever... Our modern mythology consists of IPs ran by corporate companies. It's unforunate, but no amount of vitriolic whining and attacking on internet message boards won't change it. Huffing and puffing isn't going to change it. If you don't like something, move on to the next fun thing that you will. Is modern filmmaking your beef? Why not just ignore it and watch the classics?

At this point, it almost seems like the overly hateful vocal minority enjoys negative ranting more than Ghostbusters. Why not focus time and energy on things that you enjoy rather than movies you obviously don't?

 

[Snikt]

Pretty much any time Venkman deals with women, for one thing.

I have always thought he was more off-putting & creepy than funny in those scenes. It bugged me even when I was a young kid.

The part where he flirts with the college student, but is later never touched upon again? Why is it so wrong to be attracted to a member of the opposite sex? I didnt think he was pervy or creepy, I just thought he was flirting. I dont get how people get so weird about that now a days. Please elaborate, I would like to know in greater detail what you mean.

 

[d_osborn]

The part where he flirts with the college student, but is later never touched upon again? Why is it so wrong to be attracted to a member of the opposite sex? I didnt think he was pervy or creepy, I just thought he was flirting. I dont get how people get so weird about that now a days. Please elaborate, I would like to know in greater detail what you mean.

It's heavily implied that he's going to be putting those old, cheap moves on the college student that evening at 8 o'clock. He would have earlier if Stantz had come back in about an hour... hour and a half. Going to Mrs. Barret's apartment to check her out? "What a crime..." that nothing ever happens in the bedroom. The movie is full of it-- Venkman is a bit of a womazing perv that's kinda/sorta redeemed when Zuul "wants him inside her" and he resists taking advantage of the situation. Loose character arc.

Funny enough, it's spelled out a bit more heavy handed in early drafts of the script. From the 8/5/83 script:

 

[James Kenobi 1138]

Being disappointed by modern Hollywood sequels and reboots shouldn't be new to anyone here. SW prequels, Indiana Jones 4, Trek, whatever... Our modern mythology consists of IPs ran by corporate companies. It's unforunate, but no amount of vitriolic whining and attacking on internet message boards won't change it. Huffing and puffing isn't going to change it. If you don't like something, move on to the next fun thing that you will. Is modern

At this point, it almost seems like the overly hateful vocal minority enjoys negative ranting more than Ghostbusters. Why not focus time and energy on things that you enjoy rather than movies you obviously don't?

Man, I've been preaching this since last year to no avail. The responses I get to why someone can hate the movie and everything it stands for, say their peace about it, but not just let it go and move on is "Because I love and enjoy hating on this movie, even though I'm showing everyone exactly what kind of person I really am, and I'll keep beating this dead horse despite the fact I've beaten it so much there is not even dust left, because hating on this movie is the most important thing in my life".

And I, personally, feel so very sorry for those people. Like 'Bless your Heart' sorry. Sometimes you just gotta let it go and move on.

 

[Westies14]

Sorry guys, I look at the box office performance of GB2016 and I gotta disagree. Complaining about this movie en masse absolutely had an effect on it. Yes, studios are in the business of making money and not of giving fans what they want to see for altruistic purposes - but all that means is that fans have to hold onto their money and convince others that it's worth sitting. Eventually, the industry will reshape itself into one which generates a more thoughtful product. Don't act like Hollywood's incapable of being creative or producing quality - they're simply giving you what you ask for.

 

[d_osborn]

Sorry guys, I look at the box office performance of GB2016 and I gotta disagree. Complaining about this movie en masse absolutely had an effect on it. Yes, studios are in the business of making money and not of giving fans what they want to see for altruistic purposes - but all that means is that fans have to hold onto their money and convince others that it's worth sitting. Eventually, the industry will reshape itself into one which generates a more thoughtful product. Don't act like Hollywood's incapable of being creative or producing quality - they're simply giving you what you ask for.

