Ghostbusters: Afterlife Review: The Original Ghostbusters are back
Rating: 70/100
Director: Jason Reitman
Plot:
When a single mother and her two children move to a new town, they soon discover they have a connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind.
Review:
Ghostbusters: Afterlife is a pretty fair supernatural comedy that continues after the original two films. Following decades later, on a single mother Callie (Carrie Coon), and her two children Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and Phoebe (Mckenna Grace). They move into an old farmhouse after their grandfather has passed away and gave them the inheritance.
Phoebe and Trevor discover something hidden in the barn that goes back towards the original ghostbusters. While the town they have been living in has been experiencing earthquakes. And something sinister coming from the mountain in that town. Phoebe and Trevor discover ghosts and get help from Gary (Paul Rudd) who has been investigating the strange occurrences in the town.
What worked? The film is a fresh sequel off from the original two films. It continues the story in a way. And has a lot of Easter eggs and surprises that the original fans will love. It does not disappoint without giving much away. From previous characters to supernatural ghosts. It was a lot of fun with the script and direction bringing back and paying homage to the original.
Mckenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard, and Carrie Coon were good at playing new characters. Playing as a family who is forced to live in the farmhouse after struggling with debt and having nowhere to go. Paul Rudd is a fun addition playing Gary Grooberson, a school teacher. A teacher who skimps out on summer classes and just puts horror movies on for his classmates. There are other fun cast members that make surprises that are more fun to see for yourself.
The visual effects are pretty decent and exciting.
Seeing a ghost called Muncher is similar to slimmer. Plus, the hellhounds are back. And more.
The film does have some decent action sequences that put the family in a ghost adventure in trying to save the world from a forming apocalypse. The new mini marshmallow puff creatures were fun and entertaining.
What did not work?
The film does have a slow setup with the first act of the movie. Having the family move into the town. Despising their grandfather for having a weird reputation and falling apart farmhouse. Phoebe is awkward and trying to fit in at school. Trevor trying to get the girl he met at a burger place and fitting in with that group of friends. Callie falling for Gary Grooberson. Does have a slow-moving direction for the first half of the movie. Picks up when the kids get the ghostbuster car and equipment.
The second slight issue is a big threat that is set up is too easily resolved in the climax.
It brings for a decent action scene but it is quickly resolved which ends abruptly.
Verdict:
Overall, it is a pretty fair film and fun addition that will make fans happy to see.
