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Tag: carrie-coon

TV Review: ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3
(L to R) Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sarah Catherine Hook, and Sam Nivola in ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.

‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 receives 7 out of 10 stars.

Launching on HBO and streaming service Max with its first episode on February 16th, the third season of Mike White’s darkly hued comedy drama series ‘The White Lotus‘ is set at yet another location for the fictional, titular luxury resort chain, this time the lush climes of Thailand.

We’re greeted with a (mostly) new set of characters, all carrying some emotional baggage to complement their fancy suitcases. The question that must be asked, though, is the third time the charm?

Related Article: ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Adds Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey and more

Should you check into ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3?

(L to R) Morgana O’Reilly, Arnas Fedaravičius, Christian Friedel, Dom Hetrakul, and Lalisa Manobal in ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.

“Everyone who comes to Thailand, they’re either hiding from someone or looking for someone…” So says one of the characters early in the season, and so it proves true: whether that means the someone they’re after or hiding from is a faith, a stranger or themselves.

Mike White has the formula down pat for the show now, and the real issue here is that it feels like he’s just putting minor spins on ideas that have been explored before. The characters might be different, but there is the typical clash between the spoiled guests and the staff who must cater to their whims, and while it would be boring if everyone were happy and settled, the crises don’t perhaps always add up to the same level of drama as previous outings.

Script and Direction

Walton Goggins in ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.

White, who writes and directs every episode like an extended indie movie (albeit with the hefty budget of a prestige HBO show) brings his usual style and wit to the show, crafting another group of memorable characters.

Yet, as mentioned, they feel like versions of other seasons’ guests –– the younger ones are mostly looking for hedonistic party times, while the elders want to relax and escape their stressful lives.

And there is the standard assortment of people dealing with personal issues, from financial difficulties to a tragic secret from their past that has them simmering with vengeful anger that they’ve not shared with anyone around them, so everyone else thinks they’re just grumpy.

While the exploration of faith and religion as the big theme is new here, it’s not as fresh as it might be given how one young character explored the native traditions of Hawaii back in the first season, and again their wealthy, slightly conservative parents can’t quite understand the appeal or feeling like it’s a failure in upbringing.

Thankfully, the cast help to elevate the material.

Cast and Performances

(L to R) Carrie Coon, Michelle Monaghan and Leslie Bibb in ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.

Given the show’s award-winning ways, it’s not surprising that an excellent crop of actors has agreed to show up for Season 3 (and the promise of spending some time in a tropical locale, all expenses paid, doesn’t hurt either). You may find yourself, however, wishing they had fresher scripts to work from –– and there are other issues too.

Walton Goggins plays Rick Hatchett, a wealthy sort (one of those who prefers not to discuss in detail how they earned their fortune) who is traveling with younger girlfriend Chelsea (a funny and spirited type brought to life by ‘Sex Education’s Aimee Lou Wood).

Rick’s the aforementioned man on a mission, though he has not disclosed that to anyone, and Goggins plays him with appropriate snark and gruffness, and he makes for an entertaining duo with Wood.

Then we have Michelle Monaghan’s Jaclyn Lemon, a TV actress traveling with two old friends, Carrie Coon’s Laurie and Leslie Bibb’s Kate. Away for a girls’ trip on Jaclyn’s dime, you won’t be shocked when old issues rear their heads between them and the lure of an attractive young man who works at the hotel drives a wedge into a friendship that was already starting to drift apart over the years.

(L to R) Parker Posey and Jason Isaacs in ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.

Filling the spot of wealthy-but-troubled family there’s Jason Isaacs as Timothy Ratliff, at the resort with pill-popping wife Victoria (Parker Posey) and their brood, gym bro Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger), who has gone into financial business working for his dad, spiritual Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook) who has her own reasons for the trip and bookish Lochlan (Sam Nivola), who Saxon is looking to draw out of his shell.

While the performances are all solid, the biggest issue for that group is Isaacs attempting a Texan accent, which seems to wander around the States and occasionally sounds Australian. While the actor has done good work in the past, here the accent gets in his way.

Around them are the staff, including solid supporting turns from Tayme Thapthimthong as ambitious security officer Gaitok, who has a thing for resort worker and dancer Mook (Lalisa Manoban), whose stories will become knotted up with the guests.

And Natasha Rothwell makes a welcome return as Belinda from Season 1, who is given a little more depth here.

Final Thoughts

Patrick Schwarzenegger in ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.

‘The White Lotus’ knows what it needs to do each season and does it with style. If it perhaps feels a little less fresh these days, there is still enough mystery to keep you hooked and ready to spend time with these people –– no matter how annoying some of them might turn out to be.

HBO gave press the first six episodes of eight, so we can’t tell you whether the show solves its lingering background mystery as well as previous seasons, but it’ll keep you guessing.
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What’s the plot of ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3

The new season of the show brings a fresh group of wealthy characters (and the return of Natasha Rothwell’s spa worker Belinda Lindsey from Season 1’s Maui resort, who is hoping to pick up some tips from the staff) traveling to the lush jungles and beaches of Thailand.

Here, some of the characters are ready to explore faith and mysticism, others are looking for some much needed bonding time and at least one has a dark hidden agenda for their trip that could have a tragic fallout.

Who is in the cast of ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3
- Leslie Bibb as Kate
- Carrie Coon as Laurie
- Walton Goggins as Rick Hatchett
- Sarah Catherine Hook as Piper Ratliff
- Jason Isaacs as Timothy Ratliff
- Lalisa Manobal as Mook
- Michelle Monaghan as Jaclyn Lemon
- Sam Nivola as Lochlan Ratliff
- Lek Patravadi as Sritala
- Parker Posey as Victoria Ratliff
- Natasha Rothwell as Belinda Lindsey
- Patrick Schwarzenegger as Saxton Ratliff
- Tayme Thapthimthong as Gaitok
- Aimee Lou Wood as Chelsea
‘The White Lotus’ Season 3. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.

Other Mike White Movies and TV Shows:
- ‘Dawson’s Creek‘ (1998 – 2003)
- ‘Dead Man on Campus‘ (1998)
- ‘Freaks and Geeks‘ (1999 – 2000)
- ‘Chuck & Buck‘ (2000)
- ‘Pasadena‘ (2001)
- ‘Orange County‘ (2002)
- ‘The Good Girl‘ (2002)
- ‘School of Rock‘ (2003)
- ‘Cracking Up‘ (2004)
- ‘Nacho Libre‘ (2006)
- ‘Year of the Dog‘ (2007)
- ‘Enlightened‘ (2011 – 2013)
- ‘School of Rock‘ (2016 – 2018)
- ‘Beatriz at Dinner‘ (2017)
- ‘The Emoji Movie‘ (2017)
- ‘Brad’s Status‘ (2017)
- ‘Pitch Perfect 3‘ (2017)
- ‘The One and Only Ivan‘ (2020)
- ‘The White Lotus‘ (2021 – 2022)
- ‘Migration‘ (2023)
- ‘Despicable Me 4‘ (2024)
Buy Mike White Movies on Amazon
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February 11, 2025
‘Lake George’ Interview: Carrie Coon and Shea Whigham
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Opening in theaters and on digital beginning December 6th is the new crime drama ‘Lake George’, which was written and directed by Jeffrey Reiner (‘Homeland’), and stars Shea Whigham (‘Fast & Furious’, ‘Kong: Skull Island’), Carrie Coon (‘Gone Girl’, ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’), Max Casella (‘Inside Llewyn Davis’), and Glenn Fleshler (‘Joker’).