I'm far from an expert on the business chunk of the industry, but I don't think hardcore fans had any bearing on the BO numbers. Aside from the random juggernaut, numbers are down all across the board.

http://variety.com/2016/film/features/box-office-decline-summer-blockbusters-the-bfg-1201822322/

I don't think negative fan comments, the negative critical reviews, racism controversy, sexism controversy, poking fun at man babies, etc had anything to do with the movie under-performing. I'm guessing the numbers would have been similar with or without the drama.

 

[Snikt]

It's heavily implied that he's going to be putting those old, cheap moves on the college student that evening at 8 o'clock. He would have earlier if Stantz had come back in about an hour... hour and a half. Going to Mrs. Barret's apartment to check her out? "What a crime..." that nothing ever happens in the bedroom. The movie is full of it-- Venkman is a bit of a womazing perv that's kinda/sorta redeemed when Zuul "wants him inside her" and he resists taking advantage of the situation. Loose character arc.

Funny enough, it's spelled out a bit more heavy handed in early drafts of the script. From the 8/5/83 script:

http://i.imgur.com/2uNIqKm.png

Thats the thing, when the time actually came, he didnt take advantage of Dana in her possessed state. Thats why he comes off as harmless to me, I mean cmon, he professes his love for Dana when he inspects the apartment, and she gets insulted and blows him off. Obviously he does like her/is attracted to her, but his method of trying to woo her was off putting because it was so bombastic. To me, it seems harmless. Yeah, and that was cut. But hey, takes two to tango, so that doesnt seem that bad to me either. If she is willing to take a deal...but obviously the film makers thought it was a good idea to cut that portion of the script. I think people get up in arms too quickly sometimes these days and try to look for something that isnt there is all Im saying.

- - - Updated - - -

I'm far from an expert on the business chunk of the industry, but I don't think hardcore fans had any bearing on the BO numbers. Aside from the random juggernaut, numbers are down all across the board.

http://variety.com/2016/film/features/box-office-decline-summer-blockbusters-the-bfg-1201822322/

I don't think negative fan comments, the negative critical reviews, racism controversy, sexism controversy, poking fun at man babies, etc had anything to do with the movie under-performing. I'm guessing the numbers would have been similar with or without the drama.

What are you basing it on that it under-performed, that it was just a crappy movie? I disagree when it comes to the bad press/issues not having an impact on it. Look at BvS, that was a dumpster fire, and the whole world went and saw it once. That could have been Ghostbusters 2016 if they didnt market the film and poke the bear when it came to all the other controversies. Also if the movie was better, it would have made more money. I know its a very John Madden style of thinking, but hey. When you buy something(movie ticket), especially based on an existing IP, you want it to deliver.

 

[niennumb1]

Sorry guys, I look at the box office performance of GB2016 and I gotta disagree. Complaining about this movie en masse absolutely had an effect on it. Yes, studios are in the business of making money and not of giving fans what they want to see for altruistic purposes - but all that means is that fans have to hold onto their money and convince others that it's worth sitting. Eventually, the industry will reshape itself into one which generates a more thoughtful product. Don't act like Hollywood's incapable of being creative or producing quality - they're simply giving you what you ask for.

Just like everyone wanted Platinum Dunes to take hold of Teenage Mutant Ninja Trainwreck. .

But back on topic of GB... I think it was just a failure to create a great film, the studios didn't listen to the huge fanbase as a factore into the decision-making for creating a well-rounded film, they thought they had the answers and clearly it didn't work out.

On Hollywood... The films back then were great because studios were taking more risks. Everything is too safe now rehashing instead of investing into fewer pictures with greater potential. They gotta do more believing in new ideas and stop churning out meh crap that makes them a guaranteed small profit. Take the plunge and do something new!

Look at DeadPool. It was risky for Fox, but they took a chance, gave a stiff budget, and some passionate people came together and blew that one out of the park. We need more of that kind of thinking.

