Ghostbusters Review: 6 Ups And 4 Downs

4. It’s Really About Dealing With Bullying Though

For all that gender stuff, the real message of Ghostbusters is something more universal. It’s about dealing with bullying, and on a broader sense not being afraid of who you are. To quote the movie's subtitle from the final card, it's about being able to Answer The Call (bit forced, but it's forced in the movie too).

You see, both Kristen Wiig’s Erin Gilbert and the movie’s villain were bullied growing up for their interest in ghosts, but they've elected to deal with it in different ways; he's used it to power resentment and plotted to get back at those who wronged him, while, in contrast, over the film she comes to embrace what makes her unique and make herself stronger.

It's again got a bit of an undercurrent of commentary on the backlash (I imagine some Ghostbusters die-hards won't be too happy about some of the comparisons), but the message is bigger than that and speaks of true inclusivity.