Rating: «« out of 4 stars

Running Time: 116 min.

Director Paul Feig (Bridesmaids, Spy) has made some hilariously funny movies with some very talented comics. His latest, Ghostbusters, offers a new take on the beloved 1984 comedy. There’s been a lot of controversy surrounding the production, which now seems surprising, given the ultimate quality of the feature itself. In the end, this is a middling, scattershot effort. It’s passable and there are a handful of chuckles here and there, but the movie feels equally choppy and haphazard in many respects.

This reboot of the original introduces four new characters taking on a supernatural threat. Erin Gilbert (Kristin Wiig) is a physics professor in New York City, applying for tenure and trying to hide her past from the faculty ... specifically a book about the paranormal she wrote with estranged friend, Abby Yates (Melissa McCarthy). When ghosts begin to pop up all over town, the two are reunited. With the help of tech-head Jillian Holtzmann (Kate McKinnon) and ex-transit worker Patty Tolan (Leslie Jones) the four forge a business to rid the city of spirits. Adding less-than-helpful assistance is the muscular but dim-witted secretary, Kevin (Chris Hemsworth).

First, there are some funny moments when the story breaks away from routine. Wiig and McCarthy are always funny, even though they are forced to deliver more exposition in their roles than usual. And McKinnon and Jones have a few solid one-liners reacting to or commenting on the strangeness they’re encountering. When the screenplay gives us something new and different, interest peaks. There’s a funny bit involving a creepy, possessed mannequin hunting the group. It’s over far too quickly, but offers one of the film’s few original (and memorable) dust-ups.

Unfortunately, some of the weaker elements involve the film playing off of the original. The first scene, featuring a tour guide and the appearance of a ghost, earns a smile. But after a time, the appearances of classic apparitions become more familiar than funny. Since this is a reboot, we also have to endure the business starting from scratch. There are several sequences featuring the Ghostbusters developing their equipment that seem extended and unnecessary. I’d rather have seen this group show their stuff than fall over themselves learning to use their proton packs.

And the numerous cameos are wedged in awkwardly. With the exception of Rick Moranis, just about everyone from the original feature pops up somewhere. One of the surprise appearances around a hearse feels organic to the story and effective; the other four are throwaway moments that don’t offer humor or advance the plot. They ultimately slow the pacing. The movie also suffers greatly from a nebbish, uninterestingly written antagonist who never stands out as a threatening (or even amusing) foe to the ladies.

I’m going to nit-pick here, but one technical issue really began to get on my nerves. The majority of the movie is shot in widescreen 2:35:1, but projected on a 1:85:1 screen. Every now and again, slime, proton beams, and ghosts extend over the black bars of the frame. Most won’t notice this, but it took me right out of the feature every seemingly random time it was used. Another sequence during the climax is suddenly framed at full 1:85:1 before cutting back to 2:35:1. I’m used to multi-aspect ratios and have seen the device used by directors Wes Anderson and Christopher Nolan ... here, it appears arbitrarily applied and is a big distraction.

Of course, many remember the original film as a fun adventure with memorable characters and a breezy charm. Personally, I’m starting to believe it was an incredible fluke. Even the first sequel Ghostbusters II (1989) was a weak attempt to recapture the original’s magic. The new Ghostbusters features great talent in front of and behind the camera; it does fare somewhat better than the first sequel and offers a handful of laughs. However, it still feels like we’re witnessing variations on the same theme, only to somewhat diminished returns. It’ll do in the moment, but it’s hard to imagine anyone remembering the film, or much about it, in the years that pass.

Note: There is a post-credits scene that may be the most irksome, eye-rolling element for fans of the original film — a reference to a familiar foe as the starting point for a potential sequel.

By Glenn Kay
For the Sun

The sounds and sights of Native American culture pulsed through the crowd Dec. 31 as folks from various tribes took part in the 17th annual New Year’s Eve Sobriety Gourd Dance and Powwow at Miyamura High School.

The event, which is put on by Na’nihzhoozhi Inc., commonly called NCI, attracted participants from greater McKinley County and beyond.

“It’s one of the best turnouts that I have ever seen for the event,” coordinator Kevin Foley said. “I think everyone here enjoyed themselves.”

Ymelda Coriz of Tsaile, Ariz., was named Miss NCI 2017 Powwow Princess. Coriz attends Many Farms High School in Many Farms, Ariz. The evening progressed as onlookers waited for the drum circle to begin. At what seemed like complete synchronicity, bells fastened to the regalia of many male and female participants as they took steps marching to the beat of the drums.

Tommy Lasiloo, 25, who is from Zuni Pueblo and goes by the nickname “Little Buck,” said the event shows that Native Americans and the culture are not dead. “We’re still here,” he said. “Just look at this.”

Foley estimated the crowd to be a little more than 2,000. Since she was born, Anna Bia, 7, of Window Rock, has taken part in the dances and grand entries at the annual NCI powwow.

“I really like this,” Bia said. “That’s why I come here every year with my parents.”

Marvin Smith, 39, of Tohatchi said the event shows how the new Native American culture has evolved from the old culture. He said he saw people carrying various spear sticks, dream catchers, instruments and jewelry.

