Short version: what a charming film.
Slightly longer version: The GHOSTBUSTERS franchise has always had a problem with its movie sequels. The first one was largely unnecessary, and the reboot was… contentious. But GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE succeeds where the other two failed as an entertaining movie with fun stuff with it. It’s not exactly deep. In fact, it follows much of the plot of the first movie. But people were happy while making it, it shows, and…
[Spoilers! Barely]
…it takes full advantage of a genuine emotional resonance: Harold Ramis isn’t there. This movie can’t exist without that melancholy detail. The riddle of Egon Spengler – why he left, where he went, and why he died – informs the rest of the film, and gives it just a little more heft than you’d expect, going in. They handled it well. You should see this in theaters.
It Did Not Suck.
Moe Lane
#commissionearned
Thank you, Moe. It sounds like Ramis’ passing was treated with honor, unlike Fisher’s in that space franchise.
Tickets for four for Friday!
When Red Letter Media and Critical Drinker agree on something…
It’s not a perfect movie – half a dozen scenes are implied but not shown, mostly of the minor, character development variety, but it still brings a lump to the throat and a tear to the eye and never once dishonors it’s predecessor. In a just world there would be Oscar talk.
The only unanswered question (for us) was did Rick say no or did they not ask?
I don’t think he does that anymore.
That’s what I’ve heard – Rick Moranis doesn’t do movies anymore.
Assuming that’s what it is, I suspect that they put feelers out anyway to be courteous (already knowing that he’d probably decline), and he confirmed that he wasn’t interested.
He’s very slowly returning to work after raising his kids when his wife passed – and more power and blessings to him for proving family comes first. For the last 20 years he’s only done very occasional voiceover work and TV guest spots.