Related Article: Natasha Lyonne, Carrie Coon and Elizabeth Olsen Talk ‘His Three Daughters’

(L to R) Shea Whigham and Carrie Coon in ‘Lake George’. Photo: Magnet.

Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Carrie Coon and Shea Whigham about their work on ‘Lake George’, their first reactions to the screenplay, reuniting after working together on ‘Fargo’, their characters’ unusual partnership, shooting a road trip movie, and collaborating on set with director Jeffrey Reiner.

You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Coon, Whigham and director Jeffrey Reiner.

(L to R) Carrie Coon and Shea Whigham in ‘Lake George’. Photo: Magnet.

Moviefone: To begin with, Shea, what was you first reaction to reading the screenplay and did you recognize immediately that this would be a great role for you to play?

Shea Whigham: I read it in one sitting, and that’s usually the litmus test for me. I read it in one sitting, and Jeffrey had written it. I think he came to me first, and so you got to honor that. I felt like Don, he’s difficult because he doesn’t say a lot, especially in the beginning of this piece. So, I said to Jeffrey, we got to really trust that. I love that challenge. I loved these kind of throwback characters like this that don’t say a lot, but have a lot to say, especially as it unfolds throughout the film. Then you get a crew around you that you feel like they can execute this, and (Carrie) was at the top of my list.

MF: Carrie, can you talk about your first reaction to the screenplay and the unlikely partnership between Phyllis and Don?

Carrie Coon: Shea called me and said that he and Jeffrey had been working on the script for a couple of years and they finally got the money, and it was during the strike. He said, “Do you want to come out and make the movie?” I read it in an hour, and I said, “Yes, I want to figure out how to make this movie with you,” because I knew we would have a blast. I mean, Shea and I were good friends from ‘Fargo’. What’s funny about Phyllis, I guess, is what I realized is her energy is so much closer to my energy that I have in my life, which is not something anyone ever sees in my work. So, you could argue that Phyllis is the most Carrie Coon character that’s ever been made, but no one would ever guess that I don’t think. I loved her. Also, because people don’t invite me to play leading ladies. I’m gratefully part of an ensemble most of the time, and I’m happy to do it, but it’s fun to have to do the heavy lift. It’s a challenge.

Carrie Coon in ‘Lake George’. Photo: Magnet.

MF: Carrie, to follow up on what you just said, what was it like playing a character that is so close to who you are in real life?

CC: I guess, in some ways, just a pleasure. It was a pleasure because also, everything about it was so open. Shea and I are good friends. We came in with a close friendship, so we knew right from the jump it was going to have good chemistry and good intimacy. I really love Jeffrey, and we assembled a great crew, and everybody understood the assignment. It was a small crew. It was a quick shoot. We were moving around a lot, but it was really an adventure. It was a road picture, and it truly was. We were driving up the coast in Jeffrey Reiner’s car, and so it was the best kind of filmmaking. It felt like that small, scrappy little movie that could, and that’s kind of the best. It felt like summer camp. It was fun to get to lean into my own nature.

MF: Shea, can you talk about the guilt and disappointment that Don carries with him and what happens when he decides to partner with Phyllis?

SW: I mean, look, the film is about guilt. It’s about redemption. He meets this woman that looks like she’s swallowed a light bulb. You know what I mean? He’s just done a stint of 10 years (in prison). I think these two oddly are what each other need this moment in time of their lives. He needs her at this moment to help guide him, much like Shea needs Carrie in his life. She’s great and it’s a difficult character to execute. You don’t just show up on the day and she just gets to play herself. This is, if there’s a better performance, and I see a lot of stuff, I haven’t seen it this year. It’s a very complicated nuanced performance if you really watch it. She’s kind of poo-pooing that, but the amount of work that goes into that to make the comedy and then the heaviness, you can’t play any of that. You must go away from it for it to land. She’s a gamer. I don’t know any other actors that would let me pour dirt on them for five hours at a time and never complain a moment. But I think that’s what you see, this film, oddly, it’s a crime film and it’s got these moments of enormous levity with Armen (Glenn Fleshler) and Phyllis and I, but it’s rich. By the end, hopefully you’re moved, and that’s the only thing I ever ask. Move me. Move me to tears or make me cry. I don’t care. Scare me, but move me, and I think by the end of this, you are.

(L to R) Shea Whigham and Carrie Coon in ‘Lake George’. Photo: Magnet.

MF: Carrie, do you think your experience working with Shea on ‘Fargo’ helped inform the characters and their relationship together in this movie?

CC: Well, fundamentally, between two artists, it’s about respect. I respect Shea’s body of work and the actor that he is, and I know that I have a great scene partner across from me. So, that’s just an invitation into the best part of working, which is just being present and seeing what will happen. That’s when it’s most electric and most fun to do. I think obviously, our friendship was instructive in that, and we didn’t have to spend any time getting to know each other. We were just catching up. I think a sense of history is always useful. I come from the Ensemble Theater where some people have been working together for decades, and we don’t have that as much anymore in the American theater or in film. You just don’t see those relationships develop over time in that way, and so there’s a real pleasure in getting to rely on authentic friendship to help build character. Absolutely, I think it does add depth to the movie, for sure.

MF: Shea, the film is really a road trip movie, can you talk about the challenges of filming on location?

SW: When I first read it, I said, “Jeffrey, to me, this is your love letter.” It’s very personal, obviously, for him and Don, and I knew that. He said, “This is personal.” I learned a little bit of that as we went through. But to me, I looked at it as kind of a love letter to Southern California as we moved from Glendale all the way through the east side, into the Valley, out into the western part of the Valley, and then up into Goleta, Santa Barbara, and then Lone Pine. I mean, we really embraced the history of the state, where they made the Westerns with John Wayne. At one point Carrie was like, “This is John Wayne’s suite that he stayed in,” in the little Lone Pine Inn as you’re going up to Mammoth. We were using Jeffrey’s car that I’m driving, Jeffrey’s house, his sister’s house, his house up in Goleta, and the forest that he and his wife walk through. It takes it from something that just could be run-of-the-mill to, it’s a visceral quality through the piece. We’re going to show you California and you’ll never get to experience this again, where we take our time going through.

‘Lake George’ director Jeffrey Reiner.

MF: Finally, Carrie, what was your experience like collaborating with director Jeffrey Reiner on set?

CC: The best thing about it was that he has written this very personal script, which often can suggest someone’s going to keep a tight grip on their material because it’s so personal. But he was having a great time, and he was playful. So, if something wasn’t quite working, he would be open to shifting the language. But also, there were moments where the way a scene is on a page, sometimes you can see it, right? You see it how it plays out in every other genre picture, and there’s a version of that scene, and you could just do that. Then Jeffrey would say, “I don’t know, maybe you sit on her lap?” So, some of the stranger moments in the film came from his inventiveness, playfulness and openness to what the dynamic was becoming between me and Shea, and I so appreciated his willingness to do that. It was a lot of fun.
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What is the plot of ‘Lake George’?

Tasked by mobsters with putting an end to Phyllis’ (Carrie Coon) life, Don (Shea Whigham) is unable to pull the trigger, and instead, the two set off on a road trip that evolves into something much more. Phyllis has designs of her own and proposes a little tag team action to Don: combine forces with the aim to steal all the money from the people who want her dead.

