Ghostbusters: Afterlife Reboots the Franchise, but Fails to Capture the Magic
Ghostbusters: Afterlife, released in cinemas on November 18, 2021, is a movie steeped in nostalgia, aiming to recapture the spirit of its predecessor while appealing to a new generation of viewers. Despite a strong cast and a few clever nods to the original, it often feels more like a derivative imitation of other successful franchises than a genuinely innovative film, leaving audiences with a sense of disappointment rather than delight.
A Familiar Formula: Ghostbusters Meets Stranger Things and Star Wars
Ghostbusters: Afterlife is undeniably influenced by the pop culture icons of its time: Stranger Things and Star Wars. The film abandons the adult-centric formula of previous Ghostbusters movies and instead centers on a group of children battling supernatural threats reminiscent of the Netflix series. Like Stranger Things, it’s set in a fictional small town, Summerville, Oklahoma, echoing the Hawkins, Indiana vibe of the Netflix hit. Director Jason Reitman, who also penned the script alongside Gil Kenan, seems to have taken a page from the Stranger Things playbook, even casting Finn Wolfhard, a Stranger Things alum, in a prominent role.
The film also bears a striking resemblance to the Star Wars reboot, The Force Awakens. Reitman effectively employs the strategy of J.J. Abrams by introducing new characters, settings, and plot points within a familiar framework. Just as Abrams scattered nostalgia-inducing artifacts from the original Star Wars saga throughout The Force Awakens, Reitman peppered Ghostbusters: Afterlife with iconic Ghostbusters equipment. The Ectomobile becomes the Millennium Falcon of this universe, the proton packs take on the role of lightsabers, and even the original gang makes a comeback, albeit not as legendary figures but as largely forgotten characters. The return of a primary villain, albeit played by a new actress, in a reduced capacity mirrors Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, giving fans a familiar yet slightly underwhelming experience.
A Whimsical Adventure, but Lacking Coherence
Reitman attempts to inject some freshness into the Ghostbusters formula by moving away from the gritty humor of the original and embracing a family-friendly adventure reminiscent of classic Steven Spielberg films. He even revamps the Ecto-1 with features like a swiveling gunner seat and a floor hatch for deploying remote-controlled ghost traps, adding a playful touch to the iconic vehicle. However, these elements are used to deliver familiar Ghostbusters tropes rather than creating genuinely new experiences. For example, the film features a Slimer-like creature named Muncher (voiced by Josh Gad), and instead of a giant Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, we get a horde of miniature marshmallows wreaking havoc in a deserted Walmart.
A Well-Meaning Reboot, but One That Falls Short
Ghostbusters: Afterlife follows the story of a family – Callie Spengler (Carrie Coon), and her children, Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and Phoebe (Mckenna Grace) – who move to Summerville after the death of their patriarch, Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis). The film explores their struggles as they try to come to terms with their family history and uncover the haunting secrets of their new home. Phoebe emerges as a strong and intriguing character, showcasing her intelligence, curiosity, and fearless nature. She is a budding scientist, a sharp contrast to her mother Callie, who harbors resentment towards her late father for abandoning the family.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife does a commendable job of establishing a connection to the original film, but the execution falters. While several scenes featuring the children – particularly those surrounding their exploration of old Ghostbusters technology – are touching, Reitman struggles to develop compelling dynamics between the young characters, leaving their interactions feeling somewhat disjointed. Podcast (Logan Kim), initially a delightful character, becomes more of a narrative device, offering commentary on the events unfolding like Harish Patel‘s character in Eternals. Wolfhard is largely underutilized, simply serving as the driver of the Ecto-1.
The adult characters are equally shortchanged. Coon is an exceptional actress, but her role as Callie is underserved; she delivers a strong performance despite being given limited development. Although Rudd brings his trademark charm and humor to his character, Gary Grooberson, the role lacks depth. And the appearances of J.K. Simmons and Olivia Wilde, though initially intriguing, eventually become disappointingly insignificant.
Nostalgia Overwhelms Innovation
The film’s reliance on nostalgia reaches its peak when the original Ghostbusters crew, including Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Ernie Hudson, make their grand return. Although this reunion is a major selling point for fans, their presence feels largely ceremonial, serving as little more than cameos. Even the post-credit scenes, while hinting at a possible continuation of the franchise, feel more like a desperate attempt to capitalize on audience enthusiasm rather than a genuine continuation of the narrative.
The climax of Ghostbusters: Afterlife is a missed opportunity. Instead of building upon the new elements introduced throughout the film, Reitman opts for a derivative and emotionally hollow ending that recycles imagery and dialogue from the original Ghostbusters, attempting to evoke a sense of nostalgia rather than genuine emotional resonance. The film concludes by embracing a safe approach that prioritizes audience approval over innovative storytelling, ultimately undermining the creative potential that Reitman had initially established.
Cultural Appropriation and Missed Opportunities
Ghostbusters: Afterlife fails to navigate the complexities of the modern world. The film’s reliance on Mesopotamian mythology, specifically the Sumerian goddess Gozer, feels like an attempt to inject "exotic" elements into the narrative without demonstrating a genuine understanding or respect for the cultural heritage it draws upon. Casting a white actress in the role of Gozer further reinforces the problematic aspect of cultural appropriation, adding a layer of discomfort to the film.
The film’s conclusion also presents a missed opportunity to explore more contemporary issues or social commentary. Ghostbusters originally tapped into the anxieties of the 1980s, but Ghostbusters: Afterlife seems content to rehash tired tropes rather than engage with the concerns of a new generation. Instead of attempting to expand the Ghostbusters universe in fresh and relevant ways, the film settles into a comfortable but ultimately uninspired formula.
A Safe Reboot, But Not a Memorable One
Given the current popularity of streaming services, Ghostbusters: Afterlife could have been a more engaging and comprehensive experience if it had been released as a series rather than a film. This format would have given Reitman the space to develop his characters and storyline effectively, allowing him to fully explore the potential of the Stranger Things and Star Wars influences. However, Sony Pictures, lacking its own streaming service, chose to prioritize a theatrical release, making the film feel rushed and underdeveloped.
Ultimately, Ghostbusters: Afterlife is a visually appealing film with a few enjoyable moments, but its reliance on nostalgia, cultural appropriation, and tired tropes prevents it from truly capturing the spirit of the original Ghostbusters. The film feels more like a derivative imitation of other successful franchises than a fresh and ambitious reboot, leaving fans with a sense of disappointment rather than excitement. While Ghostbusters: Afterlife may serve as a temporary revival of the franchise, it ultimately fails to live up to the legacy of its predecessor.
