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Who you gonna maul? Why Paul Feig’s derided all-female Ghostbusters dazzles a decade later
Ten years ago, the Ghostbusters reboot was released into a firestorm of rage and revulsion. What did the onslaught show us about film, fandom – and does it stand up today?
TL;DR
- The 2016 Ghostbusters reboot, directed by Paul Feig, was met with significant online rage and revulsion prior to its release, starting when its all-female cast was announced.
- The film's first trailer became the most disliked on YouTube, and the vitriol continued upon its release, making it a "cinematic sensation" of backlash.
- The backlash against the film is seen as setting a precedent for online male superfans to dictate acceptable roles for women in popular franchises.
- Ten years later, the film is re-evaluated as a piece of art with an upbeat vibe, warmth, and inclusivity, featuring strong performances from its lead actresses.
- Feig's film is described as a reinvention rather than a mere reboot, drawing parallels to how the original film utilized top comedy talent in a high-concept movie.
- The film is noted for its portrayal of the female protagonists being derided and underappreciated for most of its runtime, unlike the original film where the male team achieved celebrity status earlier.
- Despite the initial negative reception, the film's Netflix debut was successful, and its legacy is now viewed through the lens of female friendship and the moral that being a good person is paramount.