Who is in the cast of ‘Lake George’?
- Shea Whigham as Don
- Carrie Coon as Phyllis
- Max Casella as Harout
- Glenn Fleshler as Armen
‘Lake George’ opens in theaters and on digital beginning December 6th.

Carrie Coon Movies and TV Shows:
- ‘Gone Girl‘ (2014)
- ‘The Leftovers‘ (2014 – 2017)
- ‘Fargo‘ (2014 – 2024)
- ‘The Sinner‘ (2017 – 2021)
- ‘The Post‘ (2018)
- ‘Avengers: Infinity War‘ (2018)
- ‘Widows‘ (2018)
- ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife‘ (2021)
- ‘The Gilded Age‘ (2022 – 2023)
- ‘Boston Strangler‘ (2023)
- ‘His Three Daughters‘ (2024)
- ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire‘ (2024)
Buy Carrie Coon Movies on Amazon
December 4, 2024
‘His Three Daughters’ Exclusive Cast Interviews
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Opening in theaters on September 6th before premiering on Netflix September 20th is the new drama ‘His Three Daughters’, which was written and directed by Azazel Jacobs (‘French Exit’) and stars Natasha Lyonne (‘Poker Face’), Carrie Coon (‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’) and Elizabeth Olsen (‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’).

Related Article: Giancarlo Esposito, Kumail Nanjiani Lead Season 2 Cast of ‘Poker Face’

(L to R) Natasha Lyonne, Carrie Coon and Elizabeth Olsen star in Netflix’s ‘His Three Daughters’.

Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Natasha Lyonne, Carrie Coon and Elizabeth Olsen about their work on ‘His Three Daughters’, their first reaction to the screenplay, how they approached their characters, and the estranged relationship between the three siblings that they portray.

You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Lyonne, Coon and Olsen, as well as writer and director Azazel Jacobs.

Natasha Lyonne as Rachel in ‘His Three Daughters’. Photo: Netflix ©2024.

Moviefone: To begin with, Natasha, what was your first reaction to the screenplay and what were some of the aspects of your character that you were excited to explore on screen?

Natasha Lyonne: Gosh, I read it. It starts with Carrie speaking. So, like any natural person, I was like, “Oh, I should probably play that part”. Then I was like, “Oh, the stoner, what a stretch”. I was like, “God, I can’t believe Aza thinks I can do this at the top.” But really, the joy, and there’s a real humbleness that comes with that of discovering that somebody has thought of us, the specificity of us three, and now having been through the experience, the alchemy of that vision that he had being realized and the beauty of how it’s being received. It’s extraordinary. So anyway, I think that’s why we said yes.

(L to R) Natasha Lyonne as Rachel and Elizabeth Olsen as Christina in ‘His Three Daughters’. Photo: Netflix ©2024.

MF: Elizabeth, can you talk about the dynamics between these three sisters and working that out together on set?

Elizabeth Olsen: We luckily had some time before shooting that we were able to allot to a rehearsal place for actually running through dialogue, finding a rhythm, and finding the pacing that Aza had in his brain that was on the page that we could all get in the same world of. But then we also got to take the time to do basic homework stuff together, getting on the same page of when major events happened in these characters’ lives, who was there for what, and what maybe is being held on to that we didn’t want to move on from. I think what was beautiful along the way is anytime we had questions, Aza had such a specific answer to quite literally anything and everything because these women were so clear in his mind that as we inched towards the inside of his mind, we were all able to make this amazing alchemy of something from all four of us, and from the entire company really.

(L to R) Natasha Lyonne as Rachel and Carrie Coon as Katie in ‘His Three Daughters’. Photo: Netflix ©2024.

MF: Finally, Carrie, can you talk about how Katie is dealing with both her sisters and her father’s situation?

Carrie Coon: Oh, poorly, I would say. Well, she’s very controlling, that’s obvious. We also, I think, get the feeling that she’s got a touch of the alcoholism, which I suspect might be a family disease as it tends to be, and may be the source of some of the limitations on the sisters growing up probably in a household that had some of that going on. She’s clearly somebody who feels like she has control, or she has the illusion of control that gives her comfort. But I think you see for Katie, what gets revealed is that in fact, that’s an illusion and she can’t control her sisters. But the one thing she can control is how she sees them, and that’s what gets to shift inside of Katie a little bit, is starting to maybe drop the facade and start to see the people who are right in front of her. That’s the moving journey that she’s on. I think Aza writes so specifically, and so there is something that people find so familiar in Katie.
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What is the plot of ‘His Three Daughters’?

Emotions run high when three estranged sisters (Natasha Lyonne, Carrie Coon and Elizabeth Olsen) reunite in a cramped New York City apartment to watch over their ailing father during his final days.

Who is in the cast of ‘His Three Daughters’?
- Natasha Lyonne as Rachel
- Carrie Coon as Katie
- Elizabeth Olsen as Christina
- Jay O. Sanders as Vincent
- Jovan Adepo as Benji
(L to R) Natasha Lyonne as Rachel, Elizabeth Olsen as Christina and Carrie Coon as Katie in ‘His Three Daughters’. Photo: Sam Levy/Netflix ©2024.

Other Azazel Jacobs Movies:
- ‘Nobody Needs to Know‘ (2003)
- ‘The GoodTimesKid‘ (2005)
- ‘Momma’s Man‘ (2008)
- ‘Terri‘ (2011)
- ‘The Lovers‘ (2017)
- ‘French Exit‘ (2021)
Buy Azazel Jacobs Movies on Amazon
September 11, 2024
Where To Watch ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’
(L to R) Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Mckenna Grace and Finn Wolfhard on the set of Columbia Pictures’ ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.’ Photo By: Jaap Buitendijk. Copyright: © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The follow up to 2021’s ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ sees the Spengler Family fully embracing their new lives as Ghostbusters, roaming all over New York City investigating paranormal activities and trapping ghosts. All of that ghost catching comes with a price when they find out the spirit containment unit is at full capacity. On top of it all, an ancient entity has been unleashed, ready to turn the world into his icy playground.

‘Frozen Empire’ sees the return of Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Mckenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard, Logan Kim, and Celest O’Connor. The original ‘Ghostbusters‘ cast members Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, and Annie Potts reunites for the film
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Where Can I Watch ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’?

Phoebe Spengler (Mckenna Grace) in Columbia Pictures’ ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.’ Photo By Jaap Buitendijk. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Did you miss this paranormal adventure on the big screen? Don’t worry, the movie is now available on VOD for rent or purchase, so you can watch it from the comfort of your couch or your personal Ecto-1.

Buy Tickets to ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’

‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ has a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. As of April 30, 2024, the movie was made available to rent for $19.99 or purchase for $24.99 on VOD platforms such as Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, and Vudu.

Where to Stream: ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’

What’s Next For the Ghostubsters Franchise?

(L to R) Winston (Ernie Hudson) and Peter (Bill Murray) in Columbia Pictures’ ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.’ Photo By Jaap Buitendijk. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

With ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ raking in over $198.9 million at the global box office, it has become the fourth biggest movie of 2024 so far. Despite the low critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, the fans enjoyed the movie, garnering it an 83% audience score. It’s easy to see why the moviegoers enjoyed this chapter in the Ghostbusters franchise. The nostalgia hits hard when the film reunites the original Ghostbusters cast members as they take up their uniforms and proton packs for another round of ghostbusting.

While there has not been any confirmed plans for the next Ghostbusters movie, it is clear its original cast members loves being a part of the story and legacy.

