Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) User Reviews (2,043)

What it feels like to be nine years old again!

[Coventry · 8/10 · 2 December 2021]

About ten months before the release of "Ghostbusters: Afterlife", and without any knowledge whatsoever that a belated sequel was in production, I re-watched the 1984 original for the first time in 25 years, and together with own kids (aged six and ten). Needless to say, my offspring wasn't the least bit impressed with special effects from the early eighties, and to be totally honest, I found that my childhood favorite had badly dated as well.

My biggest regret was that I couldn't pass on that magical feeling of "discovering" the world of horror, monsters, F/X, and ectoplasm! But when we saw publicity for the brand new "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" on television, it were my children who spontaneously asked if we could go and see it on the big screen. So, yes, with a slight delay they experienced how I felt when I saw "Ghostbusters" for the first time. And I felt 9 years old again, myself.

Undoubtedly the best thing that could have happened to the franchise, especially after the flopped 2016-remake, was a return to the roots. The story links straight back to the original, the beloved protagonists show up (albeit briefly) and the co-writer/director is none other than the son of Ivan Reitman; - Jason. "Afterlife" is chock-full of gimmicks references towards the original, varying from subtle to plain obvious. The young cast members are refreshing, and fit wonderfully well in the "Ghostbusters" universe, but it feels even better to reconnect with the old-fashioned familiar trumps, like the legendary Ghostbusters-vehicle and - of course - the Ray Parker Jr. Theme song. The homage to Harold Ramis, one of the creators of the original concept and the only cast member who passed away, is beautiful.

Surprisingly good.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 21 November 2021]

I'll be honest, after the last Ghostbusters movie, I wasn't keen on it, reluctantly I went along, and have to admit, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It feels like a worthy successor to the original film, it doesn't just ignore the past, it supports it. I would advise seeing the original movie ahead of this, as there is a lot of nostalgia surrounding it. I feel like they wanted it to respect the original, that it does.

Some really nice special effects, a few perhaps not so good, but that's just me being picky. A good atmosphere, and a really good pace, there's nothing slow about the film, it doesn't lull, nor did it feel overlong. It's a bit goofy, it doesn't take itself too seriously.

Great to see some old, familiar faces, if you're a fan of the original, you really will love the nostalgia vibe. Paul Rudd was awesome I thought, he stood out for me.

8/10.

Finally!! A movie that's worthy of the legacy of the first two!

[lareval · 8/10 · 19 November 2021]

The first 'Ghostbusters' is one of the most beloved movies of my childhood. The second one gets critized sometimes but I think it's as good as the first. Let's forget that embarrassing awful movie that took place in the 2010's and finally focus on this one: THE TRUEST THIRD MOVIE OF 'GHOSTBUSTERS'. I had no hype for this one (mostly because of the trainwreck that out-of-place-2010's movie), but I felt somewhat compelled to give the benefit of the doubt and realise if my fears were right or wrong... I'll tell you this: watch this movie!

It is a heartfelt, coherent and fun story that pays respect to its roots and moves forward the saga on a loving way. The plot hasn't been revealed too much because of a key reason and even if someone has been sadly spoiled, when that part occurs in silver screen is just downright marvelous. But not just that peak: the movie has several peaks. The characters were much, much better than I expected thanks to great and compelling performances. Finally we go back to some terror and some suspenseful sequences that harck back to that so damn missed old style from the eighties. The CGI is good, the soundtrack is on point and the script never dragged to me.

All in: a pleasent surprise. If the story ends here, it is the best finale they ever could have pulled off. Whatever happens in the future, this movie made its work so right and so enjoyable (with a truly emotional ending in which I cried) and that's all that matters. This is a joyful, emotional throwback call that must be seen!

It was entertaining

[rallder19 · 6/10 · 20 November 2021]

Much better than the reboot but doesn't even come close to the first 2. The original had a very "flavorful" cast and I think that's what made them so good. Like, had they cast this crew in the original films I highly doubt they would have been as good as they are.

In the end I still enjoyed it but it seemed for like a Fan Film kind of tribute than an actual 3rd installment.

A pleasant surprise!

