Our J.P. reviews “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” the latest film — starring Carrie Coon, McKenna Grace, and Paul Rudd — in the film franchise.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife
SONY Pictures
- Directed by: Jason Reitman
- Written by: Gil Kenan & Jason Reitman
- Based on the 1984 film “Ghostbusters” An Ivan
- Reitman film written by: Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis
- Produced by: Ivan Reitman
- Executive Producers: Dan Aykroyd, Gil Kenan, Jason Blumenfeld, Michael Beugg, Aaron L. Gilbert, Jason Cloth
- Cast: Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, McKenna Grace, Annie Potts and Paul Rudd
Studio Synopsis:
From director Jason Reitman and producer Ivan Reitman, comes the next chapter in the original Ghostbusters universe. In Ghostbusters: Afterlife, 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. The film is written by Jason Reitman & Gil Kenan.
Columbia Pictures’ GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE. Photo: Kimberley French
J.P.’s Take:
Every once in a while you’ll find a sequel that not only pays homage to its forebears but it does so with glee and charm. “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” is proof that you can go home again with all the love and giddiness to boot.
Jason Reitman, son of “Ghostbusters” ‘84 fame writer/director/producer Ivan Reitman, takes over the reins for the next chapter in the “Ghostbusters” franchise which speaks to the “Stranger Things” generation of today.
“Ghostbusters I and II” were mega hits with audiences all over the world. They were more geared towards the supernatural/comedy realm, making them quite unique within a fairly new blend of genres, however, “Ghostbusters Afterlife” finds a niche within the franchise allowing it to stand apart from its parent films.
Even more noteworthy is the tale that the late Harold Ramis had ushered in before his death, seeing director/writer Jason Reitman with writer Gil Kenan rearranging and solidifying the story to honor Ramis’ legacy as actor, writer and director. The story follows Ramis’ character Egon Spengler (which I won’t spoil) where Spengler’s family is summoned to his dilapidated farmhouse in Oklahoma. The magic begins there as siblings Phoebe (Mckenna Grace), Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and their mother Callie (Carrie Coon) discover some quite unique treasures of their Grandfather’s past. As to why they are there is a grand mystery; an element that had me feeling like a kid again seeing the first “Ghostbusters.”
Photo: Kimberley French
Consider it as a family/fantasy/comedy but don’t be fooled by the revolving door storyline, it would be fair to view this outing as a completionists sequel. In other words, this isn’t just simple fanfare especially for the easter eggs alone; there is something for everyone, even for the first timer who knows not much about the originals. They’ll find themselves chuckling from the inside jokes and story pieces which is not trivial fodder. OK, maybe it is to some degree … however it’s done out of fun and fulfillingness of the plot. Newbies may be triggered to start a watch party of the first two “Ghostbusters” films for the sake of recapturing that fun. They’d be connecting the pieces in the process. This is what I found endearing about this sequel; it had genuine heart and was conscious of what the originators had in mind for the next step.
“Ghostbusters: Afterlife” is the progeny that bears much family resemblance with one liners and catchphrases you know you’ve heard before from a different time. It’s just as funny with punchy jokes and zany antics, in particular the scenes that play out in a Walmart late at night which involves multiple mini Stay Puffed marshmallow beings. The special effects were quite effective here, relying on some practical costumes, locales, and make-up rather than all CGed environments and creatures.
There is an ending that you may or may not see coming if you’re well versed in “Ghostbusters” folklore and it’s one that’ll tug on the heartstrings a bit. At the same time, this is a sequel that tries to offer something new, while keeping it’s history intact. Unlike the retooled “Ghostbusters” of 2016, which felt more like an alt world version than connective family lineage, this one will certainly be remembered especially for the way it brings back a bit of the past, while looking to a new future. I enjoyed it for that fact.