'Ghostbusters: Afterlife' taps into the tranquil vein of nostalgia, and earnestly beams with a glow that warmly harks back to its roots. It's a love letter to the classic, and it's dipped in enough specter-fighting excitement to say it's a worthy successor to the phenomenon that swept audiences off their feet in the '80s.
The movie takes us on a ride to Summerville, a town that's the polar opposite of the bustling New York City we know from the original 'Ghostbusters.' It's a stroke of genius, really, giving us new scenery to explore and grounding us in the everyday struggles of a single mother, Callie, as she settles into a neglected home with her kids, Phoebe and Trevor. It's here where the magic begins to bubble.
Director Jason Reitman, son of Ivan Reitman—the maestro of the original 'Ghostbusters'—takes the reins with reverence and a personal touch that is palpable in each frame. The visual whispers of the past skitter throughout without suffocating the fresh breath that the movie takes. It's a delicate dance of the old and the new, done with surprising grace.
Phoebe, portrayed with a brilliant spark by Mckenna Grace, is the conduit through which we delve into the legacy of the ghostbusters. It's through her eyes that we piece together the mystery, her curiosity coaxing the secrets out of the walls of their eerie new home. Finn Wolfhard's Trevor offers a complementary window into teenage yearnings, grounding the supernatural shenanigans with human desires.
As the children unearth the eccentric relics left by their grandfather, each item is a piece to the bigger puzzle—a love note to fans and a breadcrumb for newcomers. The tremors that unsettle Summerville connect us to the seismic activity of storytelling, waking ghosts of lore for a new audience to chase.
Let's talk about those ghosts—the visual effects that summon them are crafty and cool. The spirits have enough whimsy and creep factor that they wouldn't look out of place in the original films. The return of the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man is a delicious dollop of comedic charm that satisfies a sweet tooth for the throwback, balancing humor with the freckles of fear that pepper the thrilling encounters.
Nostalgia runs thick, but 'Ghostbusters: Afterlife' isn't just trapped in the ectoplasm of yesteryear. It sprints towards the future with open arms, ready to embrace what lies ahead. The torch is handed to the next generation with grace and gusto.
The score squeals with the iconic notes and the new riffs that resonate with the legacy. It ignites emotions, rouses the memories, and yet does not overstay its presence, instead complementing the new story unfurling before us.
However, nothing is perfect. Amidst the delightful discovery and ghostly adventures, some of the new characters aren't given as much room to shine as the beloved specters. A bit more spirit in character development could've taken this film from good to great. Also, the homage does at times lean towards the formulaic, predictable cues that may not appease all.
All said, 'Ghostbusters: Afterlife' feels like meeting an old friend with some new stories to tell. It captures the essence of who we remember, yet introduces us to their offspring, extending the family and inviting us in. It's surprisingly good, fitting as a revival and as a stepping stone to whatever may come next in the spectral saga.
For those yearning for a dose of nostalgia served with a side of fresh, fun thrill, 'Ghostbusters: Afterlife' hits many of the right notes. The final score? A phantasmic 7/10. It's more than just good to see—it's a comforting continuation of a beloved story graced with a dash of new life.