[hans-vdc · 9/10 · 10 November 2021]

Just saw the movie in avant-premiere here in Belgium. Had a blast, and my daughters (11 and 17) really loved it. Sure, there's quite a bit of fan-service but I was very happy to see they kept the style of the previous movies, it has a dash of The Goonies combined with the charm of the 80's movies and the ending is just great. Really did not expect it to be this good, but man am I happy they did what they did. Great movie, just plain good fun like in the good old days. Go see it!

Worthy successor

[Calicodreamin · 7/10 · 20 November 2021]

This reboot of sorts did it all right in terms of being respectful to the original, maintaining a plausible storyline, and having awesome cameos. The story was a bit slow to develop but had some cool moments and a lot of small laughs. All of this proudly sponsored by Walmart.

That hit the spot especially in RPX

[UniqueParticle · 9/10 · 18 November 2021]

I absolutely loved this Ghostbusters definitely better than 2016 mess! This has everything you'd want in the series with comedy, amazing cinematography, great story I even went with a friend and he noticed a few plot holes I didn't even realize it had some; I think everything was the way it should be. So much exciting bits that are feel good and has the perfect amount of surprises. I'm glad I got to see the advanced screening and I really hope the film gets the recognition it deserves!

More like So-so

[saulpolleros · 6/10 · 11 December 2021]

I liked the first half of this. Finn Wolfhard's entire presence is totally forgettable, but everything involving McKenna Grace, Paul Rudd, and Carrie Coon in that first hour is a pretty enjoyable throwback to the family-friendly Amblin sci-fi adventure flicks of the 80s.

Ghostbusters Afterlife Is A Winning Entry In The Series And One Of The Most Enjoyable Films Of The Year

[garethvk · 9/10 · 16 November 2021]

Back in 1984 when big hair and neon were the norms; a movie appeared that soon became a cultural phenomenon. The movie involved a team of unlikely Paranormal Investigators and the mix of comedy, FX, and Ghosts turned the movie into a smash hit and a Pop Culture mainstay. The abundance of products that followed and the inescapable theme song and tagline soon gave rise to a sequel which while a success; did not resonate the way the original film had and thus the "Ghostbusters" film franchise became dormant.

While a successful video game and merchandise line kept the franchise alive; the 2016 reboot with an all-female team failed to capture the magic at the box office and again put the franchise's cinematic future in question.

Thankfully after several delays due to the Covid 19 Pandemic; "Ghostbusters Afterlife" has arrived and is the worthy sequel that does justice to the original film and sets the stage well for future cinematic exploits.

The film follows a down on her luck mother named Callie )Carrie Coon) and her children Trevor (Finn Wolfhard); and Phoebe (Mckenna Grace), as they are forced to move to a dilapidated farm in rural Oklahoma following the passing of Callie's estranged father and her subsequent eviction.

A series of unexplained earthquakes clues the smart and precocious Phoebe that something is up and with her new friend Podcast (Logan Kim), and teacher Mr. Grooberson (Paul Rudd); help her uncover her connection to the original Ghostbusters and the abundance and significance of the gear that her Grandfather has left on the farm.

Things soon take a turn for the worse and despite skeptical locals and the emerging danger, Phoebe, Trevor, and their friends have to battle the forces of evil to save the world.

The movie takes its time getting to the action and spends plenty of time establishing the characters, their motivations, and their relationships with one another. There are abundant homages to the original film; some of which are very subtle and clever but never seem gratuitous or tacked on.

The film also does not rely on the FX to tell the tale as while there are some solid effects in the film; this is a character-driven tale and the new cast works well with some surprise guests who pop up throughout the film.

Director Jason Reitman; son of the Director of the original film; clearly knows and loves the material as he not only helped craft the story but deftly weaves a new tale into the franchise which also fits well with the first film and does not attempt to reboot but rather continue the franchise.

There are two extra scenes in the credits that you will not want to miss as not only are they great fun; but also tease of future adventures to come.

The film also has a few touching moments that caused some unexpected emotion from the audience at our Press Screening and helped establish "Ghostbusters Afterlife" as not only a winning entry into the series but also one of the most enjoyable films of the year.

4.5 stars out of 5.

