Cinema Scholars reviews Jason Reitman’s Ghostbusters: Afterlife, which opens exclusively in theaters nationwide on November 19, 2021 courtesy of Columbia Films.
Introduction
It’s no secret that people yearn for things from the past. From classic films and TV shows to songs and even toys from a long-ago era, there’s something special about the way past pop culture can evoke such strong emotions. In cinema, the path through nostalgia can be exceedingly tricky with sequels, reboots, and offshoots.
On one hand, you have fans who celebrate the continuation of an all-time favorite, embracing every possible iteration. On the other hand, fervent fans of a property or franchise feel very protective of the images and concepts they hold dear, and they tend to be hypercritical of any sort of retread.
So, how does a filmmaker revisit hallowed ground without desecrating the spirit of the original? In the case of the much-anticipated Ghostbusters: Afterlife, it takes stellar family inspiration, a fantastic adventure story, impressive casting, and some key musical cues to evoke the right nostalgia without offending the (sometimes delicate) sensibilities of the fanboys and girls.
Jason Reitman
Inheriting this impressive pop culture mantle is Jason Reitman, son of the first Ghostbusters writer/director Ivan Reitman. The younger Reitman has spent the better part of two decades building up his own credibility with critical faves like Thank You For Smoking, Juno, and Young Adult, nabbing him many accolades, including 4 Oscar nods.
While this repertoire certainly shows his muster as a serious filmmaker in his own right, his skill at helming a studio blockbuster has yet to be proven. Imagine then, taking the reins of a property that Reitman has conceded, “gave me my life.” A film that also happens to be a pop-culture touchstone with fervent adoration. No pressure at all!
With all this under consideration, it is almost a relief to discover that Ghostbusters: Afterlife is a really great family adventure story. Will it live up to the preconceived notions of super fans? It’s hard to say. But moviegoers looking for a super fun escapade about busting ghosts amid nostalgic callbacks to the original will be delighted by this full-circle story.
Synopsis
Ghostbusters: Afterlife begins as a struggling single mom, Callie (Carrie Coon), readies her kids for a trip to “the middle of nowhere” to find out what her recently deceased (and long-estranged) father left them in his inheritance. Much to her dismay, Callie soon discovers that her dad left her little more than a creepy old farmhouse filled to the brim with all manner of arcana, relics, and scientific clutter imaginable. With an eviction notice freshly delivered back home, the desperate mom decides their trip out to the country may be permanent.
While Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) laments the news of the move, he nevertheless falls right in with some local teenagers and picks up a job at the town burger joint. His younger sister Phoebe (Mckenna Grace), however, struggles with the social cues and “normal” behavior of her 12-year-old peers, preferring to pour over the peculiar tomes and odd equipment that litter her grandfather’s home.
When a series of supernatural phenomena begin to coalesce with unexplained seismic activity around the town, Phoebe discovers that her family history is a lot more complicated than her mom’s cut and dry story about paternal abandonment. Turns out Phoebe’s affinity for all things science, plus a hidden stash of Ghostbusters gear, are not only clues to her grandfather’s past, but are also their salvation as the crew battles a freshly unleashed batch of ghosts, ghouls, and demons.
Analysis
With Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Reitman and co-scribe Gil Kenan brilliantly shift the franchise sub-genre from quirky adult horror/comedy to a children-in-peril adventure. Though this may not sit well with purists, it stands to reason that the fans who cut their teeth on the original will now want to share their childhood fave with their own kiddos. Focusing on the next generation of Ghostbusters opens up endless opportunities for a fresh continuation of the original concept for old and new fans. This outing also feels more organic and less polarizing than other renditions.
Reitman also does an about-face, setting his story in the country instead of the city. It’s tough to think about Ghostbusters and not automatically picture NYC in its full 1980s glory. In Ghostbusters: Afterlife, the dingy hustle and bustle of the cityscape are replaced with the mysterious vastness of the countryside.
While this contextual departure feels slightly contrived, the new locale lends itself to a low-key but important plot device, no bars. Not the drinking establishment kind, but the cell phone reception type. By eliminating that one link to modern life, Reitman is able to further the suspension of disbelief, while also giving the film a timeless quality, rather than one featuring “current” (read: soon to be obsolete) tech.
Additionally, the rural location lends itself to a hotbed of folklore and scientific tie-ins that nicely expand the origin story of the evil forces at hand. Thankfully, Reitman maintains an appropriate amount of borderline-cheesy mysticism that feels consistent with the irreverence of the original. Nobody wants a Ghostbusters movie to take itself too seriously. A great blend of familiar-looking practical and CGI effects along with incredible stage-sized set pieces are also reminiscent of the often silly yet grand scale of the 1984 production.
Nostalgia
Hardcore Ghostbusters nerds will be delighted by the awe-worthy number of Easter Eggs from the original. Notable props and gags and familiar themes and characters also find their way one by one into the new narrative. Thus, weaving naturally into the latest unfolding events.
More hits to the nostalgia sweet spot are spurred on by instantly recognizable musical cues. Composer Rob Simonsen blends original orchestrations with beloved vignettes from Elmer Bernstein’s classic 1984 score. From the opening scene featuring a familiar freaky theremin overture, similar musical callbacks throughout the film also heighten the emotional instant recall.
Performances
None of this feel-goodness and suspension of disbelief would be possible without stellar performances from the outstanding cast. Carrie Coon plays the likable yet irrevocably jaded Callie with equal parts spunk and self-deprecation. Paul Rudd channels his most charming good-guy comic relief to date. However, Ghostbusters: Afterlife isn’t really about the adults. This film belongs to the kids.
Though early looks at the film hinted at Stranger Things “It Boy” Finn Wolfhard as the central character, it turns out that huge responsibility lands firmly on the tiny shoulders of McKenna Grace, as the surprising main protagonist Phoebe.
With an unruly mop of hair and tell-tale wire-rimmed glasses, Grace’s clever but emotionless delivery mirrors the no-nonsense demeanor of a particular original hero without falling into impersonation. Even while adorned in questionably over-the-top dorky clothes, Grace captivates every frame.
A hilarious performance by Logan Kim as Phoebe’s sidekick “Podcast”, brilliantly checks the smart-mouthed kid trope off the list, but it’s Grace’s stoned-face, authentic performance that seals the deal for the fantastical story.
Further Discussion
Aside from the good, there’s always the not-as-good. There are some pretty glaring holes in the whole paternal abandonment narrative. It’s not easy to reconcile that a beloved character would end up being a deadbeat dad. Though further revelations are made, the eventual explanation provides little resolution and leaves more questions than answers.
Also, an additional undercurrent of parental abandonment comes with the absence of Phoebe and Trevor’s father. While this detail provides the punchline to a couple of witty retorts, the dual themes of the absentee father feels uncomfortable, even with the attempted resolution.
Without getting too far into spoilers, drawn out third-act discoveries are sure to be among the more polarizing aspects of the film, however these moments still feel essential in spite of some possible low-key cringe. With everything considered, it seems almost obligatory that Reitman would go all-in in this department.
Conclusion
Overall, Ghostbusters: Afterlife is a worthy and incredibly fun chapter in the franchise. In a universe that began as over-the-top, new and more outrageous spooks and gags in this latest outing are a natural fit. A clever narrative that expands on the original dogma works surprisingly well. Kudos to Reitman for ably carrying on such a huge legacy, but also for propelling it far beyond the original concept without sacrificing the original spirit.
Columbia Pictures will release Ghostbusters: Afterlife exclusively in theaters nationwide starting November 19, 2021.