Speaking with Moviefone, actor Ernie Hudson talks about returning to the role of Winston Zeddmore:

“Well, it’s been over half my life, 40 years of ‘Ghostbusters’. I’ve been Winston Zeddemore to people I meet on the street and everywhere. So, it’s hard to separate me from the role, and the fact that it’s still current, that people still love it, wherever I go in the world ‘Ghostbusters’ fans will show up, and express to me how much the movie has meant to them, and their families. So yes. It’s just very exciting, and I’m just so thankful that it has relevance in these 40 years after the fact. No way could I have imagined that this would be happening. But it is happening, and it’s wonderful. As an actor, I’ve done a lot of movies over the years, and it’s great to have one that people really connect to and hold onto.”

Related Article: Ernie Hudson Talks ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ and the Franchise’s Legacy

When Can I Get ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ On Blu-Ray?

Phoebe Spengler (Mckenna Grace) in Columbia Pictures’ ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.’ Photo By Jaap Buitendijk. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ will be released on DVD, Blu-Ray, and 4K UHD on June 25th. Collectors can also look forward to a 2-film collection set, which will include both ‘Afterlife’ and ‘Frozen Empire.’ The home release will feature bonus content such as:
- Return to the Firehouse: Making of ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’
- Busted: Capturing the Ghosts of Frozen Empire
Buy ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ Movies On Amazon

Watch the official trailers for ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire below:
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The official synopsis for ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ is below:

The Spengler family returns to where it all started — the iconic New York City firehouse — to team up with the original Ghostbusters, who’ve developed a top-secret research lab to take busting ghosts to the next level. But when the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age.

Who’s In the Cast of ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen’
- Paul Rudd as Gary Grooberson
- Carrie Coon as Callie Spengler
- Finn Wolfhard as Trevor Spenger
- Mckenna Grace as Phoebe Spengler
- Kumail Nanjiani as Nadeem Razmaadi
- Patton Oswalt as Dr. Hubert Wartzki
- Logan Kim as Podcast
- Celest O’Connor as Lucky
- Bill Murray as Peter Venkman
- Dan Aykroyd as Ray Santz
- Ernie Hudson as Winstone Zeddemore
- Annie Potts as Janine Melnitz
- William Atherton as Walter Peck
The Ecto-1 races through New York City in Columbia Pictures’ ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.’ Photo By Jaap Buitendijk. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Other Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Ghostbusters’ Franchise:
- ‘Ghostbusters‘ (1984)
- ‘The Real Ghostbusters‘ (1986 – 1991)
- ‘Ghostbusters II‘ (1989)
- ‘Ghostbusters‘ (2016)
- ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife‘ (2021)
Please click on the video player below to watch our interviews with the cast of ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’:
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June 9, 2024
‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ Interview: Ernie Hudson
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Available to buy or rent now is the fifth film in the beloved ‘Ghostbusters’ franchise and a direct sequel to ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ entitled ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.’

The new movie is co-written and produced by Jason Reitman (‘Juno’) and co-written and directed by Gil Kenan (‘Poltergeist‘) and stars Paul Rudd (‘Ant-Man’), Carrie Coon (‘Avengers: Infinity War’), Mckenna Grace (‘Captain Marvel’), and Finn Wolfhard (‘Stranger Things’), as well as original cast members Bill Murray (‘Lost in Translation’), Dan Aykroyd (‘Trading Places’), Ernie Hudson (‘The Crow’), and Annie Potts (‘Toy Story 4’).

Ernie Hudson talks ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’, which is available to buy or rent now.

Related Article: ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ Actor Ernie Hudson Talks New ‘Quantum Leap’

Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with original Ghostbuster Ernie Hudson about his work on ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,’ the legacy of the franchise, Winston Zeddemore’s new position on the team, and reuniting with Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray.

You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Hudson, Mckenna Grace and Emily Alyn Lind.

Ernie Hudson Jr. at the London photocall of Columbia Pictures’ ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ on March 21, 2024 in London, England. Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Columbia Pictures.

Moviefone: To begin with, you made the first ‘Ghostbusters’ over 40 years ago. What has it meant to you personally to be part of this franchise, to see it grow and become beloved, and return for ‘Frozen Empire’?

Ernie Hudson: Well, it’s been over half my life, 40 years of ‘Ghostbusters’. I’ve been Winston Zeddemore to people I meet on the street and everywhere. So, it’s hard to separate me from the role, and the fact that it’s still current, that people still love it, wherever I go in the world ‘Ghostbusters’ fans will show up, and express to me how much the movie has meant to them, and their families. So yes. It’s just very exciting, and I’m just so thankful that it has relevance in these 40 years after the fact. No way could I have imagined that this would be happening. But it is happening, and it’s wonderful. As an actor, I’ve done a lot of movies over the years, and it’s great to have one that people really connect to and hold onto.

(L to R) Winston (Ernie Hudson) and Peter (Bill Murray) in Columbia Pictures’ ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.’ Photo By Jaap Buitendijk. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

MF: Can you talk about Winston’s role in the Ghostbusters research center in ‘Frozen Empire’ and is he now the official leader of the team?

EH: Well, I think he’s stepped into that role. With Winston, it was very important for me, and thankfully Sony and Jason Reitman, heard what I was hoping for. Winston has grown. It’s been 40 years, but he hasn’t stayed in the same place. He’s done very well. He’s a businessman, but he’s always loved the Ghostbusters. He’s always appreciated the fact that these guys gave him a job when he really needed it. But he’s also developed a curiosity in those first two movies of what was going on. What I love about ‘Frozen Empire’ is we get a chance to see Winston not only has done well in life, but he also has built this Ghostbuster research center looking into what’s behind these ghosts. A lot of that comes out of over the years that I’ve done a lot of conventions. I meet a lot of families, and they tell me their stories. Some are scary, but people share a lot of feelings because I’m a Ghostbuster, I must understand what they’re going through. I don’t always, but I love the fact that Winston has created a place to explore, and to investigate those things, also, how those things impact our lives. It’s not just trapping them and putting them away. So yeah. I’m happy that he’s not just a guy still looking for a job, and I think he’s really, I hope, an inspiration of what’s possible, especially to a lot of young kids. The town I grew up in, in June, they’re naming the street I grew up on after me. In life, you hope that you can be an example. I hope in the ‘Ghostbusters’ universe Winston is an example of what is achievable, what is doable, and still holds onto his humanity. I see so many stories of people achieving things, but somehow in the process, they’ve lost their connection with the community, and with who they are, and Winston loves the Ghostbusters. All of that is very important to me.

(L to R) Ernie Hudson and Dan Aykroyd attend the New York World Premiere of Columbia Pictures’ ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ at the AMC Lincoln Square Theater. Photo: Marion Curtis / StarPix for Sony Pictures.

MF: Finally, you have a very emotional scene in the movie with Dan Aykroyd. What was it like shooting that scene with him and reuniting with Aykroyd and Bill Murray?

EH: Well, of course they’re geniuses. Honestly, I’m an actor, not just an actor, but I love what I do. But Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd, they come up with stuff that it just boggles the mind. I love working with them, and Danny especially, who I think doesn’t always get the credit (he deserves). Danny’s a wonderful actor. He is very down to Earth, and he brings a reality too. I love the first movie where we had the scene in the car. A lot of fans still will bring that up, but (I love) anytime I get a chance to work with Danny, because he’s there a hundred percent completely. I think (in that scene) with the idea of retiring, basically Winston is saying (to Ray), “We can’t be running around here now. You’ll fall down and hurt yourself.” I love that scene. I just love working with Danny Aykroyd. I really appreciate him. With Bill Murray, it’s easy for me to say things too. I think he knows how much I really appreciate him, but with Danny, sometimes it’s hard for me to to let him know how much I really appreciate him. But I just think he’s an amazing talent.
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What is the plot of ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’?