Good movie, but, it needs more more Paul Rudd and way more ghosts and ghouls

[fangel-31778 · 7/10 · 12 November 2021]

Good movie, fun, interesting, and quirky, but, it doesn't use Paul Rudd nearly as much as it should, there were a lot of jokes that Paul could've brought and they missed the ball there, also, where are the ghosts? I mean, there should've been a lot more ghosts and some creepy and cool ghouls, but there are only a handful. Still, the movie is good, not great, but it's fun.

FANS REJOICE! coming from a die hard Ghostbusters fan, this is EXACTLY what we were waiting for. an event film

[sinnerofcinema · 10/10 · 18 November 2021]

Ive been waiting for this movie for two years. So my expectation were at another level. I had the pleasure to attend the advance screening and I have never experience anything like this. This movie, with its die hard following, make the viewing experience an event film. The energy was electrifying from begining to the last credit. And everyone stayed to take pictures of each other. Its exactly the movie we needed to continue the Ghostbuster legacy.

Jason Reitman did not dissapoint and makes his father proud in this new Ghostbusters. And can you spell nostalgia, nostalgia, nostalgia. Did I forget to mention nostalgia? All of us Generation Xers who experienced this film at the cinema in 1984 and 1987 will be brought back to our childhood once again. I can't stop ranting about this film. It was that good. I am going to watch it again tomorrow and this time Im seating my ghostbusters wardrobe! Don't go, run, run, run to the cinema and experience this once in a lifetime event from the biggest to the smallest fan. This is a movie for generations to come. Congrats to the filmmaking team in bringing us back to the original experience. It was wonderful!!!!

The closing and the beginning

[samuelelegolasfilippi · 7/10 · 1 November 2021]

I saw it preview last night. A film that in some points recalls the first Gostbuster, but which has its own ideology. The characters they present to us are almost all well characterized and useful to the plot. The director did a good job, given the great responsibility he had with this film. Some ideas are very bright and innovative. The first hour and a half is very beautiful, full of jokes and suspenseful scenes, the problem is the last half hour that is lost a bit by recalling the first film a lot. The soundtrack is irrelevant, apart from those two moments when you hear the original themes. Overall it is a good film, not at the levels of the first but certainly superior to the female Gostbuster.

A Ghostly Turd

[chess-31131 · 1/10 · 25 May 2022]

I felt like I was watching a Nickelodeon show. The teen and child acting is just terrible. I'm glad I didn't waste my money in the theater. There's not much going on in this movie so I'll keep it short. Watch something else.

Better than average but not great.

[GeorgeMezori · 6/10 · 21 November 2021]

IGN gave us at 9. And it's overrated here too. It has a fun campy feel of the original. But it's not as good as these ratings and in the end I felt like it wasn't that much action scariness and suspense and it was all over so quick.

Ghostbusters the next Generation

[kosmasp · 9/10 · 23 November 2021]

I have to admit I had certain expectations and thought about seeing certain people/characters in this. Let's say if I was just rating the movie based on that, I probably would have rated it lower. I also missed out on the opportunity to rewatch the first two movies. But I don't think it would have mattered that much. Even a female character that had a small cameo in here, I sort of remembered her (small) part in the original movies.

That being said this adds a few cool people - namely Paul Rudd and the kids. Especially the daughter and the kid who befriends her (Podcast) are a great team together. Really funny and with great respect to the movies that came before it. Maybe minus the one with the all female cast. Now I personally liked that too - if you didn't enjoy that fair enough, can't compare those two anyway.

So much weirdness and comedy that works here, because of the script and because of the actors. And yes many flashbacks still - that even if you don't have the movies fresh in your memory work wonders. Also stay through the credits - one mid credits scene and one after credit scene.

Nostalgic, yet boring

[wlodi · 6/10 · 11 January 2022]

How did they make ghostbusting so boring? Barely anything happens in this nostalgia-fuelled film, which doesn't introduce any original concepts or memorable characters.

The story is essentially kids messing around in a small town, discovering their grandfather's legacy (you'll be able to guess pretty quickly who that is) and fixing things when they go bad. I'm guessing the script may have been inspired by the success of titles like "It" and "Strange Things", so the story focuses on children.

It doesn't help the teenagers are written kinda annoyingly, although McKenna Grace and Logan Kim are both amazing and easily the highlight of this cast. Some actors are completely wasted, for example JK Simmons - why is he in this for 15 seconds? At least there is a couple of funny scenes, like Paul Rudd losing it in Walmart.

