Ghostbusters: Afterlife - A Flawed But Sincere Movie For The Fans

Ghostbusters Afterlife is finally here, but does it live up to the hype? Does it heal the wounds of Ghostbusters 2016? Is it a worthy successor to the original? Join me as we find out.

[@TheCriticalDrinker]

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[@RodgerRamjet]

treading a tightrope of " how far into Old GB do we go, and not push away potentially newer, bigger audience , while not pissing off a legion of original GB fans, and still make it new, but, also reaching back for some genuine retro "Feel good" moments"........................ yea.. lucky its at least worth a watch, might be better 2nd time around.. gonna go see it..

[@mikeemmons1079]

My idea for a story has the original cast in it for about 5-10 minutes, and Bill has the option on no lines. I even crammed in a good reason for an all female team. It is still obvious, but at least it is plausible in universe.

[@DaveFu]

Bloody Hell! You and your liver may survive to make that magical milestone, no not Step 12, but the other one.....Congrats. You might want to see if you're wanted by Interpol for "Hate Crimes"

[@noneya3635]

Nice to see someone finally so so fcking what about "fan-service." It's like studios want that to be the film equivalent of the n word or something. As you say references and callbacks are fine as long as they are done right. TFA did it wrong, ST 2009 did it wrong. Sounds like these guys went hard on the call backs as well, but guess I'll have to see it to make up my own mind. But yeah Fan-service isn't the four letter word they make it out to be.

[@eb-the-gamer6287]

Would you look into the video game? I'm curious about your thoughts about it.

[@bdpickett]

I'll take "flawed but sincere" over "cynical cash cow" any day of the year.

[@lilmovieperp3599]

Imagine thinking a Sony multi-million dollar movie is “sincere” Lolol

[@whenpigsfly8178]

Or 'THE MESSAGE'

[@namelessjedi2242]

Me too, but I wish we didn’t have to settle.

[@bdpickett]

@No Touchy It's, "I happened to like this hat and laugh at the morons who infer any greater intent than that". I don't know if that's ironic in any particular sense, but it is what it is.

[@bdpickett]

@No Touchy Honestly, the closest I get to reddit is listening to rslash and the like.

[@ShortHax]

Easily the most unrealistic part of the movie was how pristine that Walmart looked

[@alejandromolinac]

Ahhhhh.... Walmarts in the midwest and small towns are actually clean....

[@captainkhaos102]

I didnt see the 10,000 camera on the ceiling!!

[@reduser9357]

No shit! Looks better than the target I slave away in daily.

[@MoneyManHolmes]

I want to know why this small town has a full blown Walmart super center 🤔

[@sweet5304]

@@MoneyManHolmes maybe its close to a big city? I work at a Walmart that's just a few miles from a big city

[@El_TigreNegro]

"she's clearly smarter than everyone but never comes off as obnoxious or patronizing"!! This!! This is how you write smart female characters, not the ones that come off like they hate all the male characters

[@SirBrass]

The bit she did with podcast was spot on PERFECT: "You know Mr Grooberson is trying to bone your mom." "Oh" "You're not disturbed by that?" "I don't express emotions like most people. On the inside, I'm vomiting." That had me in stitches every time and really cemented Phoebe as a real character, not just a walking automation like she tries to show everyone else. It was smart, intelligent writing that really placed her as Egon's granddaughter, not a 12yo female Egon. And Paul Rudd not trying to be Bill Murray with scene-stealing one liners was good too. Bill Murray only works if you're actually Bill Murray, but Paul Rudd still pulled off what made Bill Murray's character portrayal in the original *WORK*. Not to be too punny, but Afterlife succeeded marvelously at capturing the Spirit of the originals without trying to copy the originals. It was it's own movie, and after waiting 33 years for this, I wasn't expecting a direct 3rd part but more like exactly we got: a proper baton pass.

[@ChipmunkRapidsMadMan1869]

@@SirBrass I thought Podcast was fitting in the Peter Venkman slot. Paul Rudd was a necessary ice breaker for Phoebe. And he’s in the slot of Rick Moranis.

[@SirBrass]

@@ChipmunkRapidsMadMan1869 there's no 1 to 1 correlation. And Paul Rudd was definitely Leading Comedy Man, like Bill Murray

[@ChipmunkRapidsMadMan1869]

@@SirBrass I know it’s not 1:1 but Paul is more of a goof who’s not 100% apprised of the situation. He knew something was going on but didn’t know what. Plus he becomes the Keymaster to Callie’s Gatekeeper. But Rick was a nerdy accountant who wasn’t aware of anything until he became the Key Master

[@ahmadsultan4643]

This how you write a smart characters male or female a lot of movies and shows portray smart characters as obnoxious and patronizing like you can't be a smart and decent human being

[@halonostalgiatheater7440]

the hilarious irony is that Afterlife has more legitimate girl power moments in it than the 2016 movie ever did. Phoebe is a badass

[@ChipmunkRapidsMadMan1869]

It’s like good writing actually means something to the writers

[@velveetaslingshot]

Loved her. Smart, serious, confident, polite, and KIND. No wonder they hate it.

[@reek4062]

@@ChipmunkRapidsMadMan1869 Nostalgia porn is never good writing.

[@themightyempire3511]

@@reek4062 but it can be part of it

[@ChipmunkRapidsMadMan1869]

@@reek4062 but they melded a critical piece of my childhood, and the childhood and young adulthood of millions of people in a package that did the original justice without looking like it's just there to tick boxes. Everyone goes through an arc of change. They story is fresh with enough rehash to bring in those of us who remember the confusion the original had between comedy and scary without overusing comedic horror tropes like the Ashe series. And without abusing childish comedy like the Girlbusters2016. Where everything was explained in lengthy attempts at trying to be funny. I never knew how to explain to my wife why I hate so many comedies. But Critical Drinker has helped me explain why I don't hang around when she puts on most of her Melissa McCarthy movies.

[@SheldonAdama17]

These days, any movie that doesn’t compel The Drinker to immediately reach for the brake fluid is a good movie in my book.

[@cjp1599]

Yeah he sounds bias as shit about this one, like he was going to like it no matter... this movie is shit!

[@bungalsfan87]

@He Brews Arvermin If you're a fan of Ghostbusters it was pretty awesome and as good as we could hope for in 2021. At least everyone agrees it's much better than 2016

[@wstavis3135]

Facts

[@blacklivesorblackvotes2985]

@@bungalsfan87 wow so you guys just have standards below sea level huh. We get a heap of garbage and suddenly we just take any crap we can get as long as it ain’t woke? That’s how far we’ve fallen? Is this what fandoms are reduced to? Scraping at the bottom of the barrel?

[@jonahabenhaim1223]

At least this movie is in the right direction, are you nostalgia blind?

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

_"Is it really a crime to just give people what they want every once in awhile?"_ In the 2020s, it sure is....

[@c6q3a24]

It's only a crime if they're male, white, straight, or any combination thereof.

[@DeRockMedia]

i got my spiderman multiverse coming..so im a happy marvel shill

[@michaelsinger4638]

Asks Rian Johnson.

[@davecrupel2817]

Ever since the 2010s, it sure as hell was and is.

[@makara80]

It’s also why ‘populist’ is almost always an _accusation_ these days rather than a compliment… Strange times. :(

[@storysurgeon5922]

What I loved was that Spanglers granddaughter and grandson BOTH inherited an aspect of his intelligence in one subtle way. You've got the scientific aspect from the granddaughter and the mechanical spect from the grandson, and both got a chance to shine. Loved it

[@jhyenixon1530]

i diddnt really see much of egon in the grandsons character, which is weird because they could have made him much more of an interesting character

[@storysurgeon5922]

@@jhyenixon1530 it was mostly in his mechanical ability, along with his more loner personality

[@jhyenixon1530]

@@storysurgeon5922 yeah i could agree with that, its just that we diddnt really see the grandson doing much else outside of fixing a car

[@everyonethinksyoureadeathm5773]

@@jhyenixon1530 yea, however not many young adult males know how to fix a car. At least in this day and age.

[@TheFourthWinchester]

@@everyonethinksyoureadeathm5773 almost nobody does except a very few in this age. I don't know either.

[@Damageinc84]

I think they needed a “safe” movie after 2016. This was perfect for me.

[@PhilipAlexanderHassialis]

Yeap, they picked up everything they could, heck, even Sigourney's cameo was simply excellent comedic timing (come on, all of us were wondering "where is she" and when her cast credit rolled AND THEN SHE APPEARS, it was.... good). But as Drinker said, the passing has been made. The new crew's fate is their own now - theirs and Jason's.

[@ivicamajmunskikreten9714]

agree. I'm hoping that this can evolve into a good sequel.

