Ghostbusters: Afterlife - A Movie Review

Who are we going to call about this ghost problem? Hmm, I have an idea.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife is a 2021 sequel to Ghostbusters which appeared in theaters in 1984. A single mom and her kids move onto the unkempt farm of her late father. Upon the discovery that they have a secret connection to the original Ghostbusters, evil ghosts soon take over the small town.

I have been waiting since last year to see Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Going in, I had doubts about the film. Laughing and marveling over the special effects, Ghostbusters: Afterlife was a better movie than to be expected. It lives up to its predecessor.

A cast of familiar and talented faces appears in Ghostbusters: Afterlife. McKenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard, Carrie Coon, and Paul Rudd did a wonderful job. Everyone had a fun time working on this film.

I am most impressed with McKenna Grace. For a child actress of her age, Grace has been in several forms of media playing similar roles but managing to convey a different personality each time. Grace was the highlight of the film. Phoebe has a unique mind. The adventure that she endures helps her to be more confident.

Stranger Things fans are sure to recognize Finn Wolfhard. Terrific with his comedic timing, Trevor spends most of the film griping about everything. Wolfhard could have had a better presence in the film aside from addressing the typical teen trope. His romantic subplot with Lucky (Celeste O’Connor) should have been fleshed out more.

Paul Rudd added his good old charm to this film. As the summer school teacher, I like how he showed horror movies in class instead of teaching anything. My favorite scene was when he was just walking through Walmart to get a carton of ice cream.

Logan Kim was another standout in his first film role. Kim had some of the best one-liners. I like the friendship developed between Phoebe and Podcast. Their friendship is a great example that anyone can be friends.

Be on the lookout for some of your favorite characters from the original Ghostbusters films. This film succeeded in nostalgic energy. I could feel the entire theater illuminating in excitement. That was one of the best parts. The moment the trademark ghosthunting machines were turned on, the whole theater cheered.

A hand goes out to the special effects team for their incorporations of effects. The car chase scene was signature. Continuing with the vision of the original film, practical effects were used. One special effect will take audiences back with what it is.

Jason Reitman brought the charm, comedy, and nostalgic tone to the sequel. That’s what the first Ghostbusters was all about. I was worried that this film was going to ignore the events from the first film. Ghostbusters: Afterlife is a worthy successor to the original, ultimately paying respects to the late Harold Ramis in a surprisingly poignant climax.

The film is goofy. The comedy felt natural. I will never forget my theater erupting with laughter at the funny moments, particularly the scenes that took place in the Walmart. Everyone had good comedic timing.

My only issue was that the ending felt too reminiscent of the original film. It could have had a more original ending. There should have been a better lead in to the original Ghostbusters. They just appear out of nowhere. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great scene. The whole theater applauded.

Go see Ghostbusters: Afterlife in theaters. It is worth it. I had fun. I was smiling and laughing the entire time.