Key Takeaways:
• The remake of the Ghostbusters franchise in 2016 was met with criticism and fared poorly at the box office.
• The failure of Ghostbusters at the box office was attributed to its all-female main cast and less entertaining plot.
• Star Wars: The Last Jedi, however, proved to be a box-office hit and received better critical reception.
• The Last Jedi director, Rian Johnson, managed to create a balanced gender dynamic in his film, unlike Ghostbusters.
The Rise and Fall of Ghostbusters Remake
The Ghostbusters franchise, known for its eerie yet comical approach to storytelling, has had a loyal fan base for years. The 2016 reboot, however, did not fare well with critics or at the box-office. The film, starring Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, Kristen Wiig and Leslie Jones, barely grossed $100 million internationally against a production cost of $144 million. The remake became a stain in Sony's history, contributing heavily to their $1-billion dollar write-down.
The lackluster plot was a primary cause for the film's failure. Further, the all-female cast was met with sexist backlash, veiling the movie's fun aspect. Instead, it made the film more of a social statement than a piece of entertainment, according to director Paul Feig.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi Shines Bright
Star Wars: The Last Jedi, another franchise sequel, surprised viewers and critics alike with its dramatic success. Directed by Rian Johnson, the movie comfortably ranks as the second highest-grossing film in the Star Wars series. While some fans held reservations about the film, it received a generally positive response, especially with respect to its earnings.
Johnson's impeccable vision and handling of characters ensured the film's success. He also cleverly balanced the gender dynamics in the screenplay, creating a more relatable movie for various audiences. This can be seen in Daisy Ridley and Mark Hamill's roles, where each male character has a potential female counterpart. This intricate meshing of characters is evident in scenes such as Luke and Leia's sibling relationship and Rey's iconic lightsaber duel with Kylo.
Learning from Predecessors
The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson successfully drew lessons from Ghostbusters' unfortunate run. He ensured his movie did not lean heavily towards any one gender, saying, “I was gender conscious while writing.” This attention to balance is a significant factor in the movie's success. Essentially, Johnson's voyage into the Star Wars universe proved more successful thanks to his learning from Ghostbusters' pitfalls.
In a world where the entertainment industry is constantly evolving, it's evident that directors and screenwriters have to think outside the box. Being gender-conscious while writing and ensuring a gripping plotline could be critical for a film's success. The comparison between Ghostbusters (2016) and Star Wars: The Last Jedi certainly adds weight to this theory.
In the end, what matters most is the viewer's experience. Scripts should capture the audience's imagination and transport them into the world of the movie. The key here is to entertain, not merely to convey a political or social statement. If filmmakers keep these guidelines in mind, we can look forward to more exciting and entertaining blockbusters in the future.- The Last Jedi is available on Disney+ and Ghostbusters (2016) can be rented on Apple TV+.
