Movie Review: Ghostbusters Afterlife

Ghostbusters Afterlife, directed by Jason Reitman and written by Dan Aykroyd, Gil Kenan, and Reitman himself, is a film that is undoubtedly for fans of the original franchise. While it may not be a standalone movie that will appeal to new audiences, it is a nostalgic treat for those who grew up with the Ghostbusters.

The story follows Phoebe (Mckenna Grace), a young girl who discovers she is a direct descendant of Egon Spengler and has inherited his love for ghosts. Alongside her brother Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and mother Callie (Carrie Coon), they move into their grandfather's abandoned farm in the middle of nowhere, where they soon discover that it's not just the ghosts they need to worry about.

While the film is enjoyable, it's clear that it was made with the fans in mind. The movie rehashes some familiar foes and has a few nods to the original Ghostbusters (1984). However, this also means that it's not a self-contained story that can be enjoyed without prior knowledge of the franchise.

One of the standout aspects of the film is Phoebe's journey from skeptic to rookie Ghostbuster. Her rapport with her teacher Grooberson (Paul Rudd) and fellow outcast 'Podcast' (Logan Kim) is heartwarming, and it's clear that she is the real protagonist of the film.

However, the transition from exploration to action can be jarring at times, and some characters' arcs feel a bit rushed. Trevor's romantic angle with Lucky (Celeste O'Connor) doesn't seem to have much agency, and his character development is overshadowed by Phoebe's journey.

Despite its flaws, Ghostbusters Afterlife has a place and an audience. Fans of the original will undoubtedly enjoy this movie, and it may even spark a new category in film criticism: nostalgia films. While it may not be a must-watch for everyone, it's not a bad film either – which is to say, it's not particularly good either.

Overall, Ghostbusters Afterlife is a film that is best appreciated by those who are already familiar with the franchise. If you're new to the world of Ghostbusters, there's nothing particularly compelling about this film that will make you want to jump into the series. But for fans of the original, it's a nostalgic treat that's sure to bring back some fond memories.

Movie review ghostbusters afterlife