Ghostbusters: Afterlife

Ghostbusters: Afterlife is a 2021 supernatural comedy film directed by Jason Reitman, the son of Ivan Reitman, who directed the original Ghostbusters (1984). The movie is a direct sequel to the original two films and a standalone story that explores the legacy of the iconic franchise. The film introduces Callie Spengler (Carrie Coon), a single mother who has been struggling to make ends meet and provide for her two children, Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and Phoebe (Mckenna Grace). The family is forced to relocate to a small Oklahoma town after Callie's estranged father, a wealthy man named Terry Spengler (Boyd Holbrook), is mysteriously killed. However, as they settle into their new life in the town, they begin to uncover the secrets and mysteries surrounding Terry's past and the town's history. Upon arrival, the family moves into a large, dilapidated house that has a significant presence in the story. The house was once the home of Egon Spengler, Callie's grandfather, who was one of the original Ghostbusters. Egon was a brilliant physicist who had a leading role in the development of the Ghostbusters' proton pack technology. Throughout the movie, the Spenglers encounter old friends and acquaintances of Egon's, who raise questions about the Ghostbusters' mission and the extent of their involvement in the town's history. As the story unfolds, Trevor, an avid fan of the original Ghostbusters, begins to experience strange occurrences that suggest his family is connected to the supernatural events that were the hallmark of the original franchise. The boy soon discovers a lost Ecto-1, a modified ambulance used by the Ghostbusters to travel to and from ghostbusting locations, which has been hidden away by his grandfather. This find sparks a journey of self-discovery for Trevor, who becomes increasingly fascinated with the legacy of the Ghostbusters and his family's involvement in the supernatural. Meanwhile, Phoebe, an emotionally gifted and vulnerable young girl, displays an unnatural sensitivity to the ghostly activity in the town. Her innocence and trust in the supernatural energy around her contrast with Trevor's logical and analytical approach to understanding the ghostly phenomena. The unique dynamic between the two siblings brings their individual perspectives to the forefront, highlighting their distinct approaches to coping with the challenges they face. As Callie struggles to uncover the truth about her family's past and help her children navigate their new surroundings, the story evolves into a tribute to the original Ghostbusters, blending elements of the franchise with a coming-of-age narrative. The chemistry between the characters and the emotional depth of their interactions drive the movie's heartwarming and entertaining tone. The supporting cast brings the story to life with memorable performances, but the standout performances come from Finn Wolfhard and Mckenna Grace. Wolfhard's portrayal of Trevor offers a thoughtful and nostalgic tribute to the original franchise, while his desire to emulate his father, who was a Ghostbuster, provides a poignant and compelling narrative thread. Mckenna Grace's Phoebe provides an unexpected and fascinating perspective on the supernatural energy surrounding the family. The visual effects and action sequences in Ghostbusters: Afterlife seamlessly blend nostalgic references to the original movies with the franchise's signature humor and mystery. Ecto-1, a vehicle emblematic of the Gaslamp era New York City of the 1980s, makes a triumphant return, with Peter Venkman's (Bill Murray) classic glasses and Ray Stantz's (Dan Aykroyd) iconic bass guitar making appearances throughout the film. The Ghostbusters directorial legacy lives on, with Ghostbusters: Afterlife meticulously honoring the original story while finding a unique and fresh narrative voice that encourages fans to re-examine their love for the classic characters and their memories of the series.