[@cbandit7715]

@@ivicamajmunskikreten9714 i dont think this movie eneds a seuqel. i think its a fine stand alone story

[@DanielAppleton-lr9eq]

@@cbandit7715 Would a sequel be a waste, you think ?

[@Csmallo]

"Inoffensive", "Not bad", and "Fan Service" beat the hell out of most of what is put on the screen today.

[@NeverSaySandwich1]

SAD

[@user-xx6vy9ri8p]

That's what the most on screen today is. Mandalorian, for example, is really shitty written, but is praised because of fanservice.

[@zacharykim295]

@@user-xx6vy9ri8p shitty writing? What do you mean?

[@user-xx6vy9ri8p]

@@zacharykim295 Mando takes jetpack off despite Grogu is safe in force field, then just forgets his jetpack on the ground for the whole episode and runs to hill by legs, leaves his ship unlocked and opened, goes to fight stormtroopers instead of staying on the hill and protecting Grogu, stormtroopers are so useless they don't shoot to Boba while he beats them with a club, can't step away from a rolling boulder, don't use cannons on their ships, don't shoot at Fennec when they surround her, they can hit only armoured parts of Mandalorian...Why did Moff Gideon send them at all instead of just blasting both ships and sending Dark Troopers?

[@Pelcurus]

None of those terms are a substitute for good.

[@coath514]

Barely standing standing 5 feet tall, McKenna grace absolutely carried this film for me. She's definitely the standout. Funny how this girl is portrayed as awkward and it's understandable cause she's 12. And then you compare it to the 2016 movie where everyone in that thing is awkward but it makes zero sense cause they're all supposed to be adults lol

[@andystegall7407]

Wow a female protagonist that isn't a shallow caricature of perfection? What a concept!

[@LordVader1094]

@@andystegall7407 Insane, I know

[@hv3115]

Meh.. it should have been a male character. Girls are usually not the geeky, brainy, socially awkward types..

[@DragonTigerBoss]

@@hv3115 I'm sorry that a female protagonist is the first experience you've ever had with a girl. Truly. There are actually several billion of them out there if you feel like venturing into the great outdoors, chief.

[@hv3115]

@@DragonTigerBoss oh shut up with your patronizing crap. As i said, it's just not realistic to make her female. It's usually boys and males who tend to be the socially awkward, geeky and brainy types who tinker with gadgets. There's a reason the engineering and tech professions are overwhelmingly male and it isn't because anyone is keeping women out of these professions. It's that males tend to be more biologically wired to be interested in systems and things whereas females tend to be more interested in people. I can point you to actual studies and data that demonstrate this. But of course in today's day and age, they have to insert female character where a male character would have been more accurate and realistic.

[@ed008ue]

I almost choked up in tears when Ramis appeared as a ghost with the rest of the Ghostbusters. 30 long years I waited for the sequel and here it is, I got my money's worth. my childhood came full circle!!

[@jawessome]

Almost? Man, I cried like a kid with a skinned knee!!!

[@juliohornos]

You said it. Full Circle.

[@radioaktiv2531]

@@jawessome My tears came out like a tsunami. I was jumping on the couch with a ocean streaming from my face lmao.

[@GawrGurasBathTubPizza]

i liked it but i personally would've tweaked it like phoebe isn't just getting pushed back but gets teary eyed i.e I can't hold this she's too strong and gets to the point she wants to give up THEN cue in egon

[@pauldavison5382]

Every time I watch that scene, I get choked up.

[@Hypershell]

What I love about this movie, and why the critics hate it, is that it has three generations united to a single cause, undermining the entire modern Hollywood premise that you can only build a new hero by tearing old ones down. The old cast stepping into battle feels a little awkward, since they're obviously past their prime, but ultimately no one "team" of protagonists steals the glory from the other, because it takes all of them to get the job done. So, yeah, the mini Staypufts feel like they're only there to sell toys, and Gozer is still just Gozer with almost no fleshing out, but I do like the idea that reversing the door it came through was only a temporary solution, and that someone needed to think up a more permanent one. It's an expansion to the original plot that actually makes sense despite not being strictly necessary. I will never, ever judge a Ghostbusters movie by whether or not it measures up to the original; I think that's an exercise in futility. The original movie was such a massive lightning strike of completely disparate comedic and horror atmospheres that somehow managed to mesh together successfully anyway around a cast with uncanny chemistry, that I don't expect to see such a feat repeated literally ever. As a kid it felt like two completely different movies, separated by the montage after the Slimer battle, that remerged in time for Gozer. Ghostbusters 2 never hit the same high notes, but was more consistent in its tone for a fun adventure that was only as horror as it needed to be to remind the audience that it had stakes. Afterlife is less adventury and more tense, as unlike previous movies the odds are consistently stacked against the heroes the entire time. There's no booming business, no busting montage, and no crowd cheering them on when it comes time to save the day. But despite all of that, save the day, they do, and everyone ends the movie definitively better than how they started. The new heroes grow, the skeptics mellow out, and the old heroes reconnect, and the one who can't be with us gets his sendoff. It's everything you could ask for. Except for Rick Moranis. Still can't pull him out of retirement. Life ain't perfect.

[@Diree]

@@Ben-pd2bx Not to mention how the entire movie was just bland, boring and meandering without any real sense of purpose until it was suddenly over and Egon got his send-off. Really? WHY are people entertained by this? I don't get it. WHAT does this movie bring to the table? I was honestly teetering between utterly bored and quite annoyed for most of the almost 2 hour run time (way too long for what happened in the movie).

[@jawessome]

@@Ben-pd2bx so you’ve never parted ways with people you’ve worked with before ever or switched jobs? Lucky you I guess. The dreams of the original four busting ghosts ended with Murray not wanting to be involved and Harold Ramis’ sad passing. This is as close we will ever get short of another (amazing) game or animated series. Egon wasn’t exactly some disgruntled asshole drinking blue tit milk in exile..

[@jawessome]

@@Ben-pd2bx why do you feel the movie needs to hold your hand to that extent? Who isn’t to say Egon was starting to lose his grasp on reality? Is it too farfetched to suggest he may have had early onset dementia? It’s glaringly obvious Egon is an introvert and made the decision to deal with this issue himself. He pretty much had it all wrapped up hadn’t the capacitors blown leading to his demise. Your idea of him travelling to an etheric plane is sound but suggests a higher scientific mastery which would infer to the viewer that ghost-busting is an ancient art compared to that. Where would the struggle and the challenge come into play? I honestly feel nothing can compare to the original film. Is GB: Afterlife perfect? No, but it’s a nice homage to the first one and it’s sequel and I really hope more comes of it if the post credits scenes are anything to go by.

[@MsStolenkisses]

@@Ben-pd2bx That's what I thought. The set up was clunky and illogical, just a lazy way to shoehorn in past with present. It just doesn't make any sense at all that the rest of the crew would brush off what Egon was trying to tell them. It's a Ghostbusters movie where the elements that are the least authentic are the original Ghostbusters themselves.

[@Eternaldarkness3166]

that'd be a hilarious premise for the next movie, it's clear they want to do more, imagine the jokes and humor that can come off that in seeing all the guys past their prime still trying to do this dangerous job they have.

[@Kauhl2912]

The fact that this movie has a shot of all 4 ghostbusters in action, even with one of them being archival footage. And that no one when “planning” the Star Wars sequels said “I want a scene with Luke, Han, and Leia at the same time” shows you how much the director and everyone behind Afterlife cared about honoring the legacy of what came before it. And it’s another testimant as to how no one gave a shit about quality storytelling with the sequels, let alone pleasing the fans.

[@garou12]

i said that the people who want this to fail because it makes paul feig and jj look like shitty directors. i stand by that opinion.

[@horseradishpower9947]

And you have at the end "For Harold" That was showing how much love went into this film. This was a labour of love.

[@eliasadam2345]

@@horseradishpower9947 I haven't seen the movie, yet. But you do have to appreciate directors that want to pay tribute to original movies they are building upon instead of crapping all over beloved icons, because they don't like the characters like the Star Wars sequels did. I know the bar has been really lowed for movies in the last 10 years, but it's refreshing to see a director actually give fans what they want and understand what their characters mean to them.

[@daveyoung9218]

totally agree, despite its flaws, its a perfect movie made FOR the fans. and that wasnt archive footage of egon...it was a body double with makeup and cgi, the actor who played him actually looks like him

[@Parlimant_Strifey]

Seems it didn't mary sue upgrade the kids at the expense of the OG characters. Well....that is how you are supposed to do it. Unlike the terribad screenplays I've seen over the last 20 years throughout so much media, which constantly put down the OGs to make their new characters into mary sue superiors.

[@creek7191]

Wish we could get a Star Wars film like this, a flawed but sincere movie for the fans

[@MrAlexdimm]

we did. it sucks sht and regurgitates the end just like skywalker did with the end or Return of the Jedi.

