Following decades of development hell for another Ghostbusters sequel, director Jason Reitman (son of original films director Ivan Reitman) brought the project to life with Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Considering the last franchise installment was the divisive 2016 reboot from director Paul Feig, many were curious, yet cautious to see if this new film would take the series in the right direction. Although a bit skeptical myself, as a lifetime Ghostbusters fan, I walked out of the theater with tears and a smile.
Callie (Carrie Coon) moves with her two children, Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and Phoebe (Mckenna Grace), to Summerville, Oklahoma, following the death of Callie’s estranged father. Being down on their luck, and income, the family of three settles into a farmhouse located on a “dirt farm” left behind, which is also where Trevor and Phoebe’s grandfather met his untimely death. As something malevolent is brewing nearby, it will be left to the family, and a few familiar faces, to finish what was started years ago.
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The film boasts a strong cast, with much of the story resting on the shoulders of Mckenna Grace. The young actress, who has previously shown audiences what she’s capable of with roles in Captain Marvel, Annabelle Comes Home, The Haunting of Hill House, and many other titles (while still making time to be a kid and ride bikes), was clearly up for the challenge. Here, Grace hits yet another wildly entertaining home-run as the awkward, dry, and nerdy Phoebe. There is so much humor, and heart, to be found while she shares the screen with her new friend Podcast (Logan Kim) and Paul Rudd’s Gary Grooberson. Of course, it is no surprise that Rudd is a comedic source in just about every scene he’s in, but there is no shortage of banter and wit from the entire cast. There are scenes that take it too far in sheer goofiness, with Rudd and Coon’s Terror Dog scene at the top of the list, coming off more like a parody or sketch comedy.
Changing the setting from New York City to a rural landscape was risky, as the original films act as love letters to the city and its people. The town of Summerville proved to work in the film’s favor, allowing for more focus on family and adventure while also being shrouded in mystery. This is a family-friendly film, but there are definite elements of horror, with Gozer’s hellish, modernized update taking the crown. As with the original, terror is outweighed by comedy and silly entities, as the adorable, yet demonically insane Stay Puft marshmallows steal the show.
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Considering this is a sequel to one of the most beloved franchises ever created, fan service is expected. While a few of the Easter eggs are too forced (looking at you, Twinkie), many feel right at home. The film takes place within the same universe, so seeing familiar brands and references to the most famous ghostly take-down in history wouldn’t be unrealistic. It also serves as backstory for new viewers, and gives nods to longtime fans. This is all topped off with the ultimate cameos, and one that is sure to make most fans sob (including this fan!).
Ghostbusters: Afterlife gives us another entertaining chapter in the story, while successfully closing out the first. However, it doesn’t just look to the past and present, with the post-credit scene showing us what could be in store for the future. Just as Ghostbusters (1984) acted as a gateway horror film for many of us at a young age, we can expect Ghostbusters: Afterlife to act as the same for a new generation.