Ghostbusters: Afterlife is a 2021 American comedy horror film about a single mom and her two kids who find their spooky family legacy, plus the secret legacy their grandfather left behind.
Directed by Jason Reitman (Ivan Reitman‘s son) from a screenplay co-written with Gil Kenan (Poltergeist 2015; Monster House).
The movie stars Paul Rudd, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Carrie Coon, Celeste O’Connor and Logan Kim. Dan Akroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Bill Murray and Ernie Hudson are back in cameo roles.
Reviews:
“Writers Gil Kenan and Reitman made choices that I was unsure about initially, but by the end of the film, everything pays off very well, and these choices are justified. The movie’s final act delivers everything you would want from a Ghostbusters finale, and the film doesn’t disappoint in the slightest. It’s a delightfully nostalgic ride that never stops being enjoyable.” Coming Soon
” …some people might say that the movie is trying to be like the Netflix series “Stranger Things,” which also co-stars Wolfhard. But make no mistake: This is a “Ghostbusters” movie in every way. It has comedy, scary thrills and plenty of adventure and mystery that all harken back to the original “Ghostbusters,” but told from young people’s perspectives.” Culture Mix
” …Ghostbusters: Afterlife sinks under the weight of its predecessor while trying desperately to emulate it […] As an attempt to draw new kids in and remind audiences that anyone can be a ghostbuster, Afterlife falters too. Yes, it was refreshing to see a diverse cast on screen (something we can’t believe we’re still saying in 2021) but as we’ve said before, simply casting diverse actors does not make a film progressive…” Digital Spy
“Although Sony and the production company Ghost Corps, Inc. are in charge of the Ghostbusters brand, the end product here is another example of the continuing Disneyfication of the movie industry. Ghostbusters had edge. Ghostbusters: Afterlife is way more entertaining and fulfilling than expected. But it feels safe even when it pretends to be scary.” Dread Central
“There are holes you could pick: there are a couple of plot points that feel under-explained […] For a film called Ghostbusters, it’s fairly light on ghosts. But it gives very little reason to want to pick those holes. It’s always fun, inventive and full of charm. If you have any concerns that Jason Reitman’s film might sully the legacy of his dad’s greatest creation, there’s nothing to be afraid of.” Empire
“Perhaps it’s appropriate and telling that the 2021 incarnation of an 80s artifact would be imbued with all the issues most endemic to the current studio release. Here, we can find a damning summary of modern Hollywood’s default mode – a nostalgia object, drained of personality and fitted into a dully palatable mold, custom-made for a fandom that worships everything and respects nothing.” The Guardian
“If you’re a fan of the first two movies, I think you’re going to love the way this one honors those films and continues the story, and if you’re not already a fan, I think it’s original enough that you can still appreciate it as just a fun new horror-comedy. It has heart, laughs, and even a legit scare or two, so if you enjoy lighthearted comedies with just a touch of horror, I think you’re really going to like this film.” Horror Obsessive
“It ties into the previous movies in a big way, and includes numerous winks and nods. This channels all the way down to the stunning special effects (which remain practical whenever possible) and the fantastic ghostly demon action […] There was a very clear consensus when Ghostbusters: Afterlife ended to a packed auditorium. Everyone cheered…” Josh at the Movies
“Overall, the horror-comedy fails to deliver both horror and comedy. It’s scattered all over the place. When you think the narration is getting better, they mess it up by incorporating boring elements.” Leisure Byte
” …Ghostbusters: Afterlife is a refreshing relaunch of a beloved franchise and one that pays ample amounts of respect to the original. Though it stumbles in the third act, it makes up for that with a lot of heart and a slew of fun, new ghouls. It’s never going to be the original and I think holding it up to that standard is unfair. Go into this with an open mind.” Nightmarish Conjurings
” …an utterly unengaging Amblin-esque coming-of-age story that takes place in the small town of Summerville, which may have a haunted mine but also has an honest-to-God roller hop with a neon sign glowing in the midst of a landscape dotted with cornfields. Technically, Summerville is in Oklahoma, but it might as well be an outpost in the kingdom of Americana…” Vulture
“Those who enjoyed the 1984 film and who actually wanted a new installment of Ghostbusters to offer something different, instead of shamelessly pandering to pre-existing fans, may be disappointed, but they can probably settle for “Afterlife’s” slick and straightforward, formulaic craftsmanship. New audiences will probably love the eclectic energy of the young cast…” The Wrap
Release:
Ghostbusters: Afterlife was scheduled to be released on July 10, 2020, but this ended up being on November 11, 2021.
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Top 10 Things to know before watching Ghostbusters: Afterlife:
