GHOSTBUSTERS (2016)
A funny, impressive reboot with occult content for discerning adults only.
Should You Watch It?
This reboot is funnier than its trailers suggested. The movie delivers a fast-paced comedy with unexpectedly good CGI effects, including effects that are particularly impressive in 3D. Its moral center also matters: the Ghostbusters learn to help others rather than seek glory for themselves.
That merit comes with serious costs. The ghosts sometimes appear demonic, the occult worldview is strong, and the film includes frequent PG-13 profanity, sexual innuendo, and banter. Some effects are scarier than expected, even when the scares are played for laughs.
Adults who can engage those elements thoughtfully may find this a worthwhile comedy. Families with children or young teens should choose something else. The practical answer: watch it only if you are an adult prepared for its content.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESErin Gilbert, a college professor who has written about the science of ghosts, reconnects with her old friend Abby Yates after a museum owner asks for help with paranormal activity. Along with scientist Jillian Holtzmann and streetwise Patty, they create a business using experimental equipment to capture ghosts and spirits.
Their work brings ridicule, strange encounters, and a growing threat from Rowan, a scientist determined to use supernatural power against New York City.
Is It Any Good?
Three stars means this is a good, entertaining film with noticeable weaknesses. The reboot is almost as funny as the original, with antics that prompted laughter and some applause. Its fast pace keeps the ghostbusting adventure moving.
The CGI effects are top-notch and especially impressive in 3D. The film also works as a story of its own, without real connections to the earlier movies. Still, the frequent profanity, sexual innuendo, and somewhat scarier effects make the entertainment less comfortable for many viewers.
The Worldview
The film presents ghosts and spirits as a reality that can be investigated, captured, and used. Some ghosts appear to be demons, and the story centers on paranormal inventions and supernatural power. That creates a strong occult worldview rather than a biblical understanding of the spiritual realm.
The movie does offer a better moral emphasis. Its heroes are encouraged toward helping others instead of seeking their own glory. That value is good, even though the film’s paranormal framework departs sharply from Scripture’s warnings about occult practices.
The central conflict also involves a desire for recognition. Rowan’s pursuit of acknowledgment becomes destructive, while the Ghostbusters’ work gains a more selfless purpose. Scripture calls believers away from selfish ambition: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Strong occult worldview mitigated by moral elements promoting helping others rather than seeking one’s own glory; about 32 to 40 obscenities and profanities; cartoon-style violence and action throughout, as well as mostly mild scares, played mostly for laughs, including scary ghosts during a Thanksgiving Day parade sequence, some slapstick comedy, property destructions, characters banged and tossed, ghosts and spirits wreak havoc, and a giant evil spirit knocks down buildings and tosses cars, but no one is shown being seriously injured; some sexual innuendoes and banter (mostly surrounding the female Ghostbusters making lustful wisecracks about their hunky male secretary) and a proposed logo for the female Ghostbusters, with a ghost featuring big cleavage; two photos of upper male nudity and some female cleavage; some beer drinking; no smoking or drugs; and, stealing, vandalism and while referring to a girl who murdered her family a man says “God makes no mistakes, but he may have been drinking when he made the daughter.”
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
The Ghostbusters are tempted by recognition, but the story also values helping others. When have you wanted praise more than service?
Philippians 2:3–4 · Galatians 5:13The film treats ghosts and spirits as something to investigate and control. How does Scripture tell us to respond to occult practices?
Deuteronomy 18:10–12 · 1 Thessalonians 5:21The movie uses frightening supernatural images for laughs. How can we practice discernment about entertainment without becoming careless or fearful?
Romans 12:2 · Philippians 4:8The Ghostbusters face ridicule while pursuing their work. What does it look like to remain faithful when others mock you?
1 Peter 4:12–14 · Galatians 6:9The Final Word
GHOSTBUSTERS is a funny, visually impressive reboot with a worthwhile message about serving others. Its strong occult worldview, frequent profanity, innuendo, and scares make it unsuitable for children and young teens. For discerning adults, the answer is WORTH THE TRIP — ADULTS ONLY. For a family alternative, see.
