It’s been well over three decades since Dan Aykroyd and the late Harold Ramis’s original “Ghostbusters” first premiered, asking the now-oh-so-famous question, “Who you gonna call?”
Moviegoers fell in love with the four eccentric scientists who band together to save New York City from ghosts. With a sequel in 1989, the franchise was a smash hit. Halloween costumes, merchandise, toy lines and even an animated series followed.
If we’re not counting the disappointing all-female reboot in 2016, then this latest release is the third in the franchise. Directed by Jason Reitman, son of Ivan Reitman, producer and director of the first two films, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” fits right in with the first two installments.
Reitman and Gil Kenan wrote a script that will satisfy the palate of the old and new generation alike. The film embodies all of the same quirkiness and endearing aspects that its predecessors had. Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard (‘Stranger Things’), McKenna Grace and Logan Kim are brilliantly cast in their respective roles. Grace and Kim run the show, delivering endless dry humor and sometimes cheesy jokes. There is a surefire star quality in Grace’s acting chops and screen presence.
What makes it worth your money to see on the big screen? This movie delivers action adventure for almost the entirety of its 125-minute run time. For the franchise fans, it’s pure nostalgia with a fresh approach. Transporting audiences to a small town in Oklahoma, the film follows a “Ghostbusters” legacy as a family and their friends fight to save the world from a mysterious supernatural force.
Will Bill Murray make an appearance with his ghost busting castmates? No spoilers here, but finish your popcorn and stay until the end of the final credits for a few surprises.
By Pamela Price
Coming to theaters November 19th: https://tickets.ghostbusters.com/
Streaming: A digital release date has not yet been announced. Stay tuned.
Run Time: 125 Minutes
