Awards Radar Community: What Are Your Thoughts on ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ (If You’ve Seen It)?

Ghostbusters: Afterlife is now out! after I first reviewed the film last month, audiences are now discovering just what charmed me so much. Jason Reitman‘s movie marks his entrance into the family business, taking over the franchise from his father, Ivan Reitman. Some have been looking forward to this sequel for literally decades. Others have been dreading it, either preferring the non-canonical Ghostbusters from Paul Feig or just not wanting the property dusted off. Well, regardless…it’s here. Luckily, I think it’s rather great. So, with it now in release, our latest Awards Radar Community Question is as follows for this week: what do you think of Ghostbusters: Afterlife?

In my rave review of the film (found here), I had this to say:

A third Ghostbusters film in the original franchise never seemed like it would happen. Fits and starts over the years amounted to nothing, and when the reboot Ghostbusters was made (which I, for the record, quite like), it only seemed further off in the distance. While the first entry is a classic, rightly so, the sequel, Ghostbusters II is an effort that many involved, even if I think is really fun, don’t have a ton of affection for. So, the series always seemed in a perpetual state of pause. That is, until filmmaker Jason Reitman decided to follow in his father Ivan Reitman‘s footsteps. If the Oscar nominee initially seemed overqualified and perhaps opting for a safe project, trust me when I say that couldn’t be further from the truth. Born out of a simple idea (a teenage girl carrying a proton pack) and a determination to honor what’s come before (as well as Harold Ramis‘ untimely passing), Ghostbusters: Afterlife emerges as a wildly successful next installment. With some of the best use of nostalgia, as well as a splendid sense of what’s fun with this material, it’s an utter joy to take in.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife is filled with heart, humor, and even scares. Reitman knows what makes this property special and leans into it all. The fan service hits all the right notes, the new characters, especially one in particular, fit right in, and the returning heroes (who I’ll leave for you to discover) are perfectly placed. This so easily could have been a lazy cash grab. The Reitman clan wouldn’t allow it, and the end result is something special.

Thoughts on Ghostbusters:Afterlife? Let us know if/when you see it!