The Spengler family returns to where it all started – the iconic New York City firehouse – to team up with the original Ghostbusters, who’ve developed a top-secret research lab to take busting ghosts to the next level. But when the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age.

Who is in the cast of ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’?
- Paul Rudd as Gary Grooberson
- Carrie Coon as Callie Spengler
- Finn Wolfhard as Trevor Spengler
- Mckenna Grace as Phoebe Spengler
- Kumail Nanjiani as Nadeem Razmaadi
- Patton Oswalt as Dr. Hubert Wartzki
- Celeste O’Connor as Lucky Domingo
- Logan Kim as Podcast
- Emily Alyn Lind as Melody
- James Acaster as Dr. Lars Pinfield
- Bill Murray as Dr. Peter Venkman
- Dan Aykroyd as Dr. Raymond “Ray” Stantz
- Ernie Hudson as Winston Zeddemore
- Annie Potts as Janine Melnitz
- William Atherton as Mayor Walter Peck
Ernie Hudson Jr. at the London photocall of Columbia Pictures’ ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ on March 21, 2024 in London, England. Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Columbia Pictures.

Other Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Ghostbusters’ Franchise:
- ‘Ghostbusters‘ (1984)
- ‘The Real Ghostbusters‘ (1986 – 1991)
- ‘Ghostbusters II‘ (1989)
- ‘Ghostbusters‘ (2016)
- ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife‘ (2021)
Buy ‘Ghostbusters’ Movies On Amazon
May 10, 2024
Movie Review: ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’
(L to R) Winston (Ernie Hudson) and Peter (Bill Murray) in Columbia Pictures’ ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.’ Photo By Jaap Buitendijk. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Opening in theaters on Friday March 22nd is ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,’ starring Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, and Annie Potts.

Related Article: Ghostbusters Day Brings News of New Movies, Shows and More

Initial Thoughts

(L to R) Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Mckenna Grace and Finn Wolfhard on the set of Columbia Pictures’ ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.’ Photo By: Jaap Buitendijk. Copyright: © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

With all the throat-clearing and reintroductions of ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ behind us, it might be natural to think that ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ could forge ahead into a new story and era with the next generation of paranormal investigators. But no, ‘Frozen Empire’ rounds up a large ensemble of both old and new cast members and gives almost all of them nothing to do, except stand around and spout either tired jokes or even more tiring exposition.

Five films in, this remains a property that is firmly mired in past glories – or, to be exact, the memory of one glorious film that came out 40 years ago. But it’s resoundingly clear that this should never have been a franchise in the first place, and ‘Frozen Empire’ is a hollow example of corporate mandates at their worst. Director/co-writer Gil Kenan (who also co-wrote ‘Afterlife’) and co-writer Jason Reitman (who directed ‘Afterlife’) have no new ideas and nothing to say, and it’s only the work of a handful of the actors that holds – barely – one’s attention.

Story and Direction

(L to R) Mckenna Grace, Director Gil Kenna and Logan Kim on the set of Columbia Pictures’ ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.’ Photo By Jaap Buitendijk. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

It’s two years since the events of ‘Afterlife’ and the descendants of Egon Spengler – his daughter Callie (Carrie Coon), her kids Phoebe (Mckenna Grace) and Trevor (Finn Wolfhard), along with surrogate dad/scientist Gary Grooberson (Paul Rudd) – have relocated to New York City and now have taken over the Ghostbusters business, working and living in the old firehouse where the original Ghostbusters did the same.

As for the originals, they continue to do paranormal research at a fully equipped lab financed by Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson), with Ray Stentz (Dan Aykroyd) offering advice to the new team and Winston’s staff of engineers working on new and improved equipment.

After an initially promising opening in which we see Phoebe, Callie, Finn, and Gary head out in the Ecto-1 for an energetic pursuit of a Sewer Dragon, ‘Frozen Empire’ settles into an hour and a half of tedium marked by occasional events that may or may not be of interest. Unfortunately, we’re also back to the same old, same old, as some of the damage caused by the Ghostbusters’ efforts in the city puts them in the crosshairs of the OG team’s enemy from back in the day, now-Mayor Walter Peck (William Atherton in a thankless return), who is still determined after all these years to shut the Ghostbusters down.

(L to R) Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd) and Nadeem Razmaadi (Kumail Nanjiani) in Columbia Pictures’ ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.’ Photo: Jaap Buitendijk. Copyright: © 2024 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Meanwhile, a fellow named Nadeem Razmaadi (Kumail Nanjiani) wanders into Ray’s bookshop with a bunch of his late grandmother’s relics to sell, including a strange sphere that – as we saw in a prologue set 100 years earlier – has the power to turn both objects and human beings into ice. The sphere certainly generates enough psychic energy to send Ray’s lab equipment into a tizzy, warranting further investigation.

Just what that sphere contains, and what role Nadeem has to play, is unveiled in one stultifying exposition dump after another, although some of it is at least amusingly delivered by Patton Oswalt in a cameo as the Fox Mulder of the New York Public Library (he also works in the basement). At the same time, Phoebe – feeling down and dejected because she’s been benched due to her age – strikes up a relationship with a young teenage ghost (Emily Alyn Lind) that is clearly gay despite the filmmakers straining hard to avoid confirming that fact.

Loads of exposition, endless nods to the past (poor Paul Rudd, who’s actually one of the film’s few bright spots, speaks-sings the famous theme song at one point), and the paper-thin plot at the center of the movie all conspire to make ‘Frozen Empire’ a slog, until we get to the CG-heavy third act battle – complete with column of psychic power emanating upward into the clouds (we thought we’d put that tired visual device behind us).

But none of this is very funny, very entertaining, or compelling to watch, and the mechanics of the plot and overstuffed cast means that most of the actors get little or nothing of importance to do, and often disappear for long stretches. By the end, they all have to come together – including a barely registering Peter Venkman (Bill Murray) – to defeat yet another digitally-created entity from the other side with a murky plan to destroy the world. For most of the running time, however, ‘Frozen Empire’ plods along, with Kenan seemingly unable to draw any life or energy out of this well-worn narrative.

A Wasted Cast

(L to R) Bill Murray and Paul Rudd on the set of Columbia Pictures’ ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.’ Photo By Jaap Buitendijk. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

One of the things people appreciated most about ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ was the introduction of its new cast, which also included the Spenglers’ new friends/helpmates Lucky (Celeste O’Connor) and Podcast (Logan Kim). All of them are back, but most of them are sidelined with the exception of Mckenna Grace’s Phoebe. Carrie Coon and Finn Wolfhard are given shockingly little in terms of story or character arc, with Coon looking bored throughout (she’s even sitting and scrolling through her phone in one scene) and Wolfhard literally vanishing from the film for much of its second act.

Grace and Paul Rudd fare better and carry a lot of the film, with Rudd providing his usual effortless charm. Grace is also very good, although she’s given a plot turn late in the movie that makes no sense at all, especially in light of events that follow it. As for the new additions, Nanjiani makes the most out of a thin character but does get most of the funnier lines (and delivers them well), while Oswalt relishes his brief time onscreen and provides his usual caustic presence.

