Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) Review: A Nostalgic Return to the Ghostbusting Legacy
Introduction
Ghostbusters: Afterlife, directed by Jason Reitman and released in 2021, is a nostalgic and heartfelt continuation of the beloved Ghostbusters franchise. As the direct sequel to the original 1984 film, it serves as both a tribute to the classic series and a new chapter for a new generation. Starring Carrie Coon, Paul Rudd, Mckenna Grace, and Finn Wolfhard, the film blends supernatural thrills with family drama. This review will explore the film’s plot, performances, direction, and provide information on where to stream, rent, or purchase the film in the United States.
Plot Summary
Ghostbusters: Afterlife follows Callie (Carrie Coon), a single mother, and her two children, Phoebe (Mckenna Grace) and Trevor (Finn Wolfhard), as they move to a small town in Oklahoma after inheriting a dilapidated farmhouse from their estranged grandfather. As they settle into their new home, they uncover clues about their grandfather’s mysterious past, which lead them to the realization that he was once part of the original Ghostbusters team.
Phoebe, a science-savvy teenager, discovers her grandfather’s old ghostbusting equipment and begins to unravel the secrets of his ghost-hunting activities. As strange occurrences start happening in the town, the family must confront an ancient supernatural threat that has been awakened. With the help of local residents and some familiar faces from the original films, they take on the challenge of saving their town from a ghostly apocalypse.
Standout Performances
Carrie Coon delivers a grounded and emotional performance as Callie, the mother struggling to balance her family’s needs with the mysteries surrounding their new home. Coon’s portrayal adds depth to the film’s family dynamic and provides a strong emotional core.
Mckenna Grace shines as Phoebe, bringing a mix of intelligence, curiosity, and determination to the role. Grace’s performance captures Phoebe’s fascination with science and her growing involvement in the ghostbusting legacy, making her a central figure in the story.
Paul Rudd adds a touch of humor and charm as Mr. Grooberson, a schoolteacher who becomes an unexpected ally to Phoebe and Trevor. Rudd’s performance provides comic relief and helps balance the film’s supernatural elements with lighthearted moments.
Finn Wolfhard plays Trevor, Phoebe’s older brother, and his performance brings a sense of youthful energy and humor to the film. Wolfhard’s character complements Phoebe’s scientific curiosity with his own interest in cars and mechanics.
Direction and Cinematic Style
Jason Reitman’s direction in Ghostbusters: Afterlife is marked by a respectful nod to the original films while introducing new elements to the franchise. Reitman balances nostalgia with fresh storytelling, creating a film that appeals to long-time fans and newcomers alike.
The film’s cinematography, by Eric Steelberg, captures the small-town setting with a mix of atmospheric and visually striking shots. The use of practical effects and visual effects blends seamlessly to bring the ghostly phenomena to life, enhancing the film’s supernatural thrills.
Reitman’s direction ensures that the film remains focused on its central themes of family, legacy, and the spirit of adventure, while also paying homage to the iconic elements of the original Ghostbusters films.
Themes of Legacy, Family, and Nostalgia
Ghostbusters: Afterlife explores themes of legacy, family, and nostalgia through its story of a new generation discovering and continuing the work of the original Ghostbusters. The film delves into the impact of the past on the present and the importance of family bonds in facing challenges.
The theme of legacy is central to the film, as Phoebe and Trevor uncover their grandfather’s ghostbusting history and take on the responsibility of continuing his work. The film also pays tribute to the original cast and their contributions to the franchise, blending nostalgia with a fresh perspective.
The family dynamic between Callie, Phoebe, and Trevor adds emotional depth to the story, highlighting the strength of their relationships and their ability to come together in the face of adversity.
Critical Acclaim and Reception
Ghostbusters: Afterlife received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences. The film was praised for its respectful nods to the original movies, its engaging performances, and its successful blend of supernatural elements with heartfelt storytelling.
Critics appreciated the film’s ability to balance nostalgia with new characters and storylines, offering a satisfying continuation of the Ghostbusters saga. The film’s visual effects and practical effects were also highlighted for their quality and effectiveness.
Streaming and Rental/Purchase Options in the USA
For those interested in watching Ghostbusters: Afterlife, there are several streaming and rental/purchase options available in the United States:
- Streaming Services: Ghostbusters: Afterlife may be available on streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. Availability can vary, so checking current listings on these platforms is recommended.
- Rental/Purchase: If you prefer to rent or purchase the film, it can be found on digital platforms such as iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu. Rental prices typically range from $3.99 to $5.99, while purchase prices are around $14.99 to $24.99, depending on the platform and video quality.
Conclusion
Ghostbusters: Afterlife is a nostalgic and heartfelt continuation of the iconic franchise that successfully blends supernatural thrills with family drama. With its strong performances, respectful nods to the original films, and engaging storytelling, the film offers a satisfying experience for fans of all ages. Whether you are a long-time Ghostbusters enthusiast or new to the series, Ghostbusters: Afterlife provides an enjoyable and memorable cinematic adventure.
Call to Action
If you haven’t yet experienced the nostalgic and thrilling story of Ghostbusters: Afterlife, now is the perfect time to watch this exciting continuation of the Ghostbusters legacy. Check streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video or Hulu, or visit iTunes, Google Play, or Vudu to rent or purchase it. Discover how the new generation of Ghostbusters takes on the supernatural and pays tribute to the original films.