[@Mortred99]

Rogue One? I liked it.

[@watchlearn1167]

You're describing the star wars movie where they steal the plans for the death star... And, I'm being totally serious when I say this, it was so forgettable that I cannot even remember the name of the movie... Seriously, it's annoying me that I can't remember the name.

[@RogueFox2185]

The closest thing we got to that was Rogue One, we don’t talk about the cursed Disney trilogy.

[@theaverageDon]

My thoughts exactly

[@SergioHernandez-le8wp]

I'll never understand the hate for Ghostbusters 2. I still love that movie all these decades later

[@martynstembridge7714]

I LOVED it ... Let's be honest ... Getting Murray and the guys back in the suits for one last time was a near impossible task ... but what we got was more than I ever thought possible, and the send off for Ramis was handled so well. And I actually thought Bill seemed to have a good time ... He's ALWAYS been subtle and dry ... and he had some great lines.

[@hariman7727]

The second post credits scene was great too.

[@kelborhal2576]

"It could have been worse, a LOT worse." - Is basically the best advertisement for this movie ever from you Drinker.

[@LjMeleed]

its about the best we can hope for these days

[@telengardforever7783]

Compared to it's source material: "Ghostbusters: The Video Game", this movie was pretty bad.

[@CommanderTato]

@@telengardforever7783 If we take into account the game movie would be the fourth installment.

[@telengardforever7783]

@@CommanderTato That's not true since they share the exact same plot... It doesn't make sense for the protagonist to defeat Shandor and Gozer twice.

[@CommanderTato]

@@telengardforever7783 You are right. Nvm didnt watched movie yet.

[@kcarmical]

I loved that the “For Harold” text was actually in the main body of the film and not tacked on after the credits. Nicely done.

[@The_Gorn]

I’ll admit it, I was in tears. A grown man in his 40’s and I was crying.

[@a-tick]

@@The_Gorn Me too dude. Me too. My girlfriend was a bit confused when she turned to me and asked "Who's Harold" and I was holding back tears XD

[@henrikaugustsson4041]

It was beautiful, yes. Not a dry cheek.

[@Runicen]

Yeah, that ending hit like a champ. Beautifully done.

[@Candymantempting41]

100%

[@igormaryshev2579]

The scene in the end actually made me shed few tears.. I knew this is gonna happen, and still, this moment hit so hard I were not able to hold myself. Good movie, absolutely worth it, in my opinion

[@reek4062]

Did you pee in your diaper?

[@igormaryshev2579]

@@reek4062 twice

[@lutello3012]

I cry when they use a dead actor for sappy shit without his permission too.

[@SCAR16s]

I thought it tacky as fuck given them man has died.

[@ninjabearpress2574]

I've been avoiding everything about Ghostbusters: Afterlife until I had a chance to see it, which happened this afternoon. First time in years I feel I got my money's worth from the theater going experience.

[@zeroelus]

My 4 year old is a huge ghostbusters fan and we had the chance for a family movie night yesterday and when the choice came, they wanted to see afterlife, which I went in without seeing before. I agree with you and fully w the Critical drinker, it could have been better yes but it was pretty enjoyable and solid, compared to some of the other muck out there this one was good, and Mckenna Grace was brilliantly cast and gave a great performance. I wouldn't mind them trying out another one...but they'd have to be real careful.

[@lancebaylis3169]

Say what you will, McKenna Grace is a really good fit for Egon's grand-daughter, and authentically looks related to Harold Ramis too. Great casting.

[@flatline42]

And she was a pretty good actor too. She slipped into the role really well for me.

[@makeitsonumberone1358]

@@flatline42 but pod cast, that character sucked so did his acting

[@christinabrenneman7641]

Yea I was impressed with how she could pass as related to him.

[@CoryTheRaven]

@@makeitsonumberone1358 Podcast could have been incredibly cringe, but I ended up enjoying him as a foil for Phoebe. Kinda' reminded me of Jack Sparrow... He's good comic relief to play off of other characters, but would (or in Jack's case DID) become annoying if given more focus.

[@Rich_Man101]

Yeah, she was perfect for the role. She sincerely looks the part and did a great job in the role.

[@raccoonofmotivation20]

I love how everyone unanimously admits it ain't a masterpiece but is fine with that after what happened in 2016.

[@sweetcinnamonpnchkin]

It was a ton of fun. It got our audience to applaud. TWICE.

[@JonathanGaeta]

Afterlife is a giant middle finger to Ghostbusters 2016 as it should be. And I was so satisfied after leaving the theater as it’s so rare for me these days

[@chriswhinery925]

Rome wasn't built in a day and you can't completely reverse course in only one movie. For now, a Ghostbusters movie that just isn't total shit is enough progress in the right direction to make people happy. If they do any sequels though they will need to do better to hold people's interest. "Good enough" is only good enough compared to "terrible". Now that they've reset the baseline they need to improve it.

[@henrikaugustsson4041]

I think it was darn great, not much to complain about at all. Very respectful and I loved it.

[@Death.Died0]

triggered seeing female main characters?

[@terrorshard2916]

This 38 year old manbaby couldn't hold back tears at the end, seeing the characters that I loved as a child one more time getting the opportunity to mend wounds and say goodbye to an old friend, Egon and Harold both at the same time done so well.

[@reek4062]

At least you admit being one

[@lukedalton]

@@reek4062 yes we have understand your opinion, you have made it clear many many many times...now at this stage if start looking more like someone that want attention then a normal fan and it's becoming irritating

[@chainmailunderwear]

Well I'm 50 and I'd be lying if I said my eyes were dry. The first Ghostbusters was the last movie my dad ever took us to. No movie can ever equal it but that moment at the end kind of pinned me to my seat and brought that back a little somehow. So I'll watch and rewatch it. Just like my pop would if he was still here

[@jonathancollazo]

4:45 - Practical Effects in 2021…Thank you, I completely agree!! Practical effects have such an organic, real grounded feel to them as compared to CGI. Drinker, please do a video on Practical Effects vs CGI in modern films.

[@rubix4195]

I still feel an ominous feel in Robocop when freaking ED-209 warms up and walks in and my jaw drops when it just guns down an OCP executive (even when I know its gonna happen). Best part? 100% practical effect with a model.

[@rustyshackleford9141]

I'm glad someone else agrees with me that Ghostbusters 2 wasn't that bad a movie.

[@wtfbugs]

The statue of liberty scene with that old Nintendo controller was one of the most awesome scenes I have had the pleasure of witnessing

[@Tevikolady]

I don't understand the hate for it myself.

[@Edmar_Fecler]

Same. Its a fine movie in my opinion

[@StormsparkPegasus]

The problem with Ghostbusters 2 is, the original Ghostbusters set the bar too high, and the sequel, while a really good movie, just didn't quite reach the heights of the first one. If they came out in reverse order everyone would've loved it.

[@spavliskojr]

I thought it had some pretty funny moments. all in all, it didnt suck. I mean vigo was a cool villian

[@heraldofwar]

Now you know exactly why most critics hated this movie ... 'Its sincere and respects its fans!' We cannot have that in 2021 now can we.

[@bramsortwell8426]

No. Everyone feels the need to treat the public us with the contempt of unwanted children. Everything must be a ham-handed social lecture or patronizing criticism. It is more subtle than book burning but provides the same effect.

[@Pelcurus]

Critics hated this movie because they went all in on the 2016 film and don't want the fans to be proven right. It's the same reason fans are giving this "meh" a pass; because they went so far hating 2016, that they can't give any ground. This movie isn't good. It isn't the sequel the franchise deserved. It's more Hollywood dangling references in your face. Pretending otherwise is just giggling at the keys and encouraging them to continue.

[@TheJadedJames]

The issue isn't that it is a super sincere movie, it is a super sincere movie that is the direct follow up to a movie where one of the leads got a blow job from a ghost. Ghostbusters Afterlife takes itself far far far more seriously than previous movies in the franchise and that is what some people are calling out

[@Shorty_Lickens]

well, except for Dune. And James Bond.

[@captainkhaos102]

Of course not, they need a REI type, swinging her she-nuts around.

[@T-Raven1986]

I think having Ivo Shandor as the main villain would have been much more interesting than simply bringing back Gozer. It was almost like when they brought back Emperor Palpatine in Rise Of Skywalker. Paul Rudd, alongside Mckenna Grace and Logan Kim were great in this movie! I loved those guys. Though I wasn't too invested in the rest of the cast, unfortunately. Their characters didn't really have any significance in the film. But those three characters I would love to see return for a sequel. And YES! I wanted MORE of the original Ghostbusters, all three of them together could have been introduced by the start of the third act, maybe actually working alongside the new cast and uncovering the mystery and chasing ghosts. That would have been amazing! And sorry, but, the Mini Stay Puft's were adorable. But I was really hoping they'd go all Gremlins or Mini-Ash from Army Of Darkness in that scene.

