I watched Ghostbusters: Afterlife and I really liked it! 4/5
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Ghostbusters: Afterlife is a heartfelt and nostalgic continuation of the Ghostbusters franchise that captures the spirit of the original while forging a path for a new generation. Directed by Jason Reitman, the son of original director Ivan Reitman, the film balances fan service with fresh ideas, delivering a charming mix of humor, adventure, and emotional resonance. While it leans heavily on callbacks, Afterlife succeeds in honoring its legacy while introducing a likable new cast and a story that feels personal and fun.
The film follows Callie (Carrie Coon) and her two kids, Phoebe (Mckenna Grace) and Trevor (Finn Wolfhard), who move to a small town after inheriting a rundown farmhouse from Callie’s estranged father. It doesn’t take long for Phoebe to uncover the truth: her grandfather was Egon Spengler, one of the original Ghostbusters. As mysterious earthquakes plague the town and ghostly activity begins to stir, the kids, with help from their quirky teacher Mr. Grooberson (Paul Rudd), uncover Egon’s unfinished mission and step into his ghostbusting shoes.
Mckenna Grace is the heart of the film as Phoebe, a brilliant but socially awkward teenager who discovers her connection to Egon. Grace’s performance is fantastic, blending intelligence, curiosity, and vulnerability in a way that feels genuine and relatable. She carries much of the film’s emotional weight, and her moments of discovery—both of her family’s history and her own sense of belonging—are some of its most touching. Finn Wolfhard brings his trademark charm as Trevor, while Logan Kim, as Phoebe’s friend Podcast, adds a dose of comic relief that fits perfectly into the Ghostbusters tone.
Paul Rudd, as the lovable and slightly nerdy Mr. Grooberson, is a delight, bringing humor and enthusiasm that complements the younger cast. His excitement over the original Ghostbusters’ legacy mirrors the audience’s nostalgia, making him a perfect bridge between the old and new generations. Carrie Coon grounds the story as Callie, adding depth to the family’s strained relationship with Egon and highlighting the personal stakes in a way that feels authentic.
Jason Reitman’s direction strikes a careful balance between nostalgia and modernity. The film is packed with references and Easter eggs for longtime fans, from the iconic Ecto-1 and proton packs to returning characters and familiar ghostly faces. At the same time, it carves out its own identity, focusing on family and the passing of the torch. The small-town setting gives the story a different feel from the urban chaos of New York, but it works, creating a sense of intimacy that complements the story’s emotional core.
The film’s pacing is mostly tight, with a buildup of mystery and suspense that leads to an exciting and heartwarming finale. The action sequences are well-executed, and the return of classic ghostly elements—like the Terror Dogs and the Stay Puft Marshmallows—delivers both thrills and laughs. The final act leans heavily on nostalgia, but it’s handled with such sincerity that it feels earned rather than forced. A surprise appearance by the surviving original Ghostbusters is a highlight, offering a poignant sense of closure while leaving the door open for new stories.
Visually, Afterlife is stunning. The effects are a mix of modern CGI and practical elements that pay homage to the original’s charm. The ghosts are creatively designed, and the film’s color palette—shifting from the warm tones of the farmhouse to the eerie glow of supernatural activity—enhances the mood. Rob Simonsen’s score also weaves in Elmer Bernstein’s iconic themes, adding to the film’s nostalgic appeal.
However, Afterlife isn’t without its flaws. The plot occasionally feels predictable, and some moments of fan service are so overt that they risk overshadowing the new characters. The younger cast is compelling, but they sometimes feel overshadowed by the weight of the original franchise’s legacy. Still, these issues don’t detract significantly from the film’s overall impact.
In the end, Ghostbusters: Afterlife is a loving tribute to the original while successfully charting a course for the future. It’s a movie filled with heart, humor, and just the right amount of spookiness. Fans of the original will find plenty to enjoy, but the film’s focus on family and discovery makes it accessible to newcomers as well.
4/5