Ghostbusters: Afterlife: Directed by Jason Reitman. With Carrie Coon, Paul Rudd, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace. When a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind.
After reading all of the reviews, I wasn’t too sure I was gonna watch this movie in theaters. Seems the nostalgia wasn’t worth it from what I could tell based on the reviews. Now, those I read don’t always share my thoughts but I usually trust what they have to say. In this case — I have differing opinions.
While on vacation cruising through Belize, Honduras, and Mexico with stops in Miami on both ends of the trip I got a little bored and said a movie might do me some good. I decided to see what this film was about despite the $18 ticket price — thank you Miami, never again.
From the opening scene to its closer — this movie delivers a heartfelt message about one’s passion, life, family, and what lies ahead. With a “for Harold” tribute at the end, this film really wanted tears to fall from my eyes — like that thug I am, I resisted — barely.
Let’s jump into it.
This film stars Carrie Coon as Callie, a single mother of two, son Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) a sullen teen with a knack for mechanics, and a 12-year-old daughter Phoebe (Mckenna Grace) as a misfit science whiz, a gift she apparently inherited from her grandfather, whose identity is revealed to us in an interesting way. Due to an unexpected death, this hard on its luck family make their way to the fictional, small-town of Summerville to take over their relative’s (grandfather’s) dilapidated farm, but when they get there, they soon realize there’s something strange in the neighborhood.
Obviously, once they get there hijinks ensue but it’s the way the story weaves together the mystery surrounding their grandfather’s death and the secrets the town holds.
The director and writer do a good job of weaving nostalgia and updates to bring the previous sequels to the present in this sequel/revival film in the franchise.
I know what you’re thinking, what about the 2016 film starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones, which caused such a stir because it dared to feature women busting ghosts. They aren’t featured or mentioned but when you see where the film is heading you may understand why.
I liked that version as well but its silliness was without a heart for me. It’s still a nice movie and I hope they can find a creative way to marry the two because I think that would be an impressive story.
Anywho, with two mid-credits scenes that again provide nostalgia but also bring the story forward, I feel this film does a great job of introducing to some and presenting to others who the Ghostbusters are in this new world.
Paul Rudd delivers a silly but necessary portrayal of a loving, everyday man who wields just enough intel to not only understand what’s happening around him but also bring levity to the moment so it’s not taken too seriously.
Some fan favorites are also back for this film including Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, and Sigourney Weaver reprising their roles from the original films.
@John_Russell98 said: “McKenna Grace did a spectacular job. The hair and glasses they gave her did a very convincing job that she was, indeed, playing the granddaughter of Egon. I’d even argue she could be passed off as Harold Ramis’ granddaughter too.”
My favorite character in this film is Podcast played by Logan Kim. This kid is hilarious and delivers notable, quotable lines from the moment he enters the frame.
If you loved the original film and its sequel — you’ll definitely enjoy this film and the possible future of the franchise.
