Gespensterjäger

Ghosthunters on Icy Trails comes across as a sub par Ghostbusters/Men in Black hybrid based on a book by Cornelia Funke a German writer who also wrote Inkheart.

It is a film that kids will enjoy as it is made in Germany with a largely German cast, presumably dubbed in English but the main star is English actor Milo Parker and set probably in the USA.

An anxious 11 year old boy Tom finds a slimy green ghost in the cellar of his house. Tom realises that the green ghost called Hugo, is harmless but also in need of his help. Hugo has been banished from his haunted house by a dangerous ancient ice ghost who is spreading arctic freeze all over world.

Tom and Hugo find a professional Ghosthunter, Hetty Cuminseed who has been laid off by the officious Central Ghosthunting Institute.

Hugo looks like Slimer from Ghostbuster, the humour is aimed at kids but the story is decently told. The film does look a bit like a Europudding and the special effects look a bit cheap. Milo Parker gives another appealing performance.

Cute, suspenseful ghost movie for children and people young at heart or just fans of ghost - fun, a message with heart, good actors and an adorable slimy monster - sure, it does look like Slimer, and, yes, there are Men in Black and other references, but to be honest: which ghost is really original?? Somewhen you have seen it all before, but in this movie, at least it is done nicely and great fun. If you insist on seeing something original, watch "Mara and the firebringer", otherwise this is a movie you will enjoy if you allow yourself to have harmless fun. P.S.: of course there are (seemingly useless) dramatic moments - that's called raising suspense and is used in about every movie, otherwise every movie would be 5 minutes long and be called a short...

Please make a Number 2! Great acting and awesome effects. Well done

It was bound to be reviewed as a comparrison to the 'Ghostbuster' series of films but, it shouldn't because there is no simalarity whatsoever.

Its not a great comedy, as none of the adult characters are in the least bit humourous. Probably due to no proper jokes included in the script! The main character (who is bright lime green and would look like a Genie if a moustache had been drawn on him) Hugo, who is a homeless ghost, is instantly lovable and totally carries the whole film. It would be a problem, I think, for children to decide between Casper and Hugo as to whom is the better fun!

Milo Parker (an English child actor; all the others are German but the film has an English language audio) is also very likeable and he is also amusing. When he and Hugo occupy a scene it is a very real looking experience. Their lines work off each other superbly and they come across as a natural comedy duo - like a Laurel & Hardy - but are let down by a story, that may seem better when reading, but is not good enough for a film. I'm glad that it was though or I would not have had the chance to see Milo & Hugo together and that, is the only reason I would tell anyone to watch this film...oh and that the younger kids will enjoy it!