[@robertbishop7722]

I absolutely loved this film. It was a love letter to the fans (which it excelled at) and an excellent legacy film, and I think it was meant to be that instead of Ghostbusters 3. If you want Ghostbusters 3, and quite possibly the best Ghostbusters media ever besides the original film, pick up Ghostbusters the Video Game (it has a remastered version.) The original actors did the voices, official script by Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd, and a super fantastic, atmospheric story that does exactly what you wanted: it fleshes out Ivo Shandor and his plans and makes him kinda a terrifying antagonist. The game is MASSIVELY under-rated and deserves so much more praise than it gets

[@Poppadop1]

I was looking for someone to mention the 2009 video game as the quasi-Ghostbusters 3 that the Drinker mentioned. ^_^

[@Sigilstone17]

"Alright" is all this movie had to be, which is a pretty high water mark in today's movie industry, so it's good that Jason Reitman knew what he was doing.

[@errorcode6168]

"Alright" means it is better than the Fembusters.

[@och70]

@@errorcode6168 A fire hose colonoscopy is better than the 2016 movie.

[@TheSchultinator]

@@och70 Ow...just ow

[@darkcoeficient]

@@och70 it's a turbo enema

[@user-xx6vy9ri8p]

@@errorcode6168 Any horseshit is better than that, so no.

[@L8ugh1ngm8n1]

Love how the Leslie Jones has a moan about their movie 2016 reboot being totally ignored and not counting with this sequel. Correct me if I am wrong but apart from the cameos didn't the 2016 reboot try to do exactly THAT to the original two movies?

[@w0undedmakers251]

Low IQ SNL Diversity Hire couldn’t possibly comprehend the nuances of her hypocrisy.

[@ImpetuouslyInsane]

@@w0undedmakers251 I don't even think she can comprehend the concept of oxygen either, but here we are.

[@at-rexontheinternet1388]

Not to mention fucking murdering one of the original stars

[@hariman7727]

@@at-rexontheinternet1388 In all fairness, I heard that Bill Murray insisted on that as part of his price for appearing in that one.

[@at-rexontheinternet1388]

@@hariman7727 oh didnt know that lol

[@michaelbuzny1170]

I have said this before, nothing will ever capture the magic of the first movie (and that's ok), and there are a few really big reasons why: 1) Dan Akroyd was/is obsessed with the occult and supernatural, and his first drafts of Ghostbusters was WAY darker than what showed up on screen, but it was still pretty detailed (for example there is an explantion for every little gadget and gizmo that you see on the roof of Ecto-1) 2) Harold Ramis and Ivan Reitman were involved with polishing Akroyd's script, by this point in time all 3 were very accomplished comedy writers and had worked together several times 3) Ramis, Akroyd and Murray had all been working with, or around each other on the comedy improv circuit and in a few movies for years by the time they worked on Ghostbusters

[@colbyscott9822]

Honestly, Ray told a more compelling story in like 3 mins (when Phoebe called him) than this movie did over 2 hours. I would watch an entire movie about the falling out of the Ghostbusters.

[@colliric]

Still, admit that you enjoyed it! Lol!

[@colbyscott9822]

@@colliric I did but it was over hyped.

[@colliric]

@@colbyscott9822 Not every overhyped nostalgia trip made by Sony can be Spiderman: No Way Home! Lol!

[@DiscoTimelordASD]

That would actually make for a good movie - the story of WHY the ghosts disappeared, if they were investigating it, what led to the eventual falling out and each of them ending up where they were. For no one to believe Egon or for him to successfully evade everyone but Janine there would have to be a good story point there.

[@JM-vp8zc]

“I collect strippers, malt, and hangovers.” - the Critical Egon

[@darkcoeficient]

Negative Egon

[@pferreira1983]

There's a pole dancing reference in the movie. 😁

[@johnrobberts7936]

Lets call this movie what it is. A way to say good bye to old friends and a chance to meet new ones and go on new adventures. If they can build momentum for a sequel then this is where it starts.

[@AzureKnight2]

Absolutely. We got respect and closure for the original characters, and introduction to all new characters to love. Even if it wasn't perfect. I really want to see another movie or two with these new characters.

[@hv3115]

@@AzureKnight2 well it remains to be seen if enough people go to see this one and then if they want to see another Ghostbusters movie with these characters. These new characters dont seem as compelling or funny as the original Ghostbusters and the movie doesnt seem to be all that great.

[@AzureKnight2]

@@hv3115 It might not be nearly as good, but there's a solid foundation to improve from there.

[@Sakura_Matou]

@@hv3115 I think most people liked Phoebe, and many I think liked Podcast. I think Phoebe is a good starting point. I loved this movie.

[@gungaloscrungalo8925]

Hmmm. People said that about Force Awakens when that came out. Not that this movie is the souless, disrespectful nonsense that was, but it doesn't exactly fill me with optimism.

[@timalmondvideo]

Something I realised watching this is how low my expectations are today about people making big movies with female protagonists. Spengler isn't some one woman perfect hero, way smarter than all the men. She's smart, resourceful, but she also needs her friends to help. I know quite a lot of geeky girls and they're a lot like her. And much credit to McKenna Grace. So much of this film depends on her playing it right, and she does. Overall, I think I enjoyed it more than most people just because of my nostalgia. So much nostalgia wants to cheaply take what went before. This was like getting together with old school friends. And not just in terms of the cast, but the feel of the film. The way that it grasped that Ghostbusters wasn't set in a stupid SNL place, but was about apocalyptic doom. Some moments might be funny, but the characters take the situation seriously. The technology like the gunner seat, the way the proton packs looked, the basement all felt perfect in terms of Egon Spengler.

[@gohan00dbz]

So me and my wife just went and saw Ghostbusters afterlife. I must say it’s one of the best movies I’ve seen this year. They kept the politics out of it and all the woke stuff out of it. It was fun to go see a movie with a good storyline and just that. It used its source material very well and it was enjoyable to watch.

[@franciscodanconia4324]

I like how it both gives you Ghostbusters and the feel of an 80s “kids” movie where the kids can basically do anything (fight ghosts, fight vampires, hack NORAD, build a woman, etc).

[@edwardbloom6999]

I mean in many ways, the one kid was Data from the Goonies. And that’s not a bad thing.

[@flatline42]

@@edwardbloom6999 Data was a hero for me growing up I loved him and loved Goonies.

[@henrikaugustsson4041]

Yeah, that was my biggest complaint, I think, that a kid could understand any of the super-experimental technology Egon built, even with him guiding her. But I think it was a great scene nonetheless, and I don’t hate it, unlike every scene in 2016.

[@sayithowitis470]

Agreed!!

[@zebare726]

Not the biggest fan of the girl in the movie. Because it felt like she was a magnet which attracted everything important in this movie. However other then that, the movie was totally okay.

[@illogicalassertations7875]

Ghostbusters was 100% lightening in a bottle. If Ghostbusters 2 couldn't fully recapture the magic of the original with the same actors, writers, and director I'm not shocked that a film made by entirely different people nearly 4 decades later couldn't either.

[@DragonTigerBoss]

Exactly. I think Ghostbusters 2 was actually very good, but Ghostbusters was such through-and-through excellence that it's not even comparable to other movies.

[@telengardforever7783]

This movie is just a shitty retelling of "Ghostbusters: The Video Game." So if you want the best version, you need to play the game on the PS4 or PS5. You'll be surprised what was cut out of the video game in order to make this movie.

[@alexandredion2151]

Very well said !

[@sindarpeacheyeisacommie8688]

Lightening and lightning are two different things.

[@mkultra2456]

@IllogicalAssertations You done goofed. It's lightning, not lightening lol.

[@Reverend_Sashimi]

So nice to see them actually give the fans what they want (even if it's a bit over done) instead of trying to push an agenda or message. I absolutely loved it.

[@geminisfl]

I'm sorry but I like going to the movies to be surprised, not to get "what I want". If I want Ghostbusters 1984, I can watch Ghostbusters 1984.

[@jamst123]

​@@geminisflwhy watch a ghostbusters sequel then if you're not looking for ghostbusters? Absolutely asinine comment.

[@geminisfl]

@@jamst123 What I'm trying to say here is that if you make movies only to give fans "what they want", you end up with a boring, repetitive, safe and predictable result.

[@jamst123]

@@geminisfl that's always better these days than the same political woke messages, the forced agenda, the anti male sentiments that come with all these new movies. Sometimes it's refreshing to give the fans what they want.

[@geminisfl]

@@jamst123 Maybe the same political woke messages, the forced agenda, and the anti male sentiments in movies are a consecuence of producers and shareholders thinking that's "popular". I'm absolutely sure that when they see that it doesn't bring money in, they will abandon it (they are already doing it). But the main problem is the same: making movies thinking always and only on "what is popular" at the moment instead of original new ideas.

