Movie Review: Ghostbusters Afterlife (2021)
It's the last video for the Spooky Month even though Halloween is already over. I wanted to do the last video for the month of October and the first video for the month of November.
I wanted to check out the last film and I wanted to cover thoroughly my feelings on this movie. And that movie is Ghostbusters: Afterlife.
"Ghostbusters: Afterlife" is a 2021 supernatural comedy film directed by Jason Reitman, who is the son of Ivan Reitman, the director of the original "Ghostbusters" movies. The film serves as a direct sequel to the original "Ghostbusters" films from the 1980s and is set in a small town in Oklahoma. It follows a single mother and her two children who move to this town and discover a connection to the original Ghostbusters and their equipment. As paranormal activities start to occur in the area, the family, along with some new friends, embarks on a ghost-hunting adventure to uncover the legacy of the Ghostbusters and save the world from a new paranormal threat. The film blends nostalgia with a new generation of Ghostbusters, paying homage to the classic franchise while introducing fresh characters and a new story.
In which I like, by the way, and follow up on the two most loved movies of the 1980s: Ghostbusters 1 and 2. The two movies have had a lasting impact on the last two decades in producing products from toys, cartoons, and other memorabilia. It has sustained its loyal fanbase, both Gen X'ers and Millennials who grew up with those properties.
Only one film made sour the taste of the original fans and made it weirdly political, was the Paul Feige version of Ghostbusters starring: Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones.
I'm not sure why there was so much controversy surrounding that movie, but after a thorough examination of the film with input from other respected internet critics, it appears to be a postmodern garbage that disrespects the original fanbase and the original movies.
I'm siding with the fans on this one. It's nothing more than a million-dollar hate message toward the fans of the original, and I'm not down with that Americanized garbage.
Upon revisiting "Afterlife" and attempting to dissect the film within its two-hour runtime, it felt more like an indie film than a blockbuster. This is because it focuses less on ghosts and more on character studies of the main characters, particularly Phoebe Spengler (played by McKenna Grace) and her older brother, Trevor Spengler (played by Finn Wolfhard).
The film also serves as a much-needed do-over of the disastrous Paul Feige version. In terms of tone, it acts as a pleasant palette cleanser while grounding the new characters and their struggles. However, there are moments where the story seems to take a pause and decompress. My main gripe with the movie, and with certain movies in general, is that the runtime is excessively long, and it feels like it's stretching itself thin.
Is it justifiable for "Afterlife" to be that long? In short, yes. Is it good? I'd rate it a seven out of ten in my book. It needed the extra time to further develop some characters and showcase the impressive practical and CG effects, which it does abundantly. One notable flaw in the movie, as many critics have pointed out, is the underutilization of Finn Wolfhard's character, which is unfortunate given the potential story moments that could have worked.
I appreciate the inclusion of classic sound effects and special effect particles in this movie, and the ghost designs remain top-notch. The story builds on the events of the two previous movies, particularly in Ivo Shandor's town and the abandoned mine. The climactic fight is fantastic and justifies the two-hour runtime. I found this movie to be highly entertaining, with its tone and world-building, but there are some flaws and cracks.
Overall, I'd rate it a solid "High Matinee Watch."
"Ghostbusters: Afterlife" serves as a fantastic end to the trilogy and a respectful send-off to Harold Ramis, who passed away on February 24, 2014. His death was a significant loss to the entertainment industry, and he is remembered for his contributions to comedy and filmmaking.
Rating: High Matinee Watch
WHERE TO FIND ME:
Blog
https://peakd.com/@coloristcristian/
TIP:
https://ko-fi.com/seamexicanshow
INTERNET CONTENT:
Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-2540820
Odysee: https://odysee.com/@SeaMexicanShow:7
Link: https://cointr.ee/cristiansabarre