Ghostbusters: Afterlife is the Ghostbusters reboot that we all needed. Ghostbusters: Afterlife is the perfect mix of 80s nostalgia blended with new faces and a great plot, making this a must-see movie this holiday season.
The Ecto-1 in Columbia Pictures’ GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife Review
If you’re a fan of the Ghostbusters universe—and especially the original Ghostbusters movie—then Ghostbusters Afterlife is a must-see movie this holiday season. It’s loaded with Easter eggs and cameos that will warm the heart of any Ghostbusters fan.
Phoebe (Mckenna Grace) in the Ecto-1 jumpseat in Columbia Pictures’ GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE.
What Works with Ghostbusters: Afterlife – Review
The plot of Ghostbusters: Afterlife is just as good as that of the original film
The fourth film in the Ghostbusters franchise, Ghostbusters: Afterlife is an original story that picks up decades where the first story left off, in a natural and seamless way. Single mother, Callie, portrayed by Carrie Coon, packs up her life and two kids to move to the middle of nowhere to an old farmhouse left to her by her deceased father. Through a series of events, her kids soon learn that their reclusive grandfather was one of the original Ghostbusters and part of the 1984 Manhattan ghost battle.
Callie’s youngest child, Phoebe, portrayed by McKenna Grace, is a budding scientist. Unbeknownst to her, Phoebe is following in her grandfather’s footsteps. This frustrates and dismays Callie, but there isn’t a lot she can do about it.
Mr. Gary Grooberson (Paul Rudd) and Phoebe (Mckenna Grace) in Columbia Pictures’ GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE.
The cast of Ghostbusters: Afterlife is solid
While the cast as a whole is excellent, Grace single-handedly carries Ghostbusters: Afterlife. It’s unbelievable that someone so young can command such authority in a scene. This girl is going places. Supporting actor Finn Wolfhard as Phoebe’s older brother Trevor was a perfect complement.
Paul Rudd, ever the comedic genius, stole every scene he was in. I will never be able to walk into a Walmart again and not chuckle to myself and think of Paul Rudd aka Mr. Grooberson.
Mr. Gary Grooberson (Paul Rudd) in Columbia Pictures’ GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE.
The Easter eggs and cameos in Ghostbusters: Afterlife are sublime
With any sequel or reboot, you expect to have Easter eggs and cameos. Ghostbusters: Afterlife was no different, and it offered the right mix of 80s throwback nostalgia, callbacks to the original movie, and Easter eggs that any fan of the franchise will appreciate, as well as Easter eggs to films and TV shows that some of the cast are known for.
Annie Potts. This Hollywood queen is back reprising the role of Janine Melnitz and it just wouldn’t be a Ghostbusters film without her.
Related to that 80s throwback goodness, there are a few scenes of utter 80s cheese that call back to the original film that are *chef’s kiss.* When you see it, you’ll know. It’s the most absurd, cheesy thing I’ve seen in a movie but it works because of the context. Though, if you haven’t seen the original Ghostbusters, it won’t make sense and won’t be funny, but then, why would you be at this film in the first place?
The Ecto-1 and RV-1 in Columbia Pictures’ GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE.
What Doesn’t Work with Ghostbusters: Afterlife – Review
To be honest, there isn’t a lot about Ghostbusters: Afterlife that doesn’t work.
The final battle scene is drawn out
The final battle scene is a bit drawn out. Without spoilers, there are a few back and forth moments of the good guys winning and then bad guys winning that could have been cut down to fewer moments of each winning before the other takes back control. One less for each maybe and cut 5 minutes out as it dragged on a bit.
Mini-Pufts in Columbia Pictures’ GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE.
Overall thoughts on Ghostbusters: Afterlife – Review
As a whole, Ghostbusters: Afterlife was quite good. It was 2 hours and 4 minutes that really flew by and held my attention. While the ending was pretty predictable, once it got going, you’re hard-pressed to find a movie that isn’t. I’m looking forward to seeing it again with my family. It’s worth the watch for the Easter eggs and cameos, as well as the 80s nostalgia.
Lucky (Celeste O’Connor), Trevor (Finn Wolfhard), Phoebe (Mckenna Grace), and Podcast (Logan Kim) in Columbia Pictures’ GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE.
Watch the Trailer for Ghostbusters: Afterlife
About Ghostbusters: Afterlife
From director Jason Reitman and producer Ivan Reitman, comes the next chapter in the original Ghostbusters universe. In Ghostbusters: Afterlife, when a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind. The film is written by Gil Kenan & Jason Reitman.
The IMAX release of Ghostbusters: Afterlife will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX’s customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.
See Ghostbusters: Afterlife exclusively in theatres and IMAX on November 19
Runtime: 124 minutes
Director: Jason Reitman
Writers: Gil Kenan, Jason Reitman, (based on the 1984 film Ghostbusters an Ivan Reitman film written by Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis)
Cast: McKenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard, Callie Coon, Paul Rudd, Logan Kim, Celeste O’Connor
- Finding Calm in the City That Never Sleeps - September 24, 2025
- Different Reasons to Consider Using a Therapist in New York - March 12, 2025
- Is a Micro Wedding the Dream You Didn’t Know You Had? - February 14, 2025
[…] Ghostbusters fans are pumped to have this sequel. Not only do they get to enjoy another well-done Ghostbusters movie, but they also get to introduce it to a whole new generation of fans. As a nerd, nothing warms my […]