[@Me4u2c42]

I went into it super cautiously, like someone walking into a creepy old haunted house. But as I was watching it, I found myself loving it and loving it. I really really liked it. It was really good especially hopefully setting up a next movie with original cast and the new. I loved it. Especially the ending. 👻 ❤️

[@Smellslikegelfling]

I think the biggest problem with so many reboots and sequels (or movies in general these days) is that they're too self aware. They fail to capture the lightning in a bottle that the originals did, because they're too busy winking at the audience and pandering with inside jokes and tired tropes. They become predictable that way, so everything seems too forced instead of unfolding naturally as the previous stories did. The sense of immersion is lost because the writers and studios think that nostalgia can overpower the lack of a good script or good acting.

[@TheJadedJames]

Watching Ghostbusters Afterlife, I felt like the people behind it didn't go "Ghostbusters is cool. Let's break down what was cool about it, and figure out how we can repackage that for a new generation in a way that won't feel like we are straight up copying it" .... it was more like "We are nostalgic for Ghostbusters, so we are just going to coat the Ghostbusters aesthetic over the cinematic language of nostalgia" It is a mindset that gets the movie as far away from feeling like Ghostbusters as a movie so clearly in love with Ghostbusters possibly could. This movie loves Ghostbusters, but Ghostbusters didn't inspire it to do much more than tell us that

[@thegreatergood8081]

Terminator 2 and Aliens were well regarded because they built on the original movie's premise while effectively adding new elements. That's what good sequels need to do.

[@whenpigsfly8178]

@@thegreatergood8081 Yep Aliens turned Alien from lone stalker horror to monster mash and intelligently expanded both the Xenomorph and the Weyland Yutani lore. Extending the core concept into a new context.

[@platinumdust2252]

@@thegreatergood8081 Funny, I was about to say Terminator 2 actually started the trend of vapid, self aware, self referential, spectacle-orientated movie making.

[@turbotrup96]

not just movies, games and cartoons too

[@condecrono]

Went with wife and my two kids, 6 and 8 years old. The four of us went out smiling. My kids got a great time and my wife and I did shead a couple of tears. For me It was a great family movie and a good Ghostbusters film. Cheers to all from México.

[@reek4062]

''my wife and I did shead a couple of tears'' It's so pathetic to cry over some nostalgia porn of a comedy

[@toniotrussardi8126]

@@reek4062 ohhh mr tough guy doesnt cry ohh, as critikal thinker said go away now

[@reek4062]

@@toniotrussardi8126 It's pathetic to cry over such nonsense. The original Ghostbusters is a good comedy movie, but it's nothing more than that. It's not trying to be emotional or deep in any way. It's ridiculous people cry over this.

[@Bowhuntingskills]

@@reek4062 well I can’t speak for the OP, but for me there was some welling up at ghost Egon, within the context of Harold being dead in real life. Didn’t just cry out of nostalgia. But keep on with the tough guy act.

[@hariman7727]

Ghostbusters Afterlife got a couple manly tears out of me too, and almost got tears out of me a third time. It's a heartfelt love letter to the original, and well worth the watch for any fan of the original, and for anyone who is curious about the franchise. Admittedly though, watching the originals first DOES help.

[@3Rayfire]

I agree on that one point, I would've appreciated more expansion on Ivo Shandor (though we got lots of that in Ghostbusters 3/The Game) especially the fact that he is basically responsible for most of the misery in the franchise. Gozer however was well handled. Gozer's backstory is well established. Gozer is the walking talking gravelly voiced apocalypse and doesn't need backstory or motivations. Its motivation is to turn the Earth into a burned out husk void of life. It's not Beerus or V'Ger or The Predator. It's a Kraken, a Xenomorph, the Blob. Just because it can talk doesn't mean that it cares about motivations or explaining them. Which is why Ivo went the two ways that he did.

[@Randomcorpse]

Watching this film was the happiest I've felt in a long time. It felt a cool shower after trudging through a swamp for years. It has such a pure heart to it. Maybe I'm just so accustomed to being abused by jerks desperately wanting to make sequels and remakes just to shit on things I like and the people who made them. But this film was precisely what I needed the day I watched it.

[@ZeroOmega-vg8nq]

The entire ending sequence was wholesome and heartwarming.

[@reek4062]

It was more pathetic than the 2016 Ghostbusters, and I couldn't believe that was possible

[@ShamanMcLamie]

That post-Credit scene was definitely setting up a Sequel. Winston is definitely going to bring back the Ghostbusters after all the ghosts escape.

[@chrismusix5669]

Heart-worming?

[@prince-solomon]

and waaaaay to long.

[@josephmayfield945]

Yeah when I think of ghostbusters I think wholesome and heart warming. 🤮🤮🤮

[@Candymantempting41]

McKenna Grace’s character was so incredibly written, and flies in the face of all the insulting Hollywood identity politic BS so prevalent in film today! She is truly a huge highlight in this film. Her character is easy to just love! She’s done us a great service with her great acting in this film!!! Rudd is genuinely hilarious throughout, also a great character here, as well!

[@xeviphract5894]

Agreed. She was an instant hit with me. She even sings one of the songs in the credits. Talent!

[@casbyness]

To focus on this point even further - during the scene at the police station, the moment when Phoebe grabs Egon's neutrino wand in anger was, in my opinion, one of the greatest moments of characterisation accuracy that I've ever seen. Everyone - even the most diehard Ghostbusters fans - forgets that beneath his calm and almost robotic demeanor, Egon hid an explosive righteous temper that we only get a couple of tiny glimpses of. The fact that the writers of Afterlife were skillful and knowledgeable enough to write Phoebe as having inherited the same extremely specific character trait was incredible and easily balanced out the few moments of nostalgia cringe. When I saw her lose her temper and go for the wand I 100% KNEW that the people who created this film genuinely loved and understood Ghostbusters.

[@MrOPD]

It immensely helped that here character was not solely built upon *I'm a girl and I'm not being pushed around by boys*. She was just a character. A relatable, understandable, real character. And she happened to be a girl - which makes her 10 times the female empowerment star than the 2016 morons who's entire purpose was to make sure that everyone knew they were women and that quite literally all the men around them were assholes or idiots. It's hilarious that this like 12 y/o girl is what women like Leslie Jones wish they were.

[@TwoSevenX]

Pre tty much what happens when you Show instead of Tell.

[@margarethmichelina5146]

She truly is a talented actress. She's always get typecasted playing as younger version of protagonists every time. But, this time she's playing as main lead. She's capturing of how Egon's granddaughter should act like very well.

[@rage_tv4493]

There are a lot of parts that feel pretty cheesy and not fleshed out enough. There are also a lot of characters that kinda just stand around not really doing anything which is pretty weird especially after watching stranger things where there are so many characters that are all doing something. Phoebe and the plot really had to carry this movie and even tho they did a good job you can still see where they couldn’t hold everything. Fan service was awesome and the humor was pretty alright but some things could’ve been improved on with slightly better dialogue and interactions. Like the fact that Phoebe pointed a gun at the sheriff and they just shook it off like a mistake. I feel like that should’ve been done a little differently to convey the same tone of the scene but oh well. I did really enjoy the movie tho it was fun to watch and it felt like season 1 stranger things at times. Kids going on an adventure but it’s ghost busters. Good film 7/10

[@MsEnglishtea]

I think it was way better than the 2016 version. Yes, it has its flaws but so did the original movies, they weren't a masterpiece but they were just fun films to watch. I think adding kids was a clever way to bring a new generation interested in a movie most of us grew up with. A movie that wasn't designed for kids in the first place, yet there were toys, cereal boxes, and a cartoon. I took both my niece and nephew to the cinema to see the new film and after watching it, they wanted to see the original movies. It works! I am so happy Jason Reitman made this movie it was something familiar and yet somewhat different, it's always refreshing to watch a movie that isn't woke. Nowadays we would be lucky to get 2 good movies to watch that don't force "The Message" down our throats.

[@Alondro77]

It's good enough. It loves the fans. It does not piss on the original. That's all I ask for from nostalgia. It gets my money.

[@lilmovieperp3599]

So your standards are hilariously low and is probably why the entertainment industry doesn’t pay attention to communities like this

[@Shuizid]

Kinda true - though the fact the movie doesn't acknoledge how the Ghostbusters saved the world in a public way and instead acts as if they could just go into hiding KINDA undermines all the events of the original.