Which brings us to the OG Ghostbusters. Aykroyd plays a more integral part in this story – although he’s more or less Basil Exposition – and manages to come off the best, while Ernie Hudson is just glad to be there and makes sure you know it as he smiles constantly for the camera. He and Aykroyd share a brief moment in which they ponder getting old, but it’s a theme with little potency as it’s never brought up again. As for Murray, he neither has a lot of screen time nor anything meaningful to provide to the story – sadly, Peter Venkman is a shadow of his former self (thankfully, there are no further cameos from the “ghost” of the late Harold Ramis’ Egon). And what happened to Sigourney Weaver’s Dana, glimpsed at the end of the last film?

Final Thoughts: Who You Gonna Call? Nobody

(L to R) Trevor (Finn Wolfhard), Lucky (Celeste O’Connor), Gary (Paul Rudd), Nadeem (Kamail Nanjiani), Podcast (Logan Kim) and Callie (Carrie Coon) in Columbia Pictures’ ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.’ Photo: Jaap Buitendijk. Copyright: © 2024 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

A headline recently appeared online that asked if ‘Ghostbusters’ could just go back to being one of the great comedies of the 1980s, without the constant corporate mandate to make it into a franchise. We sadly could not agree more at this point. This is a property that’s truly running on fumes, and we’re really not sure if even a blast from a proton pack could reignite it.

‘Ghostbusters’ is like ‘Star Wars’ in a way too – as much as the franchise seems to want to move forward, it always ends up being stuck in the past. While both ‘Afterlife’ and ‘Frozen Empire’ contain little sparks of inspiration – mostly in the casting – the property’s reliance on nostalgia, combined with a lack of fresh narrative ideas or jokes, make ‘Frozen Empire’ a tedious, enervating sit. Let’s not answer the call anymore.

‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ receives 4 out of 10 stars.
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What is the Plot of ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’?

As the descendants of Egon Spengler continue the ghostbustin’ business in New York City with the support of the rest of the original Ghostbusters, a new paranormal menace threatens to put the Big Apple into a deep freeze and unleash a second Ice Age upon the rest of humanity.

Who is in the Cast of ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’?
- Paul Rudd as Gary Grooberson
- Carrie Coon as Callie Spengler
- Finn Wolfhard as Trevor Spengler
- Mckenna Grace as Phoebe Spengler
- Kumail Nanjiani as Nadeem Razmaadi
- Patton Oswalt as Dr. Hubert Wartzki
- Logan Kim as Podcast
- Bill Murray as Dr. Peter Venkman
- Dan Aykroyd as Dr. Ray Stantz
- Ernie Hudson as Dr. Winston Zeddemore
- Annie Potts as Janine Melnitz
(L to R) Callie (Carrie Coon), Trevor (Finn Wolfhard), Gary (Paul Rudd), Janine (Annie Potts), Phoebe (Mckenna Grace), Podcast (Logan Kim), Ray (Dan Aykroyd), Lars (James Acaster) and Lucky (Celeste O’Connor) in Columbia Pictures’ ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.’ Photo: Jaap Buitendijk. Copyright: © 2024 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Other Movies Similar to ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire:’
- ‘Ghostbusters‘ (1984)
- ‘Ghostbusters II‘ (1989)
- ‘Ghostbusters‘ (2016)
- ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife‘ (2021)
Buy ‘Ghostbusters’ Movies On Amazon
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March 20, 2024
Jason Isaacs and more join ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3
(Left) Jason Isaacs as Cary Grant in ‘Archie.’ Photo: BritBox International. (Center Left) Parker Posey stars in director Ari Aster’s ‘Beau Is Afraid.’ (Center Right) Leslie Bibb as Ellie in ‘About My Father.’ Photo Credit: Dan Anderson. (Right) Michelle Monaghan in ‘The Family Plan,’ premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.

Preview:
- Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey and Michelle Monaghan have boarded ‘The White Lotus’ for Season 3.
- Mike White is back to write and direct the series.
- Season 3 will be set in Thailand.
We’ve had to wait longer than originally thought for our next visit to a White Lotus property –– the fictional luxury resorts that form the backdrop for Mike White’s darkly comic series ‘The White Lotus’, which has, across two seasons, brought to life some grotesque characters and others who interact with them.

With White gearing up to start work on the next season, we know some of the people who will be showing up in the cast.

Who has joined ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3?

Jason Isaacs as Cary Grant in ‘Archie.’ Photo: BritBox International.

According to Variety, the new season will feature the following…
- Jason Isaacs, best known for the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise and Cary Grant series ‘Archie‘
- Michelle Monaghan, last seen in ‘The Family Plan’
- Leslie Bibb, as seen in ‘Iron Man’ and ‘About My Father‘
- Dom Hetrakul of ‘Bangkok Dangerous’
- Tayme Thapthimthong, found in ‘Farang’
And in a separate report from Jeff Sneider, ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’s Carrie Coon is also in talks for the series, though she is less confirmed.

There are also the rumored names who are even less official at this point: Woody Harrelson, Walton Goggins and Patrick Schwarzenegger are among those who are mooted. We’ll see if any of those become a reality.

The new additions join Natasha Rothwell, who will reprise the role of Belinda from the first season (you might recall her as the kindly, enthusiastic spa worker who strikes up a friendship with Jennifer Coolidge’s Tanya McQuoid).

Related Article: Jason Isaacs and Dyan Cannon Talk Cary Grant TV Series ‘Archie’

What’s the story of ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3?

Jennifer Coolidge in HBO’s ‘The White Lotus.’ Photograph by Fabio Lovino/HBO.

There are no details about the story for this one yet, though we can reliably assume that it’ll follow a group of wealthy, privileged types and the associated hotel staff and hangers-on who orbit them.

Do we think there might be a murder or a mysterious death that is teased early on and explained towards the end? Given the format to date, it’s a fair guess.

Where will the new season of ‘The White Lotus’ take place?

(L to R) Haley Lu Richardson and Leo Woodall in ‘The White Lotus’ season 2. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.

Following stays in Hawaii and then Italy, the third season’s locale has been confirmed as Thailand, where a Four Seasons property will be transformed into the White Lotus brand of hotels.

Here’s what Janet Graham Borba, executive vice president of production for HBO & Max said about the choice:

“We are pleased to partner with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to execute Mike’s creative vision and showcase all that the beautiful country of Thailand has to offer, as the next group of guests check in to the White Lotus.”

You do have to wonder if White is just picking locations from his vacation bucket list, but when the show is as entertaining as this, it’s hard to hold it against him.

When will ‘The White Lotus’ be on screens?

HBO and Max have yet to announce a date for this one, though if completed in time it could be on screens before the end of the year –– though more likely it’ll be 2025.

Aubrey Plaza in ‘The White Lotus’ season 2. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.

