Ghostbusters: Afterlife

I liked it in the first half with its nostalgic retro vibe, but as it moves on and they start messing around with ghosts more, the new Ghostbusters becomes a nasty digital cringefest. The pleasantly energetic teenage adventure turns into a sort of shoddy respectful tribute to a couple of old-timers who save the day, though they look like they can barely stay on their feet. And the small town where it all takes place seems hilariously empty. (15/01/2022)

This is how you revive a spooky classic. It blends modern elements while paying the best possible homage to the original films. Updating the cast to feature kids, like Stranger Things and It, works perfectly here. Plus, having the son of the original director at the helm added a respectful touch. Comparing this to the previous installment is almost impossible — the 2016 film felt too focused on cashing in and pushing a female-led cast. In Afterlife, the atmosphere alone sets it apart. You can even forgive the digital effects overload. (02/09/2022)

I enjoyed the first half more, balancing nicely on the edge of nostalgia, where it was still bearable. But then the digital crap kicked in (there's no substitute for practical 80s effects), and Finn Wolfhard made me feel like I was watching a weaker episode of Stranger Things. And as much as I love the old crew from the 80's classic, they unfortunately – and surprisingly to me – weren't the element that lifted the film up at the end. A brief reminiscence is not enough for me. And when the post-credit scene is the only fun thing in a film, there’s something wrong. (13/01/2022)

A laid-back movie that mainly encourages you to watch the two preceding two parts. All of the characters are just great, likeable and well-acted. The central heroine with the face of Mckenna Grace is just wonderful. The wonderfully well-depicted nerdy outsider status with young side-kick Logan Kim carries Ghostbusters along with him in amazing way. Raitman decided for a Stranger Things type atmosphere, and he was right, because they are - you have to admit it - almost the same thing.  Then he added the Ectomobile and some other contraptions from the original Ghostbusters. The ending is more like a big cameo show/farewell (which hardened fans will certainly appreciate) than a full-blooded conclusion. The attempt at a different approach takes it down a little, but I understand that without it everybody would be disappointed. (10/01/2022)

I’m as satisfied as I was in 2015 with Jurassic World. Once again, it was a fantastic follow-up to a film that everyone loves, introducing brand new characters, not just relying on nostalgia, entertaining for two hours old-timers and newcomers alike, having people in the cinema smiling from ear to ear. I really wasn’t expecting Afterlife to be so good, it’s such a joy. I was pleasantly surprised that the film doesn't have a main male character, but a heroine (Finn Wolfhard sorry, Mckenna Grace really rules here), and such a great heroine at that. But actually all the characters are funny, never awkward, and Jason Reitman cares as much about them as he does about the special effects, which beautifully combine the digital and the practical and, like everything else, are a joy to behold. If you are not moved by the opening, you will be moved by the ending. I would really love another sequel to fully close the circle. (07/01/2022)