Ghosthunters: On Icy Trails
By Danny Brogan,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Ghostly adventure has more mental health jokes than scares.
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Ghosthunters: On Icy Trails
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What's the Story?
In GHOSTHUNTERS: ON ICY TRAILS, Tom (Milo Parker) is an 11-year-old boy who suffers from extreme nerves. After finding a ghost called Hugo (Bastian Pastewka) in his basement, Tom turns to ghost hunter Hetty Cuminseed (Anke Engelke) for help. But Tom and Hetty soon discover that Hugo isn't the problem. The three must join forces to stop an AIG, or "Ancient Ice Ghost," from freezing the city. With Hetty's former partner also on their tail, the trio have their work cut out for them.
Is It Any Good?
Despite the promise of ghosts, adventure, and laughs, this is a boring affair with iffy jokes about mental health. The action in Ghosthunters: On Icy Trails centers around an unlikely trio who, in their own way, are all misunderstood. Tom is scared of everything, something the movie continually pokes fun at. Hetty's mood swings make her difficult to warm up to. And then there's Hugo, a friendly ghost who bears more than a passing resemblance to Slimer from Ghostbusters. Unfortunately, while Slimer had charm, Hugo is just annoying.
The film isn't short on jokes; they just fail to land. The funniest lines are references to other films, but jokes about Scarface and The Matrix are strange reference points for a kid audience. Themes about friendship and teamwork are central to the plot, but they're hammered home in such a way that they feel forced. In one scene, Tom talks about how much he loves his family, but it's hard to believe, given how badly they treat him -- especially his sister, whose behavior goes beyond sibling bickering. By the time Hetty mentions Hogwarts, you're left wondering why you're not watching Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone instead.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about friendship and teamwork in Ghosthunters: On Icy Trails. Why are those important character strengths? How can you use media to teach kids teamwork?
How does Tom's character develop in the movie? How does he show courage?
What is the relationship like between Tom and his family? Why is Tom upset by how they treat him? How would you feel in his place?
How did the film's jokes about mental health strike you? What's the risk in using mental health as a source of humor?
Movie Details
- In theaters: October 2, 2015
- On DVD or streaming: May 3, 2016
- Cast: Milo Parker , Anke Engelke , Bastian Pastewka
- Director: Tobi Baumann
- Studio: Warner Bros.
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Run time: 99 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: June 20, 2023
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