Ghostbusters: Afterlife
review by Bobby Blakey
In 1984 we all found out who we could call when the ghosts came haunting with Ghostbusters. Since then it spawned a sequel in 1989 and remake in 2016 both of which I loved. Sadly the new film didn’t get the numbers we hoped so thought the franchise might be over until son of original director Ivan Reitman, Jason Reitman stepped up with a new idea. Could this latest entry raise the franchise from the dead or will it be afraid of the ghosts?
Ghostbusters: Afterlife follows a single mom and her two kids after they arrive in a small town and begin to discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind. The new film stars Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, and Paul Rudd as well as some fun cameos. Most know already who does and does not possibly show up, but I am going to play dumb here to keep it all as quiet as possible so everyone can experience it for themselves.
I know most have issues with the reimagining, but I had a good time with it, but this one is no doubt the one that the hardcore fans have been dreaming of sort of. It is a great new direction to the franchise that both honors the original as a love letter to the franchise and its iconic stars, while still very much being its own thing. You could argue that a lot of the elements are just a rehash to the original film, but I see it as a direct follow up to that situation that was never fully solved.
The cast are all great but its McKenna Grace and her buddy “Podcast” played by Logan Kim who stole the show for me. They have great chemistry and bring a familiar tone to the characters while still being their own. Everyone gets their moment to shine and bring something to the table to help bring the new freshness to the familiar story.
Of course when you have the Ghostbusters you gots to have ghosts and they have plenty both familiar and new. They are all entertaining and juggle like the previous films from scary to comical. I was worried the mini-stay pufts you see in the trailer would be too much, but they ended up being fun additions as well as another named Muncher. It made me happy to see that they clearly used some practical effects along with the CGI as well to make it
feel not only more real, but in line with some elements of the original.
The story isn’t anything new and to be honest is pretty much a rehash of the original film as I mentioned before, but it just works for me. It’s like unfinished business and the only way it would make sense for me to really tap back into the past and the direction they go in the story. It’s filled with laughs, heart, and plenty of ghosts to bust. Bring your tissues as it might even get you choked up a bit. Be sure to stay through the credits for two after credit scenes.
In addition to the film this release offers up a ton of bonus content including a deleted scene, commentary and numerous bonus features taking you behind bringing this latest entry into the franchise to life. As if that wasn’t enough Sony is also bringing home an all-new Ghostbusters Ultimate Collection.
The collection features Ghostbusters, Ghostbusters II and Ghostbusters: Afterlife on 4K Ultra HD & Blu-ray, plus two discs full of special features! Includes over 20 hours of rare behind-the-scenes and must-see archival gems, including the full Preview Cut of the original movie and much, much more! Presented in collectible “ghost trap” packaging with lights,and includes a full 220-page reprint of the rare 1985 “Making GHOSTBUSTERS” book! Also includes digital versions of Ghostbusters, Ghostbusters II, Ghostbusters: Answer The Call and Ghostbusters: Afterlife.
You know who to call when Ghostbusters: Afterlife available now on digital and then on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD as well as The Ghostbusters Ultimate Collection on February 1st from Sony Home Entertainment.