WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
“I ain’t afraid of no ghost!” A classic line from an even more classic, heck virtually iconic, song associated with an equally significant eighties film that took us into the realms of the supernatural in a much more comedic and light-hearted manner, allowing us to simply have FUN with it all. Our cultural fascination to delve into things unseen and/or beyond our understanding remains prevalent, as does our pursuit of the dreams we wish to personally fulfill in order to discover purpose. Therefore, what if we seek to combine BOTH aspirations once again? For two somewhat down and out pals named Carl (Tomaz Baskin) and Elliot (Elijah Al’Malik), the goal is to expose the real (and freaky) reasons for strange occurrences that have begun to plague their little town. Finding nothing but failure at first, events escalate and suddenly the pair, along with a new “teammate” Nick (Connor Heilborn), find themselves fully immersed in the weird world of hauntings, diabolical plans, and potential heroism thanks to a new client named Erin (Gabriela Noble)
Next, my Mind:
Folks, there’s simply no getting past the absolutely undeniable ode to the epic 80’s Hollywood smash “Ghostbusters”, complete with the three initially unsung champions, outrageous (but oh so practical!) gadgets, intentionally campy humor and special effects, plus the overall “please don’t take this TOO seriously” vibes that ooze out like ectoplasm for our viewing pleasure through this 77-minute indie feature film courtesy of writer/director/associate producer/cinematographer/editor David Fowler, producer Wana Choy, and contributing producer Bry Troyer. From the start, at least for this critic, the film’s relative simplicity in execution and imagery stands once more as a testament to the need with indie cinema to look past what some would wish to pass off as the film’s production “weaknesses” and just sit back and relish a nicely presented, solidly adept comedic romp meant to be an escape from seriousness and an adventure into the kind of whimsy akin to its, granted, much higher budgeted Tinseltown predecessor that I feel quite confident inspired it.
Following a similar baseline narrative concept as the aforementioned effort, the film sees us following two totally “everyman” guys and best friends as they come face to face with uncanny, admittedly sinister, elements and events that are becoming all too common in their quiet little burg which cause them to actually ascertain the means they need to employ to make things right after so many experiences with failure in being spirit hunters. Now, what I always seem to end up mentioning when it comes to indie cinema as well is its ability to deliver this kind of wonderfully entertaining silliness yet then infuse within it totally feasible and applicable life lessons as well, and this project was no exception to this rule for me. Look closer and we are entreated to notions of facing what seem like unrealistic dreams, financial stress, those who support us vs. those who don’t, the bonds of friendship, true belief in yourself, being shaped by WHO we are and are striving to be, facing letdowns, rising up, never giving up, and realizing your potential.
Is it true that the exploration of much of this is contained inside the expected jocularity being conveyed–yes–on top of some quite relatable ideas and chuckle-generating moments about pursuing relationships (gotta have a LITTLE romance blossoming amidst unearthly chaos, right?), but for me it illustrates the wonder of storytelling in this community of filmmakers, regardless of whether it’s utterly, acutely resolute material or, like here, an exercise in humor. By the time we reach the film’s finale, all I will say is that it assuredly opens the proverbial arcane door for further installments, and I believe if I saw correctly on social media, there IS a sequel on the way. As hinted at above, the visuals here are a study in blatantly “cheaper” appearance than this crazy current reality of contemporary CGI–but THAT IS THE POINT and hence it WORKS because it’s one MORE homage to the deliberate, calculated appeal to our love (admit it, peeps) of outright, premeditated pop culture kitsch that allows a film like this to carry itself perfectly as what it is.
Likewise, the music score is an all-encompassing tribute to the 80’s as well, synths in FULL gear! It’s honestly awesome to me and quite smile-inducing in itself. Baskin does a fully excellent job in bringing about an affable and grounded character through his portrayal of Carl, a man whose own childhood has pushed him into the arena of ghost hunting, albeit not successfully, much to his frustration. Partnered with his best friend who’s far more hesitant about what they’ve given up to chase this “occupation”, Carl still so deeply believes in what they’re doing, it’s not easy to think about possibly letting go. But, when circumstances well outside of our world start manifesting, it turns into the actuality he’s always sought, and the validation he’s desired. It’s really a story of personal triumph overcoming the weight of adversity (while battling evil spirits, course!!), and Baskin makes Carl someone we more than wish to root for and want to see succeed, while fully appreciating the laughs along the way, which Baskin does well with throughout with understated, natural ease.
Al’Malik turns in a similar performance that’s filled with both a specific degree of “gravity” while being a conduit for plenty of wittiness during the proceedings via his role as Elliot, Carl’s best friend and fellow ghost hunter in the making who does tend to be the more “Doubting Thomas” of the duo when it comes to the growing realization that their chosen “profession” may not pan out–much less pay the bills. But, even as some possible infatuation enters his life, the preternatural happenings that begin to emerge thrusts him back into the awareness that his own inner demons (and the ones he now faces!) are calling him to change, transform, and become a new source of inspiration to not only himself, but to his friends and the town he calls home. Of course, this still gives ample time for comical quips and thoughts, which Al’Malik dispenses amongst more “serious” moments with skill and often deadpan delivery that works so effectively and befits his character to a “T”.
Primary supporting roles are a plenty here, including Heilborn as Nick, a newbie hunter who comes calling to be a part of the team and looking to prove himself a necessary asset in the fight for a town’s liberation from ghostly evil, Noble as Erin, the group’s newest client whose personal encounters with the baddies are the catalyst for the boy’s opportunities to shine–among other possibilities involving one of them, LaKenya Moss as Carl’s doting mother Loretta, Darryl Robert Small as a local janitor who more than makes his presence known once he’s been terrorized by the spirits, David Stoker as Mervin, a personage from the past whose dark dealings in the city carry massive consequences in the present, Sandra Scragg as the city’s beleaguered but stalwart Mayor Megan Sheenan, and Sam Schragel as the ultimate malevolent presence named Barron whose history could pan out as the root source of the city’s sudden infestation of entities and an even bleaker objective unfolding.
Additional appearances are made by Trey Collier, Thom Delahunt, Raz Mallard, Bruce Detore, Nicole Spry, Troy Wigestrand, Raymond Power, Sterling Beard, Ty Anderson, Krystal Fields, Giovanni Accettola, Serghei Boldesco, Debbie Burton, Emery Christianson, Wanna Choy, John Michael Collins, Dominique Dobson, Heather Dunlap, Rasha Elrayes, Ashton Kellogg, Jake Nelson, Jon Palms, Chelsea Pedro, Karalyn Smith, Ariel Deahl, and Aaron L. Ocheltree. So, in total, “Paranormal Investigators” wears its wholly amusing, uncomplicated, playfully farcical demeanor firmly on its eerily opaque sleeve, providing a spirit-lifting journey into the arcane with jovial spookiness, ghoulish delight, and spectral glee that shouldn’t stand a ghost of a chance to be tossed aside, for it paints a true portrait of indie film, the passion to even MAKE movies that this community has no matter what it takes, the boldness to put it out there for the world to judge, and serve as a reminder to us with frightening magnitudes of truth that sometimes we just need to LOOSEN UP, and enjoy a time to SMILE and appreciate some unadulterated goofiness.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
