Review of Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) by Lazyninjauk — 19 Nov 2021

Going into this I had measured expectations, after so many failed attempts to make a 3rd Ghostbusters film over the past 3 decades and the travesty that was Ghostbusters (2016). The trailers left me optimistic, but also worried they might be leaning too hard on the Strange Things vibe.

All that trepidation left me within the first 10 minutes. Ghostbusters Afterlife is a solid and enjoyable reboot with lots of nods to the past, solid pacing and is a real love letter to fans. Aside from the really strong and likable cast, the main reason Ghostbusters Afterlife succeeds where GB2016 failed is that the film makers had a real respect for the source material.

GB2016 had some real talent with Kate McKinnon and Kristen Wiig, but the writing and style of comedy was just the polar opposite of what a Ghostbusters movie should be. Coming from Jason Reitman, son of original Ghostbusters director Ivan Reitman - with Ivan producing and providing oversite - Ghostbusters Afterlife has a lot of heart which left me choked up by the end.

By the time it was over it left me looking forward to where the story will go next. That's what critics giving this a poor review don't understand, complaining there is too much fan service. I disagree, thats what this film succeeded on most - giving us GB fans hope that there is a bright future for this franchise.