[@toniotrussardi8126]

@@lilmovieperp3599 its 2021 we cant have hight standars bc they dont exist anymore,we can all just hope its not too terrible

[@lilmovieperp3599]

@@toniotrussardi8126 I’m sorry you aren’t being spoon fed entertainment anymore…

[@Bradleythebarbell]

That little girl testing the proton pack had the hair on the back of my neck standing straight up. Thats all i wanted to do when i was 8 yrs old. Just so incredibly unfair. When was the last time a movie made you feel that way? I thought the movie was a dream come true from everyone from the 80’s. Thank you for this.

[@tarb1320]

100% agree with this statement.

[@johndjenssen]

Many scenes made me feel like a kid again, when they tear out of the police station in Ecto-1 with the sirens blaring. Reminded me of when we were all introduced to her during the first "WE GOT ONE!!" call. Or the exchange between Gozer and Ray. I was really hoping they included that little part and I wasn't disappointed.

[@o.c.g.m9426]

@@johndjenssen ARE YOU A GOD ???? 🤣🤣

[@mattspringer7525]

Agree completely! I loved it!! Best movie ive seen in years.

[@flatline42]

@@o.c.g.m9426 "Oh come on!" The follow up from that kind of killed the joke. They should have ended it at "yes".

[@garym6315]

I agree totally. Was really looking forward to this movie, especially after the praise fans were heaping upon it, and while I did love it it is the sort of film where not much happens. A lot of it is going over old ground, but I am hoping that was intentional to bring in a new audience, a new generation of fans. There will inevitably be a sequel and that is where this new dynamic can really shine. Can you imagine a brand new story that is multi-generational - Ray and Winston mentoring the late/early teens and Paul Rudd acting as a father figure / chaperone to the team? That would be really interesting and seeing them deal with a brand new story would be great.

[@MichaelDBruce]

Went to see this with zero expectations and hype. Actually wasn't planning on seeing this until later. I really liked it. The genius level of the kid was totally believable and didn't seem like it was forcing the story forward. All the scenes felt like they built on the previous and the ending provoked some strong feelings while being tasteful. Ultimately, the thing they got right was going back to the roots of what made the original good - making a comedy/horror movie. Vs the force awakens which didn't go back to its roots and every appearance from former cast members felt like they were just there to try and make the audience cheer rather than have any real meaning. I'd see this again

[@billborra9117]

I look at it like this: It's fan service for a movie we haven't seen in 30 years. It put the 2016 variant to bed at least. Plus now they can continue the story with a new approach, but still give the fans that reminiscent feeling, and allow them to tell their kids about the originals. Love it

[@jeebuschristos8423]

Yep... can't wait for the sequel to this one... where the kids find an evil painting on a school trip to the museum and have to defeat the entity while at the same time dealing with sentient slime that is overrunning the sewer systems of their town...

[@piotrd.4850]

And how about leaving it fixed, allowing sleeping dogs lie and moving on to NEW ORIGINAL IDEAS?

[@richardhockey8442]

regarding the 2016 'event' I prefer the terminology 'banished to the utter abyss of unmemory, never to return'

[@markfogarty7418]

Just seen it today.I liked it a lot,the only thing I didn’t like about it was I had the worlds itchiest hole during the entire film.I’d give it an 8 out of 10

[@g.lether7973]

@@piotrd.4850 it's sad, because if all remakes and sequels were like this it wouldn't be an issue. This movie wasn't necessary but it was a fun watch, and what should a movie be beyond that?

[@garrettvenn9022]

Movie was goddamn beautiful, and they handled Harold Ramis' death perfectly. If you don't cry, you have no soul. Or you're drunk. In a movie theater.

[@KJ-of6lf]

D: all the above 😆

[@sweetcinnamonpnchkin]

Heck my theatre has a drink at the bar named after this film

[@shadiwon]

Just got back from watching it with my son, and man I loved this movie. They handled Harold Ramis send off perfect and they def pulled on my heart strings 10/10 see this movie!

[@sirretsnom3329]

I'm not crying, you're crying....

[@kevins4213]

Deliberately didn't drink. Cried at the end. More at "for Harold". Best part was my wife tearing up too and saying how it felt better watching one of the smaller, non Dolby or IMAX screens because it was like being back in the 80s. Yeah it has a couple little nits to pick but they worked hard to respect fans of the first. My biggest bit was the slow build up but in retrospect if it was meant to droll us for the big delivery at the end, that's just fine.

[@Gonganiubi]

I don’t expect any movie to be perfect anymore, not least a sequel to one of the greatest films of all time. But for capturing that unmistakable spirit of the original, and giving us oldies a fitting farewell to a group of characters that have lived in us for decades this was a gem. I held off watching it until this evening. Part of me was worried that it may not hit the spot, and the trailers gave an impression that it may just be clinging on to the Stranger Things vibe, but no not at all. I’d seen Mark Kermode savage it, along with the orginal which I just found strange and assumed he was playing along with some BBC woke agenda. The ending was very tastefully done and it felt like a movie that the kids could enjoy just as much as the adults. I wouldn’t even have minded if they switched the blue ghost for Slimer just to crank up the homage factor even more. Throw in Rick Moranis and Slimer and I would probably be a bubbling mess right now. As it stands it was far better than expected, they did a great job.

[@admcleo]

If the first movie was capturing lightning in a bottle by pure chance, then Ghostbusters: Afterlife is a man made machine to do the same and in my opinion does manage to get that lightning into that damn bottle. You might see the tesla coils and vacuum tubes in the process but that underlying spark of the original is undeniably still present.

[@henrikaugustsson4041]

Spot on. It could’ve been better, but that being said, I came out in tears, happy and excited about ghostbusters. It didn’t disappoint me, and that’s about the best praise I can give these days when every movie is a feminist/woke statement. Like Drinker said, there are things that could’ve been improved, but this movie delivered everything I needed from it, and then some. If it had more of the og ghostbusters it would’ve made me happier, same with more background on gozer and shandor or even a whole new villain, but I think it was great.

[@gagalover2k10]

The fact that most twitter and 2016 cast hate it is more than enough of an incentive for me to go see this 😂

[@alucard624]

If the 2016 cast hate it then it's a masterpiece. Seriously, fuck that 2016 movie, it's cast, and especially the director for calling anyone who disliked it a misogynist. The movie was crap not because it had a female cast. It was crap because it was a very unfunny movie that wasted the talent of some of the people involved who are actually good in other things.

[@gagalover2k10]

@@alucard624 yeah screw the director he’s just salty cuz his movie sucked and couldn’t take criticism cuz he’s a ❄️

[@flatline42]

It's more than that. Literally you can predict all the professional reviewers' opinions of the 2016 version based on how bad they trash this version. I spent an hour before going to the movie looking at reviews and I can't find anyone who trashed this movie that also hated the 2016 movie. I didn't mind an all female reboot of ghostbusters but the movie just wasn't funny and everyone was trying to be the comedic relief. While Afterlife wasn't hilarious I laughed about a half dozen times pretty good, which is about 5.5 times more than I laughed in all of the 2016 movie.

[@aaronseidl5941]

I saw an article where some lady was shitting on Afterlife, but in her opening paragraph said she enjoyed the 2016 movie 🤣

[@alucard624]

@@aaronseidl5941 Only feminazis and soy boys enjoyed the 2016 film.

[@DarrenMarsh-kx8hd]

CRITICAL DRINKER....you may just want to watch this again....its aged rather well. LOVED Afterlife....just watched it again, in anticipation of the next Ghostbusters movie. Afterlife marrys in with Ghostbusters I & II seamlessly. Bring on Ghostbusters IV: Frozen Empire.

[@stickybuns8626]

Just watched. Flawed but sincere is perfectly succinct. Not how I would have done it but worthy and I hope for more.

[@watchdog304]

I'll take a flawed, but sincere Ghostbusters movie all day long. Especially in 2021. Great review as always mate!

[@bZman]

Sincere means a lot more than cash grabbing crap starring 4 of the least likeable women in film at the moment

[@EverettBurger]

Heck, I'm excited that the setting of a major movie isn't New York City or Los Angeles. There is an entire world that is ignored. There really are compelling stories within "flyover country".

[@Attmay]

The single most brilliant thing this movie did was to take ghostbusting itself outside of New York City even though it was integral to the creation of Ghostbusters itself.

[@happyhammer1]

Out of all the reviews of this movie, I found this one to be the one I agree with the most. I like how they tried to tackle the story from a new perspective that ties into the original. My biggest problem with it was rehashing gozer. I really feel like this movie would have benefited from a new villain.

[@tylersissues117]

I really enjoyed this movie, even for it's flaws, it definitely felt like the original in many ways, while not on par, feels like an appropriate sequel

[@b.dalius5136]

Imagine living in a time where, movies are good because it's an actual sequel to a classic masterpiece of a movie, that heavily emphasizes on pleasing the fan base, and giving credit to a good quality movie back in the 80's. Wanting to see a good, solid, original and fresh movie nowadays is actually too much to ask

[@kiwidiesel]

Imagine that once apon a time masterpieces like the first movie were the norm. There were many epic movies from that era. Now come back to reality where it becomes a rare occurrence that a sequel actually can even come close to the magic of the originals,let alone an original screen play in today's sad entertainment world that wouldn't even be fit for intermission showing.

