In 2016, the Ghostbusters were defeated by their greatest foe. No, not the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. A toxic fandom unable to accept a reboot/reimagining with strong independent women as the heroes. This was in spite of an incredible turn by Kate McKinnon and Chris Hemsworth tapping into the previously unknown comedic chops that would then be utilised in the Thor movies.
So five years on, would the same fandom be more accepting of children taking over ownership of Ecto-1 in Ghostbusters: Afterlife? Only time will tell.
The film sees two children and their broke, single mom venture to Summerville, Oklahoma to inherit a decrepit farmhouse from their deceased grandfather. Only to discover that their estranged grandfather was one Egon Spengler and may just have been the last line of defence between Earth and the apocalyptic return of an army of spooks, spectres and ghosts.
What is a ghost anyway? The spirit of a deceased human being trapped between the spectral planes? Doomed to wander the Earth due to some unfinished business? Refusing to move on because they are desperately clinging on to the past? Are they a ghost or are they Ghostbusters fans or even writer-director Jason Reitman.
Like every iteration that has followed in the footsteps of the original, they have walked in its shadow. Reitman has walked in the shadow of the movie more than most because it was directed by his father. In many ways, there is no better person to step into the shoes of Ivan Reitman than his son Jason. Especially given the central theme of family within the movie. He treats the material with just the right amount of reverance whilst still forging his own path. Paying respect to the past but setting the stage for the future of the franchise.
If one was to compare to another franchise entry, it would have to be The Force Awakens. Or would that be The Force Ghost Awakens? This is fan service of the highest order. As Don Draper from Mad Men would say, “Nostalgia, it’s delicate but potent.”
Die hard fans will find themselves shrieking in delight at hearing a familiar sound effect or a music cue from Rob Simonsen’s referential score, or nudging their cinema partner when they spot one of the many, many Easter eggs. Not only references to the Ghostbusters universe but it also manages to squeeze in an Ant-Man one with Paul Rudd going shopping for some Baskin Robbins. “Baskin Robbins always finds out!”
There are many people out there who wish they were Paul Rudd. After all, not only is he one of the most likeable celebrities in the world, he is also a superhero and never ages. Well now they can be because Paul Rudd is the audience surrogate. Playing someone who grew up with Ghostbusters. Geeking out when discovering a trap or Proton Pack, or providing context, backstory and exposition to the younger generation who weren’t born when the originals came out.
Of the new cast, Carrie Coon and Finn Wolfhard are both solid additions (the latter doubling down on the nostalgic Stranger Things vibes) but the real star is McKenna Grace. Following a breakout role in Gifted, she has played a young Tonya Harding, a young Captain Marvel and now a young Ghostbuster. Her socially awkward, nerdy performance, complete with Egon’s glasses, convinces you that she is the offspring of the most introverted but intelligent member of the original crew.
Of course, for the next generation to carry the torch, it needs to be past down first. It is no spoiler to say that some ghosts from the past you could say, make an appearance. It will take the strongest of souls not to get a little choked up at the sight at a few familiar faces in the old overalls.
The passing of the baton between generations is similar to Star Wars and The Force Awakens. Even down to the similar issue of recycling plot points from the original movies. However it is difficult to hold its shameless nostalgia against it when it is a fun, entertaining trip down memory lane.
It is clear from the tone and stylistic choices that it is aimed a more family friendly audience. No invisible ghost fellatio jokes here! But then the message of the movie is about letting go and moving on. Saying goodbye to the past and making way for the future. There is certainly (after)life in the old (terror) dog yet.
Your spirits can rest easy now. Ghostbusters: Afterlife is proof that bustin’ still makes you feel good!
Ghostbusters: Afterlife is in cinemas from November 18
Rating: 
Director: Jason Reitman
Stars: Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, McKenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard
Runtime: 124 minutes
Country: USA
