Ghostbusters: Afterlife 2021
I liked the original Ghostbusters but not the sequel. This next generation sequel (actually skipping a generation) got decent, but not great reviews from critics, but audiences were more receptive. I think part of that is some strong nostalgia. Watching the first hour, the main thing missing is much of a sense of humor. Instead it is mostly a kid adventure about ghosts and gadgets. That is still fun, but humor was the bigger driver in the original. Fortunately special effects have gotten better, so the movie can rely more on that, plus there had to be a bigger budget available this time. Much of the mythologic elements in this movie are the same this time around, including the eventual appearance of Gozer the Gozerian. The four kids playing the new Ghostbusters are pretty good though very little serious acting is required. The girl who plays the granddaughter of Egon Spengler certainly evokes Harold Ramis' look from the original movie and pretty much carries the film. While there aren’t many surprises, the movie is still fun and nostalgic. The audiences are right that the movie is fun and easy to watch, while the critics are also right that it isn’t telling a bold new story. There will be a sequel in 2024.
Written: 01 Feb 2024
Owned on: Digital