“I’ve come here off and on for about 12 years,” Smith said. “This is what native culture is about for the young and the old.”

NCI was established in the 1990s as a drug and alcohol treatment center. Foley said the event is well-attended each year.

By Bernie Dotson

Sun Correspondent

Online fraud and scams are digging into New Mexicans' bank accounts to the tune of $7 million in the last year.

The figure comes from the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center which said 837 of the stat's residents over the age of 60 lost over $7 million in 2020.

More than half of that amount - $3,880,981 - was lost due to confidence fraud, most commonly known as romance scams.

COVID-19 restrictions forced more older people to use the internet to shop and socialize, exposing them to scammers and criminals.

"The FBI and our partners work to investigate scams and crimes against older adults, but the keys are prevention and awareness," Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the Albuquerque FBI Division said. "We urge our older residents as well as their families to educate themselves about online frauds and report any cases to the Internet Crime Complaint Center via ic3.gov."

Why Older Adults are Vulnerable

As a growing part of the U.S. population, older people are an attractive target for fraudsters and scammers.

This demographic tends to have more financial stability, which makes them a target for criminals looking to make quick profit. Older Americans may be more easily intimidated or lonely, which makes it harder for them to get help.

In a romance scam, criminals pose as interested romantic partners on social media or dating websites to capitalize on their elderly victims’ desire to find companionship.

Learn More and Protect Your Loved Ones

Older people may know to be wary of physical crimes (like always locking their doors). But they may not have the same level of awareness to protect themselves against scams. That’s why families and caregivers should be aware of the risks and let people know how to report suspected crimes.

If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of elder fraud, contact the FBI at (505) 889-1300 or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, ic3.gov.

Visit the FBI elder fraud page to learn about common fraud schemes that target older people ,as well as practical tips on how to protect yourself or your loved ones from scammers.

Election results breakdown

Undersheriff James Maiorano III rode to victory Nov. 8, besting challenger Lt. Elreno Henio for the McKinley County Sheriff post with 67% of the vote (12,401).

The races followed a statewide Democrat lean, as Henio was the only Republican on the ballot for county offices.

“It was a really clean race. Elreno Henio and I work together on a daily basis at the sheriff’s office. There were no negative ads, there was no scare campaigns between Henio and I, and I think that’s great,” Maiorano said. “He called to congratulate me, which I deeply respect.”

Maiorano’s top priority is getting the department staffed up once he takes over in January.

“It’s going to be very similar, since I’m already the undersheriff. Some of these duties and programs we’ve launched are going to continue,” he said. “One of our primary focuses is continuing to recruit, with nine current vacancies that we need to fill and hire those folks so we can provide the best services possible for our communities.”

The rest of the local offices on the ballot (listed below) were all but decided in the June primary election, mainly because there were no Republican candidates for most offices.

Bond measures for a new senior center and library/education facilities passed handily. Question 1 will bond $24.4 million for the senior center after passing with 78%  (12,875). Question 2 secures $19.2 million for academic, public school, tribal and public library resource acquisitions, with 74% (12,054); and Question 3, which passed at 77% (12,528), will provide almost $216 million for capital expenditures for certain higher education, special schools and tribal schools.

At press time, Buu Nygren appeared to have won the Navajo Nation presidency, ousting Jonathan Nez after a single term. Results of that contest are set to be certified Nov. 18.

In state races, Gov. Michelle Lujan-Grisham and Lt. Gov. Howie Morales will keep their seats on the strength of 12,783 votes, along with Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, Attorney General Raul Torrez and Treasurer Laura Montoya. All won their seats with roughly two-thirds of the votes (ranging from 64% to 68%).

Democrat Joseph Maestas, who serves on the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, bested Libertarian Travis Steven Sanchez for State Auditor, with 72% of the vote.

U.S. Rep Teresa Leger Fernandez held her District 3 seat with 69% of the vote (12,065), while District 2 challenger Gabriel Vasquez won with 73% of the vote (1,113), bumping incumbent Republican Rep. Yvette Herrell out of her job.

Other McKinley County winners set for a Jan. 1 swear-in are:

County Commissioner, District 1

The county Democratic Party nominated Danielle Notah to be the new District 1 commissioner after the primary winner, Ernest C. “Charles” Becenti III, won the race but withdrew. Her top concern is the ongoing issues at Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital.

County Commissioner, District 2

Walt Eddy ran unopposed in the primary and won with 100% of the votes cast in the race. His main issue is inadequate or deteriorating roads and bridges. He’s also concerned about RMCH.

County Assessor

The Assessor oversees property in the county, including mapping, inventory and valuation for tax purposes. Edward Becenti Jr. won the six-way primary with 24% of the votes. He is Chief Deputy County Clerk and a 17-year veteran of that office. He’d like to see more of the Assessor’s Office staff trained as property appraisers.

Magistrate Judges

Brent A. Detsoi, Virginia A. Yazzie and Cynthia C. Sanders all ran unopposed for Districts 1, 2 and 3 respectively.

Results are unofficial until Tolouse Oliver’s office certifies them, which is expected later this month.

Winners who are county employees will have to resign from those positions when they take office, County Attorney Doug Decker said.

By Holly J. Wagner
Sun Correspondent