Disappointingly, there are only a few ghosts in this film, mostly creatures we're already familiar with (you're supposed to love all the throwbacks, remember?). The action is not particularly thrilling and there are just so many instances of lazy writing in the script, it's just laughable. For example, people mostly forgot about ghostbusters (never quite explained why), yet no one is even slightly shocked to see ghosts. When the ghosts wreak havoc around the town, nobody cares either, something as obvious as crowd reaction is missing. The whole thing just feels cheap and basic most of the time, except the last 15 minutes where the budget probably went.

Overall, it's like watching a safe, respectful tribute rather than a worthwhile, stand-alone film with something to say.

Way better than I expected it to be

[mifa-73072 · 9/10 · 31 October 2021]

Just watched this moive during a Halloween sneak preview. I went in with very low expectations based on the complete disaster that the last reboot attempt was. I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised. It was a great homage to the original movie while at the same time adding quite a bit of fresh content. It is no oscar movie but If you like ghostbusters and want to have a fun movie going experience this movie was perfect. It was one of the best movie experiences we've had in a while.

We were asked not to spoil any plot details so I wont add anyhing about that.

Unboolievably Mediocre

[Her-Excellency · 6/10 · 4 January 2022]

This started off REALLY well, and in fact, seemed to peel back a layer of the Ghostbuster's franchise to reveal a more solid, deeper, almost horror-y story. Then, at around 3/4's of the way through, it all went to hell. It seemed almost as if the ghost of the screenwriter had written the ending.

An entertaining watch if you are a fan of the original and if you can forgive the mess it ultimately devolves into.

6.4/10.

R.I.P. Harold Ramis

[DarkVulcan29 · 9/10 · 29 November 2021]

Feels like a Ghostbusters film with a little Stranger Things mixed in. I'd rather tell you too much about the story, cause I don't want to give too much away, but I gotta say it's a new Ghostbusters film with some feeling of nostalgia. The characters are a joy to watch, and the effects are pretty good also.

I admire the film does pay homage To Harold Ramis who passed away in 2014. Who was co writing genius with Dan Aykroyd of the two Ghostbusters film. And a great director of such great comedy classics like Caddyshack(1980) and Groundhog Day(1992). He left quite an impact on the industry, forever a legend Harold Ramis (1944-2014)

Dirt Farmer grandkids

[ferguson-6 · 7/10 · 18 November 2021]

Greetings again from the darkness. There is a reason musical acts like The Eagles, Jimmy Buffet, and The Rolling Stones continue to pack arenas. We love our nostalgia and prefer it familiar and easily recognizable. The fans don't show up to hear the new songs, but rather those 'oldies-but-goodies' that bring back pleasant memories. Writer-director Jason Reitman and co-writer Gil Kenan fully understand this psychology as they deliver what amounts to a sequel of the original GHOSTBUSTERS movie released 37 years ago (and directed by Reitman's father Ivan).

The hook in this updated version is that Callie (Carrie Coon), the adult daughter of original Ghostbuster Egon Spengler (originally portrayed by the late Harold Ramis), has been evicted from her apartment. She packs up the car and her two kids, and heads to the dilapidated farm house she inherited from the father she never knew. Callie has lived her life bitter and hurt that her father never reached out, choosing instead to isolate himself in Summerville in the "middle of nowhere". Her kids are Trevor (Finn Wolfhard), an awkward teenager, and Phoebe (a stellar McKenna Grace), a science whiz who seems to be a near-clone of the grandfather she never met.

As they adjust to a new life, Trevor swoons over local girl Lucky (Celeste O'Connor), while Phoebe befriends another outcast self-named Podcast (Logan Kim), and Callie gets closer to Gary Grooberson (Paul Rudd), a Seismologist "teaching" summer school with help from some age-inappropriate movies on VHS. As great as Coon and Rudd are (and both are great), the real fun comes from the youngsters exploring grandfather's workshop and the mysterious mountain at the edge of town, which is actually a long ago abandoned mine run by the town's founder.

Supporting actors include Bokeem Woodbine, JK Simmons, and Tracy Letts. Many of the elements will seem familiar as the kids begin to uncover the ghostly creatures unlocked thanks to Grandpa Egon's research and tools. As with the original, busting the ghosts is fun, but it's the one-liners and crackling dialogue that make this a joyous ride from beginning to end. A battered Ectomobile (Ecto-1) plays a key role, as do ghost traps, crossing streams, and a new generation of Stay-Puft Marshmallows.

