Days 4 & 5 of the 2024 31-Days of Horror
Ghostbusters: The Next Generation.
These 40-years later sequels are simply charming. Clearly these are a labor of love for everyone involved. Though some of the storylines are a bit darker, they are well balanced with the whimsical tone of the originals.
“Ghostbusters Afterlife” (2021)
For more information follow this link.
A single mom and her 2 kids inherit a farm in a small town in Oklahoma. As they work on making the house livable or saleable, they discover their connection to the Ghostbusters.
They did try to make this more of an ensemble cast, especially because of bringing back the original characters. However, McKenna Grace, as Phoebe Spangler, simply stole the show. Finn Wolfhard, as Trevor Spangler, did a great job as the frustrated older sibling and co-conspirator in the ghost hunting adventure. Carrie Coon, as Callie Spangler, the estranged daughter of Egon, whose house she has inherited, is emotionally distant because her difficult relationship first with her father, then with her ex, the father of her children. Paul Rudd, as Gary Grooberson, slides right into the role of bumbling sidekick just as easily as he slides into the role of superhero.
This had just the right amount of cameos from the OG Ghostbusters. They, too, slid right into the characters like they were coming home.
Not going to lie, I cried at the end.
“Ghostbusters Frozen Empire” (2024)
For more information follow this link.
Now busting ghosts in the Big Apple, the Spangler family and the OG Ghostbusters come across an ancient artifact containing a powerful entity that, unless stopped, could bring about the 2nd Ice Age.
In this entry of the franchise, Phoebe, Mckenna Grace, is clearly the heroine. Paul Rudd was great, as usual. Actually, he and McKenna Grace played off each other quite well. I rather felt that Fin Wolfhard’s talent, as Trevor, was kind of wasted. And it felt like Carrie Coon, as Callie, was almost entirely sidelined. I’m sure a lot of viewers were super happy that the OG Ghostbusters got plenty of screen time, but I’d rather have had more of Trevor and Callie’s story.
