Director Jason Reitman’s latest instalment in the Ghostbusters franchise, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” pays homage to the original while introducing new characters and a fresh narrative. Both Reitmans and Kenan took to the stage at the media screening and promised us, that the film delivers a story about a family made by a family. They weren’t lying.
Reitman, along with co-writer Gil Kenan, has crafted a clever and charming chapter in the Ghostbusters franchise that effortlessly navigates the challenges facing today’s youth. With a quirky-yet-affectionate wit and dry humour, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” adeptly tackles the awkwardness of being a young person in a rapidly changing world.
The film is peppered with allusions to its predecessors and possesses a magnetism that makes it a true delight to watch. However, the film falters in its third act, losing touch with its tenderhearted nature and abruptly shifting its focus to the supernatural elements that have been hinted at and teased throughout. The jarring difference derails the film, but it manages to salvage itself and conclude on a satisfactory note.
Despite its faults, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” is a genuinely lovable tribute to its inspiration, with enough warmth and nostalgia to distract from its stumbles. Rather than being a straightforward ghost story, the film welcomes back fans with open arms and introduces a new age of busting ghosts in a more contemporary fashion. It is a feel-good blockbuster that will have you shouting “who ya gonna call?” all over again.
Note: There is one mid-credit and one post-credit scene following Ghostbusters: Afterlife.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Listen to Martyn and Gerrod discuss the film on the most recent podcast.