Other Jason Isaacs Movies:
- ‘DragonHeart‘ (1996)
- ‘Armageddon‘ (1998)
- ‘The End of the Affair‘ (1999)
- ‘The Patriot‘ (2000)
- ‘Sweet November‘ (2001)
- ‘Black Hawk Down‘ (2001)
- ‘Resident Evil‘ (2002)
- ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets‘ (2002)
- ‘Peter Pan‘ (2003)
- ‘Elektra‘ (2005)
- ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire‘ (2005)
- ‘Friends with Money‘ (2006)
- ‘Grindhouse‘ (2007)
- ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix‘ (2007)
- ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince‘ (2009)
- ‘Green Zone‘ (2010)
- ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1‘ (2010)
- ‘Cars 2‘ (2011)
- ‘Fury‘ (2014)
- ‘The Infiltrator‘ (2016)
- ‘A Cure for Wellness‘ (2016)
- ‘Scoob!‘ (2020)
- ‘Mass‘ (2021)
- ‘Operation Mincemeat‘ (2022)
- ‘Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris‘ (2022)
- ‘Spinning Gold‘ (2023)
Buy Jason Isaacs Movies on Amazon
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January 8, 2024
Movie Review: ‘Boston Strangler’
Keira Knightley as Loretta McLaughlin in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Boston Strangler,’ exclusively on Hulu. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Released on Hulu today, ‘Boston Strangler’ faces the pressure of being both a true crime story and a crusading journalist narrative, which have been brought to screens in compelling and memorable form by stories such as Netflix‘s ‘Mindhunter’ and ‘Spotlight’. We bring up those two titles in particular, because this new movie comes across as a mash-up of both, even if it’s not quite playing on their level.
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What’s the story of ‘Boston Strangler’

One of the most infamous crime cases in history, the story of the Boston Strangler has already inspired several movies and TV series. Between 1962 and 1964, more than a dozen single women, ranging in age from 19 to 85, were killed in the Boston area, all of them strangled, their bodies posed provocatively by a mysterious attacker who came to be known as the “Boston Strangler.”

Although convicted sex offender Alberto DeSalvo confessed to the crimes, there was no physical evidence tying him to the victims; he instead received a life sentence for a separate series of rapes and sexual assaults and was stabbed to death in prison years after his conviction. Speculation remains whether he was the sole perpetrator of the Strangler murders — decades later, the case is the subject of widespread fascination for many armchair sleuths and true-crime aficionados.

Written and directed by Matt Ruskin, ‘Boston Strangler’ follows Loretta McLaughlin (Keira Knightley), a reporter for the Record-American newspaper, who becomes the first journalist to connect the murders.

When we first meet her, Loretta is assigned to the lifestyle section, she pushes to do more crime reporting, even as her hard-bitten bosses think she’s not up to the job. Early stumbles don’t help with that impression, but she’s soon making progress.

As the mysterious killer claims more and more victims and fear spreads across the city, Loretta attempts to continue her investigation alongside colleague and confidante Jean Cole (Carrie Coon), yet the duo finds themselves stymied by the rampant sexism of the era.

Nevertheless, McLaughlin and Cole bravely pursue the story at great personal risk, putting their own lives on the line in their quest to uncover the truth.

Carrie Coon as Jean Cole in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Boston Strangler,’ exclusively on Hulu. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Related Article: ‘Prey’s Amber Midthunder Discusses Hulu’s New ‘Predator’ Prequel

What works about ‘Boston Strangler’?

Ruskin, no stranger to true crime tales after ‘Crown Heights’ and a wealth of documentary experience, brings a sure touch to the new movie, which does convincingly follow in the footsteps of ‘Zodiac’ and other serial killer thrillers.

Knightley and Coon of course bring great performances to the central roles, convincingly embodying women who are battling their bosses and trying to juggle family life even as they dig into the complicated case.

Unlike, say, the recent ‘She Said’, which slightly suffered from showing the journalists digging into a case that was largely in the past, ‘Boston Strangler’ –– despite its period setting –– throws you right into the heart of the case as the murders are still happening, and the two women are under threat even as they work to find the truth.

And that 1960s setting also means that the difficulties the pair face in convincing anyone to take them seriously are deeper and more shocking when viewed through today’s lens. When you have cops falsely claiming that a journalist was flirting with one of their officers to get information, you know the stakes are higher than just dealing with the crime.

Refreshingly, Ruskin doesn’t shy away from the divisions that crept in between the two as the case continued, as their differing ideas on the investigation began to drag them apart (though they still remained friends afterwards). And despite a clear passion for their work, he crafts the characters as fallible humans, not just crusading angels.

Around the central pair, the writer/director also builds a classy ensemble of veterans including Chris Cooper as editor Jack MacLaine, the man who reluctantly gives McLaughlin her shot at the crime desk. He’s a boozy, old school newspaper man who has connections to the cops that she’s frustrating but finds it within himself to back her when he realizes that she’s truly on to something.

There’s also the likes of Alessandro Nivola as driven cop Detective Conley, who figures out that it’s better to work with McLaughlin rather than stonewall her, and Bill Camp as Commissioner McNamara, who resents her stories painting his department in a bad light, however true it might be.

Alessandro Nivola as Detective Conley in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Boston Strangler,’ exclusively on Hulu. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Are there problems with the movie?

One major issue with the film late on is the pace, which slackens noticeably even as it should be ramping up. True, Ruskin is largely bound by the true story –– which can be both a blessing and a curse when you’re trying to make a compelling movie.

Part of the frustration of this case, with none of the authorities able to pin down a suspect (and being massively negligent when it comes to digging into the case) translates to the screen as the story starts to drag a little.

And Knightley, while breathing convincing life into McLaughlin, manages an American accent, but it’s not one you’d quite describe as “Bostonian” (especially given the real McLaughlin was born in Massachusetts) and it stands out even more given the accents around her (Coon, for example, sounds convincingly like she comes from the area). But it’s not a huge issue as you’re too busy following the journalists’ story.

Though it’s a shame that Disney decided to put the movie on to Hulu rather than giving it a shot in theaters, you can see why it might be considered a risk –– unless you have the likes of David Fincher aboard, there’s a chance audiences won’t show up for such a dark, moody thriller in an age of giant franchise movies.

Ably telling its story with just a few issues of its own, ‘Boston Strangler’ is a worthy addition to the genre blending journalism and crime.

‘Boston Strangler’ receives 8 out of 10 stars.

Chris Cooper as Jack MacLaine in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Boston Strangler,’ exclusively on Hulu. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Other Movies Similar to ‘Boston Strangler:’
- ‘The Boston Strangler‘ (1968)
- ‘Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer‘ (1990)
- ‘Copycat‘ (1995)
- ‘Dahmer‘ (2002)
- ‘Monster‘ (2004)
- ‘The Boston Strangler‘ (2006)
- ‘Zodiac‘ (2007)
- ‘Gone Baby Gone‘ (2007)
- ‘Boston Strangler: The Untold Story‘ (2008)
- ‘London Boulevard‘ (2010)
- ‘Confessions of the Boston Strangler‘ (2014)
- ‘Black Mass‘ (2015)
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March 17, 2023
Gil Kenan to Direct ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ Sequel

(L to R) Gil Kenan, Director Jason Reitman, and Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment Tony Vinciquerra at Echo-Fest on the lot of Sony Pictures in celebration of Ghostbusters Day.

Following on from Paul Feig’s reboot in 2016, the ‘Ghostbusters’ cinematic (sprit) world continued in more direct fashion via last year’s ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’, co-written and directed by Jason Reitman, son of Ivan, who made the first two movies in 1984 and 1989.

‘Afterlife’ did well enough to have Sony put a sequel in development, and a release slot for the follow-up in December 2023 was confirmed back in June. Now, according to Deadline, Gil Kenan is aboard to direct.

Kenan, of course, is no stranger to ‘Afterlife’––he co-wrote the first film with Reitman and produced it, which means that for the sequel, the two filmmakers are effectively swapping roles. They’ve worked on the script together again, and now Reitman will produce the sequel.

‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ picked up the story of the Spengler family––that would be Egon Spengler, played by the late Harold Ramis in the original two movies––decades later. After Egon dies attempting to stop a resurgence of supernatural power in Summerville, Oklahoma, his estranged daughter Callie (Carrie Coon), her daughter Phoebe (McKenna Grace) and son Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) move to the small town to pack up his ramshackle house.

(L to R) Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, and Logan Kim in ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife.’

There, they discover his research into the potential return of Gozer (the big bad from the 1984 movie) and Phoebe in particular shows an interest in Ghostbusting, encouraged by local teacher Gary (Paul Rudd). Together the family has to face this new threat while dealing with the legacy of the past, which––spoiler alert––also shows up physically in the form of surviving Ghostbusters Ray Stanz (Dan Aykroyd), Peter Venkman (Bill Murray) and Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson).

An end credits seen sees Winston, who has gone on to become a successful businessman, bringing the restored Ecto-1 vehicle back to its original New York firehouse home. Reitman has said that that’s where the story for the sequel will take place, though there are no other details just.

We do know that the core ensemble, including Coon, Rudd, Grace and Wolfhard, should return.

“It’s an absolute honor to pick up the proton pack and step behind the camera for the next chapter of the Spengler family saga,” said Kenan in a statement. “I just wish I could go back to 1984 and tell the kid in the sixth row of the Mann Valley West that one day he was going to get to direct a ‘Ghostbusters’ film.”

“A few years ago, my father handed me the keys to Ecto-1, and together we made ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ ” said Reitman. “Words will never express how grateful I am to have made a film with my father by my side. It’s now time to hand those keys to my creative partner and fellow Ghostbuster Gil Kenan, a brilliant director who will keep the Spengler spirit alive. I can only hope to provide him the same producorial care and support that my father showed me.”

(L to R) Gil Kenan, Logan Kim, Ernie Hudson, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures EntertainmentTony Vinciquerra and Director Jason Reitman at Echo-Fest on the lot of Sony Pictures in celebration of Ghostbusters Day.
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December 6, 2022
Review: ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ Mostly Recaptures the Magic

Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, and Logan Kim in ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’

Opening in theaters on November 19th is ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife,’ which is the fourth film in the franchise and a direct sequel to ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Ghostbusters II.’ Written and directed by Jason Reitman (‘Up in the Air’), son of the original film’s director Ivan Reitman, the new movie is set over 30-years after the original and follows a group of kids in Oklahoma who discover their town is plagued with ghosts and that they have a mysterious direct connection to one of the famed Ghostbusters. The new film stars Mckenna Grace (‘Captain Marvel’), Finn Wolfhard (‘It’), Carrie Coon (‘Avengers: Infinity War’), and Paul Rudd (‘Ant-Man’), as well as Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts and Sigourney Weaver reprising their roles. The result is a really fun movie that has fantastic new characters but relies heavily on nostalgia and basically copies the first film’s plot.

After she is evicted from her apartment, Callie Spengler (Coon) movies her kids, Phoebe (McKenna) and Trevor (Wolfhard), to her recently deceased estranged father’s abandoned home in Summerville, Oklahoma. The town is experiencing unusual daily earthquakes, while Phoebe and Trevor adjust to their new life. Trevor gets a job at the local burger joint, so he can be closer to Lucky Domingo (Celeste O’Connor), the girl he likes who is also the Sheriff’s daughter. Meanwhile, Phoebe goes to summer school and makes a new friend, Podcast (Logan Kim), a young boy obsessed with recording everything. Trevor and Phoebe are discouraged by their mother to learn about their grandfather, who they never knew, but eventually Trevor discovers and begins to repair the Ecto-1, while Phoebe finds a hidden ghost trap beneath the floorboards of their house.

Phoebe takes the ghost trap to class and her teacher, Mr. Grooberson (Rudd) explains the history of the Ghostbusters and everything that happened in New York in the 1980s, as they are completely unaware. Phoebe soon realizes that her grandfather was Egon Spengler, a member of the Ghostbusters. When a green ghost appears in Summerville, Phoebe, Trevor and Podcast use the Ecto-1 and a Proton Pack found in Egon’s hidden laboratory to capture the ghost but destroy half the town in the process and are arrested by Lucky’s dad. After a date with Mr. Grooberson, Callie picks her kids up from jail and tells them the truth about her father, that he was crazy and had turned his back on all his friends and family years ago. Believing that her town is about to become ground zero for the apocalypse, Phoebe calls the only people she thinks can help … the Ghostbusters. But with the team disbanded, it’s up to Phoebe and Trevor to follow in their grandfathers’ footsteps, along with Podcast and Lucky, and “suit up” to defeat the ghosts and ghouls plaguing their town.

There are a lot of fun Easter Eggs in ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ that I want to try and not spoil, but surprisingly the best part of the film are the new characters and fresh setting. Mckenna Grace is absolutely captivating and creates a fun and rich character in Phoebe. She carries the emotional thrust of the film and builds a character that you want to follow and see more of in the future. Equally, Finn Wolfhard is super fun as Trevor and has great charisma and onscreen chemistry with Celeste O’Connor’s Lucky. Rounding out the foursome is Logan Kim’s terrific Podcast, who makes a great sidekick to Phoebe. In fact, the kids are so great in this film that you don’t really care when the original Ghostbusters show up, and that is part of the problem. Jason Reitman’s script works so well introducing us to the Spengler kids and the town of Sommerville, that it almost seems anticlimactic when Murray, Aykroyd and Hudson appear, which is not really a spoiler since the three actors have been doing press for the film.

Another issue I have with the movie is that, other than a new cast and a fresh environment, the movie is almost exactly the same as the first, pretty much beat-for-beat. I’d say it is kin to ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ in that sense, which is not a bad thing per se. I’m a longtime fan of the ‘Ghostbusters’ franchise and I definitely think this is the best film since the original, but it would have been nice if the basic plot was slightly different. It’s still great to see the “big three” when they do appear, and their appearance does not overshadow the kids. There is also a wonderful tribute to the late great Harold Ramis in the film, which I won’t spoil, but just say that it was done very tastefully and handled better than, for example, Carrie Fisher’s inclusion in ‘The Rise of Skywalker.’ There are a few other cool cameos in the movie, as well as an all new version of the fan-favorite Slimer, and mini-Stay Puft Marshmallow men, which I thought was a fresh take on an old concept.

Jason Reitman was definitely the right person to lead the franchise in this direction, and with the fun new characters he has definitely created something I would like to see more of, but in future installments hopefully it will be less reliant on the same old formula. Carrie Coon is strong as Phoebe and Trevor’s mom, struggling to get by and holding deep resentment for her own father. She also has great chemistry with Paul Rudd, who as always is adorably fun to see on screen. Rudd plays his character of Mr. Grooberson with hilarious enthusiasm, and you get the idea that the actor is having as much fun being in a Ghostbusters movie as his character is fighting ghosts. There is a clever twist with Callie and Mr. Grooberson’s relationship, that I have to admit I saw coming, but it still works within the context of the film. In the end, while it’s not as original a movie as you may have been led to believe, Jason Reitman still has found a way to breathe fresh life into the franchise his father created, establishing great new characters for a new generation of fans in a fun and entertaining, yet nostalgia-heavy film.

‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ receives 7.5 out of 10 stars.
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November 18, 2021