Ghostbusters: Afterlife - A Sequel Struggles with Original vs Modern
The trailer for Ghostbusters: Afterlife has generated a range of reactions. On one hand, it's been praised for bringing back beloved characters and moments, but on the other, it's received criticism for lacking originality and appeal to new audiences.
Mixed Reviews
Some fans are excited about the return of classic Ghostbusters lore and characters, especially those who remember the original film fondly. For instance:
Well Hell’s Bells. They actually did a decent Ghostbusters movie. And all they had to do was basically rehash the first one. And that is it’s key problem - it serves as a direct sequel but copies it a little too much. Merit though for showing a very well-known character who we thought was dead get ripped in half moments later by another very well-known character who we thought had perished.
However, other viewers are less impressed. They argue that the film lacks the freshness and originality needed for a modern franchise:
Due to the franchise being over 30 years old it can either be really good or really bad. There is no in between. This movie should have come out 30 years ago. I think it will be ok but way too late.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife looks like a long-lost episode of R.L. Stine's Goosebumps doesn't look anything like a Ghostbusters movie. Didn’t watch the 2016 flop and I’m not gonna watch this 'after school kids' special either. It has the same unsavory smell as the live action Thunderbirds Movie. Its taking a classic and making it a 'coming of age' movie that's clearly aimed at kids and will at best toss a few bones to the adult fans of the franchise and at worse just stick its middle finger at them.
Excitement and Skepticism
Despite the criticisms, there is significant excitement among fans who can't wait to see the new film. The trailer hints at a story focusing on kids but also a return of the original Ghostbusters minus Egon. One fan is particularly looking forward to it:
That it had the same unsavory smell as the live action Thunderbirds Movie. Its taking a classic and making it a 'coming of age' movie that's clearly aimed at kids and will at best toss a few bones to the adult fans of the franchise and at worse just stick its middle finger at them. I am so freaking excited! I know it will focus on kids but I have a feeling the real ghostbusters minus Egon RIP will eventually show up to help the kids. I can't wait to see it and neither can my son!
Conclusion
Ghostbusters: Afterlife seems to be a mixed bag, depending on the viewer's perspective. For longtime fans, the promise of classic footage and beloved characters may outweigh the issues of modernization and tropes, while newer audiences might be left wanting. As with any sequel, there's always hope that it will successfully blend the nostalgia and new elements to create a fresh take on the franchise.