It was a big week for new movies as we head toward Spring Break for many. Below are my thoughts on this week’s new releases. You can follow everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (Theaters)
Starring: Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, McKenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard, Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, Dan Aykroyd, and Annie Potts
Synopsis: This is the fourth official entry in the original franchise, coming a few years after the Jason Reitman re-boot Ghostbusters: Afterlife. As we begin, the Spengler family is working as Ghostbusters in New York City, bankrolled by Winston Zeddemore (Hudson). But things aren’t going smoothly. When the new mayor (William Atherton) cracks down, Phoebe (Grace) ends up sidelined. This leaves her frustrated. Meanwhile, Zeddemore has created other projects to expand the ghost-fighting capabilities for what’s coming. Ray (Aykroyd) is still kicking around and helping, as is Peter Venkman (Murray). While Janine (Potts) is helping Zeddemore run the empire, including the Ghostbusters. When a new threat emerges, our heroes, new and old, join forces once again, this time to save New York City from annihilation. I loved the re-boot from Jason Reitman back in 2021, and I was excited to see the story continue. Reitman serves as a co-writer here, passing the directing reigns on to his co-writer Gil Kenan. I still like Rudd, Coon, Wolfhard, and Grace. Their old Oklahoma pals Podcast (Logan Kim) and Lucky (Celeste O’Conner) make a return, too. But there isn’t as much emotional depth in this one. It’s fun and funny at times. I enjoyed appearances by Patton Oswalt and Kumail Nanjiani, but this doesn’t hit quite as hard as the original re-boot. Still, I had a good time and I’d certainly be down for more adventures if they want to keep making them!
Rating: Rated PG-13 for supernatural action/violence, language and suggestive references.

Immaculate (Theaters)
Starring: Sydney Sweeney and Alvaro Morte
Synopsis: This is a unique horror film set at a remote convent in Italy. There, a young American Sister Cecilia (Sweeney) has been drawn into the service of the church abroad after her Michigan parish closed. She feels like God has called her to something bigger. Could this be it. When she turns up pregnant despite being a virgin, it seems like God might have big plans for her indeed. But, instead, it turns out to be part of efforts from the local priest (Morte) to bring a new savior into the world. This is a decent set up for a horror film. Sweeney’s Cecilia is a fish-out-of-water in more ways than one, as she’s an American that doesn’t really know any Italian despite choosing to live at an Italian convent despite not speaking the language. But once you get past those quirks, there is something interesting here. Director Michael Mohan does a nice job bringing out some creepy visuals, while Sweeney gives a solid performance. The final sequence, particularly the last scene, is haunting. As a horror film, this achieves its aims and is enjoyable enough.
Rating: Rated R for strong and bloody violent content, grisly images, nudity and some language.

Shirley (Netflix)
Starring: Regina King, Lance Reddick, Terrence Howard, and Lucas Hedges
Synopsis: The latest from Netflix is a biopic looking at the former Congresswoman, and one-time Presidential candidate, Shirley Chisolm. She made history when she was elected to Congress in 1968, a black woman determined to make a difference for everyone, especially the New York district that elected her. A few years later, she made a run in the 1972 Presidential race. This new film from writer/director John Ridley (12 Years A Slave) captures that run for the Presidency. Though not successful in capturing the nomination, she made a difference, got people thinking, and made a profound impact on generations of leaders to come. The film features King in the lead role as Chisolm. She gives a strong and powerful performance. The supporting cast is also solid, including the late Reddick in one of his final performances. The story moves at a good pace and helps shine a light on an influential leader that might not be as well known for some audiences. I enjoyed the ride and getting to learn more about Chisolm. I also enjoyed King’s performance. She remains one of the strongest actresses working today. This film is worth checking out on Netflix.
Rating: Rated PG-13 for strong language including racial slurs, brief violence and some smoking.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.