Ghostbusters is a franchise that's not super near and dear to my heart, only by proxy of my age. Even growing up in the 90's I never caught on to it and, while I've seen the originals pieced together via television re-runs, I've never really sought to give them dedicated time like I did with something like Back to the Future.
That said, I also recognize the original's nostalgia and place in many people's hearts as an iconic, blockbuster comedy featuring several comedians at the absolute top of their game.
So whenever there's a new Ghostbusters film announced I feel like there's either a collective eyeroll from the hardcore fanbase that wants their baby untouched or excitement from the other half that wants a successful revisiting akin to The Force Awakens.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife represents the second attempt to restart this series after the ill-fated but way-over-hated, all-female Ghostbusters of 2016. Looking back on that film, I overrrated it at the time - likely in the face of a cringe-worthy internet reaction - because I don't remember all that much from it.
So, with that preface out of the way and my "dedication" to this franchise now laid bare, you're well prepared to have the context of my review and whether or not you should listen to it.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife is another COVID-delayed film that's finally releasing and had some glowing reviews after early initial screenings. Those glowing reviews have tapered off heavily, but I tend to side with them rather than some of the more cynical scores I've been seeing. Afterlife feels like one of those "reboot sequels" that doesn't pulverize you with having to have knowledge of the past, while sneaking in fun nods for those who are experts. It's story of continuation is fine, I guess, with the best part being the family connection rather than the ghost-plot at its center.
Afterlife's biggest strength is the superb casting of its characters. While I'm sure many are expecting cameos (of which I will NOT spoil here), I'm referring to the new cast, of which I couldn't find a weak link. Stranger Things' Finn Wolfhard is better than he is in that show as an awkward teenager while his mother, Carrie Coon, is a shockingly brutal mother (in a funny, endearing way) that feels like a fully fleshed out character. The family is rounded out by Mckenna Grace as Phoebe, who's the star of the show. Clearly a child somewhere on the spectrum, she doesn't fit in except with science and plays like a toned down Sheldon. Quickly, she befriends an adorable boy, Podcast and the two have great "little kid" chemistry together that gives the film a youthful vibrancy. This is all along with the newly-crowned "Sexiest Man Alive", Paul Rudd, who's his usual charming and funny self here, without completely stealing the show by being the biggest name. Together, everyone has genuine chemistry that elevates the rest of the film's material.
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| Well that's an upsetting image... |
I wasn't super fond of Afterlife's plot - especially after letting it sit with me for 30-60 minutes - aside from the family connection to Harold Ramis' original character; the family of Coon, Wolfhard, and Grace are his daughter and grandchildren, respectively. This creates some well-earned heartwarming and tear jerking moments, even for a "non-fan" of the series like me and is sure to score big points with audience members who love this franchise. Aside from that however, the mystery of the ghosts in this random Oklahoma town and the ultimate reveal of some post-apocalyptic scenario all seem both 1) generic and 2) dragged out. The mystery feels like it almost goes in circles without ever revealing anything until it reveals everything while the final battle feels pretty hollow in 2021.
Otherwise, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, from director Jason Reitman (son of original film director, Ivan Reitman) has a first 50% where there's a real feeling of "movie magic" - feeling like the films of old with some mystery, low-stakes action, a playful original score, and some excellent filming that combines nostalgia with modern day. That's not wholly lost in the latter 50%, especially because the film relies a lot on practical effects when it can, but it loses some of its magic in the whole "big battle" thing that it feels like it needs to checkmark.
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| In all honesty, an original score as great as Stranger Things would have been awesome |
Afterlife is surely a film the fans will love for a variety of reasons (not all of which were revealed here). It's clear - largely because it's Reitman - there's reverence for the original and what it meant to people, while clearly trying to open the door for a new generation with the young cast. It's mostly successful, thanks to its cast and early movie magic, while never being so great that I'd want to watch it over and over like I'm sure many do with the original.
CONS
- The ghost-based plot points are generic and the mystery feels like goes nowhere...until it doesn't
- The big final battle feels like it's just doing that to check a box and the immediate 10 minutes preceding it to get there is kind of weird/disjointed
- Some subplots feel unnecessary (i.e. Trevor trying to get a girlfriend)
- Humor is consistent, but rarely laugh-out-loud funny
- Fantastic cast that gels well. Mckenna Grace is the MVP but there's really no weak links here
- Good balance of nostalgia that doesn't beat you over the head. Obvious iconic elements like the Ecto 1 you should already know about, but subtle nods that experts will pick up on
- Touching plot around Spengler's family with a solid payoff that will I'm sure please fans
- First half is truly movie magic and feels special
- Good balance of special and practical effects
- Fun and often humorous. The mini-Stay-Pufts were a riot
Rath's Review Score | 7.5/10
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