 

[Solo4114]

Sorry guys, I look at the box office performance of GB2016 and I gotta disagree. Complaining about this movie en masse absolutely had an effect on it. Yes, studios are in the business of making money and not of giving fans what they want to see for altruistic purposes - but all that means is that fans have to hold onto their money and convince others that it's worth sitting. Eventually, the industry will reshape itself into one which generates a more thoughtful product. Don't act like Hollywood's incapable of being creative or producing quality - they're simply giving you what you ask for.

Well, yes and no. I think the jury's still out on what actually led to the less-than-amazing box office returns.

I don't think that the sexist troll comments hurt the film. I don't think that the people defending against it particularly helped, either. To the extent that this film rises or falls, I think it does so purely on its own merits.

Other things that may have contributed:

- Diffuse marketing that was HEAVILY focused on leveraging the brand, but not really focused on the content of the film. For example, the Progressive auto ad and the recent videogame...actually don't tie in at all to the content of the film itself. All they do is get you jazzed up about the brand (maybe). The initial trailer was also (rightly) called out for being confusing, and not very funny. Regardless of the actual content of the film, this was most people's first response to the film itself, and -- even if you factor out the people on a crusade to hurt the film -- it seems like the trailer was poorly received.

- Lack of a Chinese opening. Chinese openings can save films nowadays. Middling domestic numbers can be bolstered by a strong opening in China. But the Chinese film authority refused to allow the film to be distributed, so that was that. That's A MAJOR foreign market that simply disappeared. It's not even a question of "Well, comedy doesn't translate as well overseas." They didn't even get a chance for the film to NOT do well in China. It was just...off the table altogether.



I could actually see an argument where this film -- even with decent-ish numbers -- ends up representing to Hollywood that you can't JUST rely on branding to sell your product. The product also has to sell itself. None of this is to say that the content of the film might not be good. I mean, the stuff I'VE heard suggests it wasn't anything I'd like, but I'm not the average moviegoer. I think the trailers were cut...poorly. The humor they depicted was fairly broad and one-note. Even if you're not someone like me who's kinda jaded by modern comedy films, it still just looked...you know....like every other comedy out there, just dressed up in Ghostbusters outfits with lazer-gun backpacks and stuff. That's not a recipe for launching a tentpole franchise, and I think much of the sense of "THIS COULD BE OUR HUGE NEW FRANCHISE!!!" comes from a firm belief in the power of brands to sell products just on the strength of the brand alone.

 

[d_osborn]

Thats the thing, when the time actually came, he didnt take advantage of Dana in her possessed state.

Exactly, hence the loose character arc that I mentioned. It's not one of the movie's strong suits, but it's there. They start him off as a bit of a sleazy womanizer, and by the end of the movie, his character has changed, he gets the girl, close curtains. It's not a case of people getting up in arms about it-- it's there in the movie. The early script excerpt was posted to show a more heavy-handed approach to the same character-- obviously not canon.

What are you basing it on that it under-performed, that it was just a crappy movie?

Read the link I posted earlier... interesting article. Basically, numbers are down all across the board. BVS is a bit of an unfair comparison, as those are juggernauts of IPs that GB can't match. Had GB16 taken a different approach, would the BO be different? I'm sure! It could go either way, but I seriously doubt GB16 underperforming at the BO didn't have anything to do with the hardcore fanbase. I'm sure it was a mix of many different things, not one singular element.

...and keep in mind that this isn't the first GB film to underperform at the BO. It'll be interesting to see what happens with the franchise. Personally, I just want an IDW comic adaptation of the solo Aykroyd scripts.

 

[jettajeffro]

This has been one of the most crowded summers for movies ever and here I thought the last two years were bad. It's been impossible to keep up. I'd also probably be living on the street with the cost to go to the movies these days. There's at least 2 to 3 movies every week that I'd love to see and then something else comes out, then something else. I love the theater experience and I hate missing stuff at the cinema but it's happening more and more.

Both times I've seen GB so far has been free. Hopefully this weekend I can take my girlfriend's son and that will be the first time I've paid for it. So yeah, I've far from helped inflate the BO numbers as a fanboy.