[@charlescaine6022]

I like how they let both siblings find important parts of Egon's past.

[@hariman7727]

And everybody got a moment to shine too. :)

[@viddork]

Keeping this as spoiler-free as possible, I was a bit concerned at how Trevor got marginalized in the final battle, but then when he did join in it was more than just adding another proton stream, he did something different, and vital. Expanding on Herman's comment, they got literally the entire family involved, which was great!

[@donbunson5031]

@@viddork I wonder why the power source wasn't just a pack in the first place. Nuke on your back but silos needed for power. I suppose the plot needed it. At least it wasn't wind farms or solar panels lol. Maybe they could have used oil or gas for power if they had not been so anti fracking.

[@viddork]

@@donbunson5031 I imagine that it's because the silos were powering, not one stream, but a whole field of, what was it, 100+ traps all at the same time. Easy to assume that one backpack wouldn't have enough power for that. Or, maybe it's just that the plot needed it, as you suggested. Either way, I found it a satisfying conclusion.

[@avidion6274]

The ending nearly had me in tears (mainly because i miss my grandfather) because it was such a good send off for egon, its by far one of the best movies of last year

[@mickware5289]

As a non-Ghostbusters fan I give it an 8.5 out of 10 for general enjoyment. My wife, who is a Ghostbusters fan gives it a 10. Absolutely not disappointed.

[@gungaloscrungalo8925]

Mckenna did an excellent job. At one point I was thinking, "I wonder if this is actually Harold Ramis' grandaughter?" She channelled Spengler very well. It may have been a very bland, Force Awakens style play-it-safe repeat of the original, but what I'll remember fondly is the sentiment behind the movie and getting to see the gang together one last time, including Spengler.

[@reek4062]

wizard Ghostbusters: Afterlife < virgin Rise of Skywalker < chad Endgame < thad LotR

[@rfichokeofdestiny]

@@reek4062 We get it. You don’t like it. You don’t like it so much that you reply to every comment here with a variation on the same theme. We get it. We. Get. It.

[@reek4062]

@@rfichokeofdestiny It's weird that it manages to be more pathetic than Rise of Skywalker

[@vinceventresca6763]

@@reek4062 If you hate it so much, why bother watching videos about it? It makes no sense for you to go to these videos just to remind everybody how much you hate it. Everybody gets it. Do you have nothing better to do?

[@ishy858]

The rather pleasant "go away now" and the heaps of media seethe at this film makes me think it will indeed be worth a watch.

[@lilmovieperp3599]

"heaps of media" lol

[@horseradishpower9947]

It definitely is. I plan to watch it a few more times at the cinema.

[@bradleybledsoe3421]

It's amazing. Don't get the "flawed" comments

[@DTAmaine]

Nah

[@zeeski7454]

It is, I saw it last night and I really enjoyed it. It takes a little while to pick up but I've it gets going it becomes very entertaining

[@FujimoraPantsu2]

I just saw this with my sister. Ghostbusters 1 was the first film we ever saw together as kids at the drive in and we both love the franchise (except that thing that in our minds never happened in 2016). It was the best movie outing we have had in several years and it was exactly the send off the original deserved. It might not have been a perfect movie but it hit all the right buttons and the fan service was fantastic. I wish there were more films like this, that treat the original fans and source material with the love and respect deserved.

[@theterbear9915]

Pretty spot on take. I was mad they killed Shandore 30 seconds of him appearing. I still enjoyed this movie alot more that I thought though.

[@ManicExpression1980]

I truly love the media reaction to this. "They should have done a sequel to GB 2016! Afterlife is just playing on nostalgia and not doing anything new!" As if the 2016 movie, which was a fucking remake full of references to the original, wasn't relying entirely on nostalgia.

[@Shuizid]

I mean, it was also relying on extremly horrible writing, just the laziest kind of humor and a contrived plot with no real coherent story or buildup. Also an all female cast which seemingly took all the brainpower available for the movie. Either that or folks had to take a REALLY long coke-break after that.

[@louisduarte8763]

Who the deuce is saying THAT?! I haven't heard any critics I watch or read say that; they said this new one's better than the 2016 reboot because it honors the legacy of the old movies.

[@ManicExpression1980]

@@louisduarte8763 Critics seem split between "fun movie" and "too much fan service."

[@nobodyimportant5140]

I saw this last night and for the most part, I can agree. As a whole, it’s a solid movie, not perfect, but I had a good time. Phoebe is a good character and I’d like to see more of her taking up Egon’s work and perhaps leading a new generation of Ghostbusters, under the guidance of Peter, Ray, and Winston.

[@BunkerMonkeyUK]

Amen to that!

[@bluesywalker501]

McKenna Grace is a very good actress considering her age.

[@nigelemsley8333]

Movie was great.When the for Harold bit happened my mum started crying

[@Algebruh2407]

I just saw the it and I have to say, I true loved the movie. It's clear that the scriptwriters were fans of the source material and respected what it was built on. I was fine with the cameos that felt a little shoehorned in because they still played a role in the movie and gave background into why the ghostbusters split in a way that makes sense. I love how they truly respected the character of Egon, where they fully explored what he did, why he did it and showed us how he sacrificed his family, friends and life (both physically and socially) to save the world when he was ridiculed and hated by the very same people he was trying to protect. Pheobe was a decent protagonist, giving of the smartest person in the room attitude without making it obnoxious. The supporting cast was funny and feels like an actual person rather than planks of wood. My only real issues are with some of the pacing. Pheobe threatening to blast away the cop over an insulting comment on Egon makes no sense as she barely knew anything about the guy other than he was a scientist, he was a ghostbuster and he ditched everyone in his life to live on a farm, especially since she is never shown to have any aggressive traits about her, always giving on the brains beats brawn vibes. Trevor's plot on hating the town is ditched way to early because his crush lives there and Ecto1 I guess. The plot of the mom and the Paul Rudd guy was way too rushed. Overall, an 8.5/10 from me

[@chucksenhowzen9740]

Thank goodness for a sequal that RESPECTS the fans and the original movie. And bigger respects to the way the director used Egon for this 👏👏👏

[@tazgamerplays]

I'm glad that they didn't give him a voice too.

[@horseradishpower9947]

@@tazgamerplays It made it more of an impact. Talking would have spoiled it.

[@tazgamerplays]

@@horseradishpower9947 I know. That's why I'm so grateful they didn't give him a voice.

[@horseradishpower9947]

@@tazgamerplays I am very glad they worked to have Egon in this film, and to have all four on screen, one last time. And done right. A perfect send-off for the character.

[@tazgamerplays]

@@horseradishpower9947 All side by side in the same shot at that. Something Disney wouldn't do.

[@harryvekaria7478]

Watching it tomorrow, a 'flawed but sincere movie for the fans' report from the Drinker is enough of a stamp of approval that it's not the train wreck of the 2016 version. That movie made me feel I'd been slimed multiple times over, and made me feeling funky in all the wrong body parts !!.

[@xeviphract5894]

Remember to stay for the mid-credits and multiple post-credits scenes.

[@jonathonleetoas4642]

Iv just got back from seeing it, it is amazing!! You will love it

[@darrengordon-hill]

...or just watch Ghostbusters?

[@lazerbeamhawkins]

It's good. I haven't enjoyed a movie in a theatre as much as this in a loooooong while.

[@harryvekaria7478]

@@lazerbeamhawkins Same here, loved the film and thought it was the perfect soft reboot, had plenty of little easter egg moments that had me grinning like a Cheshire Cat.

[@curethedarkness]

My ten year old daughter LOVES this film, it is one of her favourites ever and because of it I was able to get her to watch Ghostbusters 1 anf 2 which she also loves. She is eagerly awaiting a sequel.

[@davidknight2104]

Man the Egor bit at the end 😢 damn R.I.P Harold Ramis

[@TheMightyBubbs]

My favorite part was showing Egon’s collection of spores, molds, and fungus.

[@yodasmomisondrugs7959]

"I don't read, I collect......"

[@casbyness]

My favourite part was when Phoebe lost her temper and grabbed the proton pack neutrino wand. It was a perfect moment of characterisation, revealing that she has inherited Egon's deeply-buried violent temper. An extremely subtle and accurate point of genius script writing that I'm certain 99.9% of the audience will never even notice, let alone comment about.

[@ChristianIce]

10/10 (to hte review, not the movie) Still, as someone who grew up with the original, it was cute to watch, instead of utterly useless the 2016 movie came out as.

