Review of Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) by Kingedhorn — 05 Dec 2021

Is Ghostbusters Afterlife a perfect film? NO.

Does it stand on its own without relying on nostalgia and the strength of the original? Also no. But you know what? It didn't have to. Ghostbusters Afterlife was exactly what it needed to be..Is Ghostbusters Afterlife a perfect film? NO.

Does it stand on its own without relying on nostalgia and the strength of the original?

Also no.

But you know what? It didn't have to. Ghostbusters Afterlife was exactly what it needed to be.. a loving homage to a beloved film series and a touching family film with just a hint of the subtle "horro" the original brought to the table. There were parts that made me jump.. parts that made me laugh.. and, most importantly for this film, parts that made me cry. I don't admit this lightly, the end of this film hit me hard and I loved it!

I understand some folks being put off by the reluance on nostalgia and rehashed story beats... but I DON'T CARE! As a fan who saw the originals in the theaters as a kid, and taking my children to see this one now... when so many terrible and half-hearted sequels have been shoved out 9ver the last decade...... this was precisely what I wanted and I can not stress enough how much I appreciate everyone involved in this movie for bringing so much passion and respect to a franchise that so important to me.

Very few movies over the last 10 or so years have really hit me emotionally. But this one delivered a gut-punch in the best possible way.