Let’s be clear: this film does not deserve the hate that it’s been getting.

A reboot of the 1984 cult-classic by the same name, “Ghostbusters” follows doctors Gilbert (Kristen Wiig), Yates (Melissa McCarthy) and Holtzmann (Kate McKinnon) as they put their academic careers aside to protect their city amidst a flurry of paranormal attacks. They are soon joined by subway worker and New York history enthusiast, Tolan (Leslie Jones), as they investigate the ghost-summoning devices planted all over New York.

“Ghostbusters” was not a bad film, it just wasn’t that great either. The main issue was more in its script, rather than its performances, direction or technical aspect. A lot of the comedy in this film hit me pretty well and most of my theater was in a consistent stream of giggles. Nothing was laugh out loud, though, like the original film was. Roughly half of the jokes were too repetitive, went on for too long or were just plain awkward to watch. If you’re working with four of the best comedic actresses today and they can’t make your jokes land, there is a problem.

What bothered me the most about the script were the onslaught of easter eggs and cameos paying homage to the original film franchise. One or two would have been fun, but this reboot needed to stand on its own to be taken seriously and this many references to the original just weighed it down.

Jones and McKinnon were easily the best assets to the ensemble, leaving Wiig and McCarthy (who were much more heavily featured in trailers and promotional artwork) in the dust. There is definite chemistry amongst the four lead actresses, but it’s clear who did head and shoulders better with what they were given.

It begs to be said, too, that Jones has received the brunt of the hate directed towards this film and it is appalling. She did a fine job and proved that she is one of the funniest women in hollywood today, and she has been consistently harassed via twitter. If you dislike a movie, that’s fine. Critique an actress for her performance or the script she had to work with. Do not attack her for her race or gender (which the overwhelming majority of her twitter trolls have done) and expect anyone with half a brain cell to consider you better than a moron.

“Ghostbusters” was a decent enough project, but I don’t believe that this film was made as anything more than an easy cash grab. It didn’t add anything to the “Ghostbusters” mythos or improve upon any of the original material. It was moderately funny and well acted. McCarthy and Wiig were average at best, but McKinnon and Jones showed us just how hugely talented they both are. Don’t compare this film to the original, it already does that for you for the most part. It was an average film and not a must-see.

Rating: 3/5 stars