It’s been 40 years since “Ghostbusters” first arrived in theaters – a perfect synergy of laughs and thrills that is one of the defining films of my childhood.

Since its release, the studio, and at times the original cast, have tried to recapture that magic – coming closest with the unfairly maligned “Ghostbusters 2” in 1989.

For that reason, I wasn’t exactly jumping at the chance to see “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” the sequel to the 2021 reboot that left me cold. Thankfully, “Empire” proved to be a pleasant surprise, a film that captures the spirit of the original as well as any incarnation of the franchise since that film.

Sure it’s 100 percent fan service, but it works on that level quite well – charming enough to make it easy to overlook the film’s many flaws.

“Empire” finds the Spengler family and teacher turned love interest Gray (Paul Rudd) from the previous film now in New York, busting ghosts and living in the iconic firehouse previously occupied by the original Ghostbusters.

When the latest job causes plenty of damage in the streets of New York, the mayor (William Atherton in one of the many nods to the original films) threatens to shut them down before sidelining the youngest member of the family, Phoebe (McKenna Grace).

As Phoebe struggles with being left out of the family business, a new danger arrives in the form of a mysterious artifact that has imprisoned an evil force capable of creating another ice age that would destroy the world.

The villain is just a starting point screenwriters Gil Kenan (who also directed) and Jason Reitman use to bring together the new generation with the original characters.

Unlike the 2021 reboot “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” this film features that original cast in more than just glorified cameos. Dan Aykroyd’s Ray and Ernie Hudson’s Winston are integral parts of the story, while Bill Murray and Anne Potts return as well. Murray and Potts may not get as much screen time, but their returns are just as memorable and among the highlights of the film.

“Frozen Empire” does suffer a bit from pacing, and there are a lot of plot threads with what seems like a ton of new characters stuffed in. Among the new characters Kumail Nanjiani channeling his inner-Rick Moranis fares the best.

But despite my problems overall, “Frozen Empire” feels more like a “Ghostbusters” film than its predecessor – largely because it goes all-in on the nostalgia factor.

And it’s the nostalgia that ultimately proves to be the new film’s blessing. We get to see most of the original cast together one more time – a welcome reunion that makes this installment satisfying enough.

“Frozen Empire” may not make a profound impact, but if you are a fan of the franchise, it will certainly make you feel good.

Starring: Paul Rudd, McKenna Grace

Directed by: Gil Kenan

Rating: PG-13 for supernatural action/violence, language and some suggestive references

Playing at: Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas (Glasgow)

Grade: B-