Jason Reitman is a two-time Oscar nominee for UP IN THE AIR (2009) and JUNO (2007), but it seems clear his mission here was to provide a fitting tribute to the original film, his father, and the late Harold Ramis. He's assisted along the way with some special effects and even more special appearances, though the missing Rick Moranis is notable (and expected). The original blockbuster spawned sequels, re-boots, toys, an animated series, video games, documentaries, and now ... another sequel (one that mostly disregards everything but the original). There is a Spielberg feel as the scene is small town instead of NYC, and perhaps with this family-friendly focus on the kids, the best comparison might be THE GOONIES. It's nostalgic, yet new and fresh, and we do get a look at Hook and Ladder #8, and the familiar tune of Ray Parker Jr's iconic theme song. Hang on for the mid-credit and post-credit scenes, and just remember to take this for what it is ... a rollicking good time.

Opening in theaters on November 19, 2021.

Ghostbusters: afterlife........ 7.5/10

[GT-Lar · 8/10 · 18 November 2021]

Massive fan of the original and the sequel was good too , i did not like the remake from a few years ago , but this is a very good watch , take the kids or just go yourself for a bit of nostalgia .....!!!!!!!

A Tribute to Ghostbusters (1984)

[Gleunji · 7/10 · 17 November 2021]

I won't spoil much, but the last 10 minutes of the film, during and post credit scenes pays alot of homage to the original film.

The film itself revolve around the children being the Ghostbusters. Basically like stranger things?

Worth watching it at least once, and recommend you watching the first movie regardless, if you decide to watch this.

Lazy

[jasonjdxb · 1/10 · 9 January 2022]

No story. No character development. Rehashed everything from the first film and absolutely botched it. Can you make Paul Rudd not funny? They managed to do it. I'm shocked at so many people who actually liked this movie.

Nostalgic, comic sequel to a great classic. Have fun in a theater.

[JohnDeSando · 21 November 2021]

Just because I was alive for the original 1984 Ghostbusters doesn't mean you young'uns won't enjoy it as much as I do. Ghostbusters: Afterlife is an entertainment for the entire family: It has scary ghosts, nerdy kids, young teen romance, adult romance, and nostalgic special effects as well as equipment like a tricked-out Ectomobile, a portable nuclear particle accelerator, and a ghost trap, to name only a few to delight kids and adults, who may fondly remember analog.

Phoebe (Mckenna Grace) as the science-friendly 12-year-old and her siblings, grandkids of an original Ghostbuster, move to a remote Oklahoma farm, the dilapidated "Dirt" estate. They encounter ghosts, as to be expected because gramps didn't quite finish the ghost-busting job from '84.

The ghosts are a bit goofy (more like out-of-control dogs and marshmallows), and the stakes may not be earth-shattering, but the fun they have trying to capture the critters is a high-spirited chase coupled with a subtle lesson about the importance of family, legacy, and cooperation. The relevance of this classic-based tale is in the notion that working together is an answer to beating back intruders (COVID, anyone?).

Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, and Harold Ramis appear (appropriately Ramis as ghost since he has left us in death to write about them somewhere), not enough but just enough to link the past to the present. This fourth iteration, and certainly the best of the sequels, will make you chuckle, maybe cry a little, scare you a tad, but never bore you.

As adult romancers, Mr. Grooberson (Paul Rudd) and Callie (Carrie Coon) are charming and clueless enough for us to beg for more time with them. Finn Wolfhard (star of Stranger Things) as brother Trevor (just enough of Timothee Chalamet in his look) and the gifted comic kid, Logan Kim, as Podcast will make teens, and us all, quite happy with their shenanigans.

A sweet comic atmosphere prevails over this successful sequel. I hope it's enough to get you back to the theater where hosts serve up comfy seats, knockout sound, and fantasy relief from the pandemic.

Meh

[daviswilliam-43211 · 6/10 · 15 January 2022]

I can't really say it was good, I can't really say it was bad. It's not even comparable to the original. Maybe a younger audience will like it? I think this movie was for teenagers.