[@squidward3333]

Cute is definitely the word for it. My wife thought the whole thing was adorable. While me being a huge fan, I’m glad we could both enjoy it for different reasons.

[@jancukasu]

ah yes, the 2016 movie came out of ass.

[@vitoumbertoceliberti227]

Prima su Quake e ora qui, hai dei buoni gusti 🤟🏻. Ti consiglio anche gli altri video di Critical Drinker

[@elmuerko]

I liked the first 2/3 of the movie, but the finale seemed like they edited out a few minutes at the Gozer summoning with some more Shandor time, and a how/why the OG's turned up, which could have been explained with a few phone call and maybe a life out to the farm by the chief of police.

[@TheMartinTD]

@@elmuerko they turned up because of her phone call to ray.

[@JoshyMade]

Literally watched both Ghostbusters last night. So good even after all this time. The comedy, legitimate intrigue in scary, and special effects that still hold up to my eyes. I love it! Can’t wait to see the new! Thanks Critical. Love your content.

[@jeremygeorgia4943]

I am pleased that they resisted the urge to have Egon talk, and deliver a final message - possibly saying, "I will always love you..." or something like that. It seems so hard for modern media creators to convey non-verbal messages. It's like making the Pink Panther talk. They just couldn't resist.

[@tarb1320]

Movie was phenomenal, no wokeness, no politics, no agendas, just a well written, well acted homage to the original without being a ripoff.

[@hikari67]

Fanboys eating nostalgia like it's a fucking rail of coke.

[@tarb1320]

@@hikari67 If its done well why not?

[@toniotrussardi8126]

@@hikari67 movies like ghostbusters are supposed to be fun not to be bombarded with politics

[@rubix4195]

I thought it was an 80's film set in a modern era. Music intertwined with the film to suggest tone and mood, that montage in the beginning indicate movement of time, the practical effects (much different than CGI) in film and, by setting it in a small rural town, the lack of modern amenities (mobile signal is poor and no one mentions WI-FI) helps set the mood immensely as well. Heck, they use a proper landline in the film! I work in telecoms and I swear people don't understand that a hard/telephone line - if it supports the broadband connection - needs to work and most don't acknowledge that a phone can be plugged in to check!

[@stevem2323]

@@hikari67 Yeah and?

[@stephenblevins3829]

Everyone: Hey Gozer, what happened to Ivo Shandor? Gozer: He had to split

[@pferreira1983]

🤦‍♂️

[@simonwillis1529]

I see what you did there 😜😆

[@Kinitawowi]

I understood that reference. (And that one.) And that one.

[@larsickenroth7169]

Better yet: 'Hey Olivia, what happened to...' Really dug the way they brought that whole story and aesthetic to the front again, and she fit perfectly.

[@JamesASharp]

He sure did split.

[@SirBrass]

I absolutely loved Afterlife. Yes, I'm an OG fan, so definitely the film's main target audience, but after having seen it 3 times now I really can't find any serious faults. It's not a madcap comedy, but it's funny, winsome, nostalgic, and still it's own thing. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@osmanyousif7849]

6:02 Ironic, since in S2 of Stranger Things, the boys were dressed as Ghostbusters and one of them was complaining to Finn Wolfhard that they wanted to be Venkman, and he be Winston.

[@frostydelusions3066]

Ghostbusters: The Video Game was essentially Ghostbusters 3 and it was a nice game.

[@Lordeightbane]

It’s was great game still holds up

[@benjaminperez7328]

Akroyd himself said as much.

[@Montesama314]

I played the remastered version a few months back. Its controls are just as slightly annoying as I remember, but it's still ultimately a fun time.

[@Lordeightbane]

@@Montesama314 does remaster offer any features besides update graphics?

[@Montesama314]

@@Lordeightbane I don't recall the features on the old version I played on the PS3, but I don't think the remastered version has new features. I happened to get it for less than 10 dollars in a PlayStation Store sale, so I didn't expect much to be there anyway.

[@michaelsinger4638]

I did not expect it to be as emotional as it was. They way they handled Egon/Harold Ramis was so good. And McKenna Grace is gonna be a star in the future. She is so good.

[@brettbaratheon9776]

Lots of tears in our theater tonight. Me included.

[@WatanukiProductions]

I really loved the first 75% of the movie, the mini stay puft marshmellow men marked the point where it sharply dropped in quality for me but in the end I still really liked it. I liked that it went for a different tone than the original with less focus on comedy while still being respectful to the source material. I liked that most of the jokes were delivered like ordinary dialogue without awkward pauses inserted for you to laugh.

[@donbunson5031]

Same. My partner said if those things had turned up in the first half an hour she would have turned it off. This film had a good first act, bad second act and predictable but ok third.

[@eljay5009]

Your analysis of Afterlife is bang on - I had pretty much the same likes and dislikes about it. One thing that really stuck out as missing was a "saving the day/on our own" moment. Given how much fan service they included - to miss out such a key element of the franchise really stuck out.

[@timewarriorsaga]

I have a theory about the minipufts. Gozer doesn't have it's destructor form in this film. I think Gozer shed it and that energy went to a nearest compatible vessel, and as it was marshmallow, it went into marshmallow. So now we have mini stay pufts that do nothing but cause chaos usually just destroying themselves and screwing around with stuff because they are pure chaos

[@robertloso4509]

I had a similar thought, but without some kind of explanation in the movie, they are kind of random plot devices to give viewers a taste of the member berries. They were one of my only complaints about the film... and if that's my biggest gripe, then I can really live with that!

[@AbstractEntityJ]

@@robertloso4509 Holy shit, you're right....the mini-stay pufts are literally member berries.

[@timewarriorsaga]

@@robertloso4509 Yes but a movie doesn't need to explain everything, needs to have it's mysteries so we can talk about it and look at it and think about it and come up with our own ideas

[@MoneyManHolmes]

Somehow the dog being in close proximity activated the Stay Pufts. I don’t really think it was necessary, but it made cool footage for the trailer I guess.

[@jkenny1971]

I haven't seen the film yet but my guess is that they'll be in it for the children as film merchandise like plushies etc

[@scrillthebeast2066]

We got to a point in the entertainment industry where fan service is as good as it gets.

[@lilmovieperp3599]

Maybe next time you guys won’t get grifted to this position…

[@blacklivesorblackvotes2985]

@@lilmovieperp3599 cry harder

[@NelsonStJames]

Dude, if I'm watching a modern revisiting of a franchise I grew up with I'm damn grateful if I get any fan service other than the title at all.

[@mfbjo6854]

Fan service at least means that the creators don't actively despise their audience

[@beo3627]

Honestly I loved it, watched it with my dad and was super entertained. But to put it accurately, I was happy that it was good. Obviously the first is iconic and funnier, but the fact that it wasn't bad made me elated. The ending send off actually made me tear up, which is funny because i'm not in the age group to truly feel the nostalgia from the first ones, I'm just a fan.

[@KalmMind]

I'm gonna be honest, I cried like a bitch with the Harold Ramis tribute

[@kenneth6102]

My 7 year old and 4 year old enjoyed every bit of the old ghostbusters. They were eager to see the 2016 version since they saw the "Ghostbusters" title on Netflix and I've been very reluctant to show them, therefore I haven't. Now I can tell them there is a new Ghostbusters to watch.

[@squidward3333]

Your kids are going to love it.

[@wtfbugs]

Now that is what I call great parenting 👏

[@FirstLast-bs8cb]

Dude just let them watch it. The 2016 GB wasn’t bad, it was just downvoted by incels. Honestly, it’s funnier than this new one which is just nostalgic cash grab.

[@vmiguel1988]

Your kids need to learn to deal with disappointment, hiding from them doesn’t do any good

[@KnarfMetmohn]

7 and 4 year old watching Ghostbusters??? Dude! It’s you job as a father to protect your kids from watching films that they cannot understand and would harm them. So not showing them the 2016 movie was the best thing to do :-P

[@Ensign_Cthulhu]

This was necessary. It possibly wasn't the Ghostbusters sequel we wanted, not the best we could have had, but it's the one we needed.

[@JohnBrown-wk4io]

I have yet to see it but suspect that this sequel is the best we will get with Harold Ramis gone & today's Bill Murray not interested in making the types of movies that made him a legend.

[@CorpeningMedia]

This is how I felt. This one had to be done (in this way) so they can launch/expand whatever comes next (assuming it does well enough financially).

[@vivacornholio9649]

Saw it this weekend-an imperfect, yet enjoyable sequel that respected the source material. Star Wars should take a hint.

[@aceofspadesguy4913]

Just got back from watching this, movie was better than I expected it to be. Yeah there was a lot of fan service but it never got over the top. Probably one of my favorites was how in several scenes Phoebe would, for a split second, look almost exactly like Egon, gave me good vibes.