Ghosthunters: On Icy Trails

Ghosthunters: On Icy Trails is a German-Austrian-Irish entertainment gem from 2015, directed by Tobi Baumann. The movie stars Anke Engelke, Milo Parker, and in an amusing vocal performance, Bastian Pastewka. It is a visual treat that brilliantly weaves together elements of family, friendship, and fantasy, while delivering wholesome entertainment with a chilling twist.

The story centers on the young boy Tom, portrayed convincingly by Milo Parker. Tom is an average schoolboy who isn't particularly popular at school and is often the subject of mockery among his peers. His ordinary life turns upside down and takes a fantastical turn when he encounters a ghost, hilariously named Hugo, in his basement. Unlike the conventional stereotype of ghosts being scary, Hugo is a rather friendly, green, and slimy ghost who is more scared of the world than it is of him. The chemistry between Milo Parker and the voice-over performance of Bastian Pastewka, who breathes life into Hugo, stands at the heart of the movie.

Anke Engelke steals the show in her role as Hetty Cuminseed, a professional Ghosthunter with the International Ghosthunting Intervention Team (IGIT). Her restrained yet powerful performance brings out the layers in her character, from being a dedicated Ghosthunter to being a nurturing guardian for Tom and Hugo. Cuminseed's life takes an exciting turn when she has to reconsider her aggressive ghosthunting strategies after meeting the ever-so-friendly Hugo.

The crossroads of their lives make for an exciting story where these unlikely partners team up to tackle an ancient ice ghost threat, AIG (short for ‘Ancient Ice Ghost’). AIG has the power to cover the planet in ice and plunge it into an eternal winter. Our trio's mission to save the world from perpetual frost forms the crux of the storyline.

Ghosthunters: On Icy Trails masterfully uses the well-known elements of fantasy and adventure, engaging both children and adults. The film's ghost mythology is fascinating and terms like AIG and IGIT add a delightful layer to the film's narrative. The story is ridden with excitement, suspense, and heartfelt moments. The movie also subtly implants messages on friendship and courage into its young viewers while they're immersed in the thrilling ghostly adventure.

The film's technical aspects are commendable. It astounds the viewers through impressive CGI animation that presents the character of Hugo with finesse, making him adorably goofy and charming. The sets and the props are detailed and resonate with the film's thrilling yet jocular vibe. Especially noteworthy are the icy aesthetics and the visuals of the key villain, the ice ghost, which provide a bone-chilling suspense to the plot.

What sets Ghosthunters: On Icy Trails apart is its refreshing comedic take on a ghost story. The humor is sprinkled throughout the film, making the strain of even the darkest ghostly moments lighter. From the hilarious antics of Hugo to the comedic dialogue delivery by Anke Engelke as Hetty Cuminseed, the movie brilliantly uses comedy to dilute tension and adds an unexpected laugh to climax scenes.

Another commendable aspect of the film is the spirited performances by the main cast. Engelke is superbly convincing as a ghosthunter and creates a synergy with Parker and Pastewka that is a joy to watch. Parker, despite his tender age, delivers a performance that connects him to the audience.

The film's sound design also contributes significantly to its appeal, using ambient and climactic music to construct a sense of thrill, danger, and overall joy.

In summary, Ghosthunters: On Icy Trails is not just a conventional ghost-hunting adventure. It is a wonderful concoction of friendship, overcoming fear, and humanizing ghosts, all embedded in an engrossing storyline that is sure to entertain and engage viewers of all ages. It carries a beautiful, universal message – that everyone has a role to play, and that with a little courage, even the most unlikely partners can make a formidable team.