Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is perfectly fine—and that's kind of the problem. It's a serviceable family action-comedy that checks the boxes: teamwork, supernatural adventure, multi-generational cast working together to save the world. Your 10-year-old will probably have a decent time, and you won't be clawing your eyes out during the 115-minute runtime.

But with a 6.5 TMDB rating and being the fifth entry in a franchise that's been around since 1984, it's hard to get excited. The 'ancient artifact unleashes evil' plot is well-trodden territory, and while the ice age angle adds a fresh coat of frost, it doesn't fundamentally reinvent anything. If your family loves Ghostbusters, this is a reasonable rainy afternoon watch. If you're looking for something truly memorable or enriching, keep scrolling.

The supernatural scares are real but not traumatizing—think proton packs and ectoplasm, not psychological horror. It models positive values like cooperation and problem-solving, which is great. It's just... fine. And sometimes fine is exactly what you need.

Age Fit

Best for kids 9-14 who can handle supernatural action and mild scares without nightmares. Younger fans of the franchise might manage at 8, but the intensity and 115-minute runtime could be a stretch. Teens 15+ may find it a bit juvenile unless they're already Ghostbusters superfans.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

68

A family-friendly adventure with multi-generational teamwork between old and new Ghostbusters. Models cooperation and problem-solving, though the franchise's signature sarcasm and some mild peril may not be perfectly wholesome. Pacing is relatively balanced for an action-comedy, avoiding excessive chaos.

Imaginative

62

Ancient artifacts unleashing supernatural forces offers some creative world-building, and the ice age premise adds a fresh twist to the franchise. However, as the fifth Ghostbusters film, it's largely retreading familiar ghost-busting territory rather than breaking new ground. The TMDB rating of 6.5 suggests audiences found it serviceable but not particularly inspired.

Safe

72

Ghostbusters films typically feature mild supernatural scares, ghost-related action, and comedic peril appropriate for older elementary and middle schoolers. No indication of gore, sexual content, or extreme violence. The supernatural elements and action sequences may be intense for younger or more sensitive viewers, but nothing unexpected for the franchise. Without an MPAA rating in the data, assuming PG-13 based on recent franchise entries.

Enriching

58

Offers themes of teamwork across generations, problem-solving under pressure, and facing supernatural threats with science and ingenuity. The premise of saving the world from environmental catastrophe (ice age) could spark conversations about climate and consequences. However, it's primarily entertainment-focused rather than deeply enriching, and the modest TMDB rating suggests it doesn't elevate beyond standard blockbuster fare.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Showcases teamwork between generations, modeling how different ages can work together toward a common goal
Supernatural adventure without graphic violence—scares are more 'boo!' than blood
Science-meets-supernatural premise can spark interest in problem-solving and critical thinking
Familiar franchise comfort food for families who enjoyed previous Ghostbusters films

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What to Watch For

Supernatural scares and ghost action sequences may frighten younger or more sensitive kids (likely best for 10+)
As the fifth film in the franchise, it may feel repetitive if your family isn't already invested in Ghostbusters lore
The 6.5 TMDB rating suggests it's middling entertainment—don't expect to be blown away
Some sarcastic humor and mild language typical of PG-13 action-comedies

Conversation Starters

"If you could invent a gadget to catch ghosts, what would it do?"
"The movie is about stopping a new ice age—what do you think would happen if the world suddenly got super cold?"
"The old and new Ghostbusters had to work together. When have you had to team up with someone really different from you?"
"What would be scarier to face: ghosts or an ice age? Why?"

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Ghostbusters Frozen Empire