Ghostbusters: Afterlife

Scott Hardie: “It ruled.”

I did not expect this to be good, given the poor reception by critics, who admonished it for a paucity of jokes, the limitations of its young cast, and a way too reverent tone towards the 1984 original as if it's holy scripture. And those complaints are all valid. What it also possesses is a great sense of growing menace, a compelling if not exactly challenging mystery, very likable characters, and a lot of heart. I was moved in the ways that this movie wanted to move me: I laughed at its wit, thrilled at its action, feared its villains, and was moved by its tugging at heartstrings. I call that a successful entertainment.

As for the inevitable comparisons to its predecessor, the last attempt to restart the franchise: I liked that one more. It went for big laughs and often succeeded. It's the one I'd pick if I were ever to watch either movie again. And both of them were too slavish to the original 1984 movie, making endless winking references and relying far too much on nostalgia instead of doing the expansive world-building necessary to support a future franchise. But I liked this one too, and wouldn't mind seeing another sequel like this if it's just as good.

− December 9, 2021 • more by Scott • log in or create an account to reply

Matthew Preston: I am glad to see that you enjoyed it. I'm so hesitant to see it because I feel it will just ruin the franchise for me (I expect a few eye rolling retcons). Just curious, does this film reference or acknowledge its predecessor? − December 9, 2021 • more by Matthew

Evie Totty: @Matthew: See next reply (hiding for spoiler) − December 9, 2021 • more by Evie

Evie Totty: This reply contains spoilers. Reveal it. − December 9, 2021 • more by Evie

Scott Hardie: Matthew, do you mean its immediate predecessor, the 2016 film? No, Afterlife writes that one out of any possible series canon with one line of dialogue ("there's been no ghost activity since [well before then]"). But the 2016 film didn't seem to take place in the same world anyway, recasting the original actors in new roles. − December 9, 2021 • more by Scott

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Evie Totty: “It was ok.”

I only have it as 'Ok' because 'It ruled' is a 'see multiple times'. That said - I did love the movie. Very nostalgic.

I could very much relate to the girl - more interested in science than roughhousing or whatever. The podcaster kid was adorable.

And yes, it also moved me - there were tears.

I do have a complaint: not enough Paul Rudd. His character seemed to be building up to have a major part... then Poof!

− December 9, 2021 • more by Evie • log in or create an account to reply

Scott Hardie: Yes, I definitely liked Paul Rudd's character and wanted to see more of him. Carrie Coon got top billing but didn't have much to do; her underdeveloped character could have had more dimensions and I'd have liked to see more of her. − December 9, 2021 • more by Scott

Scott Hardie: This reply contains spoilers. Reveal it. − December 9, 2021 • more by Scott

Evie Totty: Hah! Good point! *feels good about self* − December 9, 2021 • more by Evie

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