The Ghostbusters universe is witnessing an explosion of activity, with the recent addition of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. This celebration of the franchise's 40th anniversary amasses an array of both original and novel characters while also welcoming back beloved characters from the recent Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Regrettably, the female ghostbusters from the 2016 remake didn't make an appearance, much to fans' disappointment.

The latest installment, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire has strived to satisfy the longing of fans by including a flurry of nostalgic references. While it may not reach the heights of the classic 1984 original, it achieves a commendable level of entertainment comparable to the 1989 sequel, Ghostbusters II. Jason Reitman's and Director Gil Kenan's screenplay succeeds in reviving the characters without excessive effort.

The audience finds the characters diving into their new roles as ghostbusters with gusto, operating from the iconic Tribeca firehouse - bringing the action back to New York City. The narrative introduces a myriad of familiar ghouls, including Slimer and mischievous Mini-Pufts, fostering an atmosphere of nostalgia-fueled fun.

The plot takes a turn when they clash with their old enemy, Walter Peck, the NYC mayor, brilliantly reprised by William Atherton. The presence of actor John Rothman as the overwhelmed library administrator from the first film adds further nostalgic charm. Drama escalates when a vindictive god, Garraka, sows chaos in the city, giving the franchise's veterans and novices a chance to unite against the spectral threat.

Seasoned Ghostbusters include Aykroyd’s Ray, Bill Murray’s Peter, Ernie Hudson’s Winston, and Annie Potts’s Janine, each bringing their unique flair. Some characters from Afterlife like Celeste O’Connor’s Lucky and Logan Kim’s Podcast return, albeit in smaller roles. New additions ranging from Kumail Nanjiani as Nadeem, Patton Oswalt as a library researcher, and James Acaster as Lars add variety to the ensemble.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire successfully sticks to its lineage's formula, providing a blend of fun and thrills. It effectively addresses a range of emotional notes brought in by characters like Phoebe and Melody, despite the wide cast stretching the screen time. In conclusion, Ghsotbusters: Frozen Empire presents an exciting continuation of the franchise with a fresh yet nostalgic blend of characters and dramatic, ghostly events.