Ghostbusters: Afterlife

On a farm in the middle of nowhere a hooded man is trying to escape an invisible enemy. As they approach his farm it becomes unclear who is chasing whom, as the unseen ghost seems to hesitate before the farmer holds out a ghost trap as bait. The ghost moves in for the kill as we realize we may be witnessing the last stand of a Ghostbuster.

Callie Spengler (Carrie Coon), a single mom, has just moved to Summerville along with her teenage son Trevor (Finn Wolfhard of “Stranger Things”) and his younger sister Phoebe (Mckenna Grace) to claim her late father’s estate

While Trevor tries to fit in by getting a job at a local 50’s burger joint, Phoebe already knows she won’t make any friends since no one can relate to her. Much to her surprise she none-the-less ends up making friends with a kid named “Podcast”. Once mom meets the summer-school teacher Mr. Grooberson (Paul Rudd) the cast is complete and all seems as normal as it can be in this out of the way tiny town hidden by mountains and desert… until, naturally, the supernatural begins.

Late one evening Phoebe’s attention is drawn by someone or something in the house that leads her to a lab where she finds the equipment of the former Ghostbusters gathering dust. Realizing now she is interacting with her late Grandfather’s spirit she lets him guide her in repairing the Proton pack. The very next day she and Podcast (Logan Kim) take the equipment for a test run and in doing so have their first encounter with a metal eating ghost. Fortunately, Trevor has been fixing the old beat-up Ghostbusters car, found in the garage, and has it working just in time for them to chase their first ghost.

Yes, it’s all fun and games until a familiar demon bent on world destruction enters the picture. While an apocalyptic battle is brewing, a much younger and less experienced Ghostbusters decide it’s up to them to save the world.

Admittedly many fans, myself included, were anxiously awaiting the return of the original “Ghostbusters” trio of Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray and Harold Ramis, with a side helping of Ernie Hudson. Fans familiar with the 1984 film will appreciate the constant fan-service present throughout. While lighter on the sheer volume of inappropriate material in PG-13 films, there is still much to be considered.

Objectionable Content

LANGUAGE: Moderate. The Lord’s name is taken in vain nine times (“God” 8x, “Lord” 1x), this includes times it is used blasphemously during the demon’s story and when the Ghostbusters are asked if they are a deity. Other offensive words include “sh*t” (6), a**h*** (1), and h*ll (6), “D*mn it,” and “fracking annoying.” Suggestive language includes euphemisms for sex (“I think Groobs is trying to b*ne your mom,” “h*mpy,” and “3rd base”), mocking of virgins and mention of “nip**es.” Although it contains less cursing than most PG-13 films, the words are still present and both Christians and parents of younger children are encouraged not to expose them to this film solely due to the language used.

VIOLENCE: Moderate to Heavy. Like its predecessors, the film features ghosts and demons wrecking havoc in their wake and possessing and transforming people into like creatures.

The Ghostbusters Proton packs cause enough destruction on their own including destroying much of Main street, but it all seems more benign as they are wielded by kids. The imagery of demons and the ripping in half of a man is more than enough to give spiritually-minded Christians and responsible parents serious pause.

SEX/NUDITY: Minor. A girl kisses a boy on the cheek, and the boy glimpses the girl in a bra as she is changing quickly. Like the first film of the franchise, two adult characters are required to mate in order to open the gateway for the major demon. Only slightly less suggestive than the original, implied sex takes place off-screen.

ALCOHOL: Minor. The mom is seen passed out on the table with a wine glass. During a dinner date with the teacher, they both appear to be drinking alcoholic beverages.

Lessons

The three themes that stand out most in this film deal with contentment, death and the end times.

CONTENTMENT—Callie suffers from very low self-esteem and it’s no wonder—abandoned by her own father, raising kids by herself, she admits, “The only thing lurking here is my own dying soul.” She travels to Oklahoma expecting to collect on an inheritance and begin a new life only to be disappointed again. Whether or not we ever find ourselves in her position, we should know the peace and contentment that begins with accepting the simple truth found in the Gospel of John 3:16:

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” —John 3:16

Knowing this truth, and believing in His only begotten Son will give us the joy of being able to call God our Father.

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God…” —1 John 3:1

The Apostle Paul, who suffered greatly for the cause of Christ and was eventually martyred like so many of the Apostles has perhaps the most succinct take on contentment.

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” —Philippians 4:12-13

DEATH—As entertaining as it might be to consider that there are ghosts needing to accomplish something here on Earth, this is pure fiction and couldn’t be further from the truth.

“And as it appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement.” —Hebrews 9:27-28

But you need not fear this nor death itself if you are His. For so it was written:

“He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away tears from all faces; He will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth…” —Isaiah 25:8

END TIMES—In both this and the first film of the franchise, they quote a verse from the final book of Revelation.

“When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth…” —Revelation 6:12

Now, we shouldn’t expect a “Ghostbusters” film to accurately describe the world during the end-times, including the tribulation and our Lord’s return. We have the Word of God given to us for that purpose and more. I urge you to read all of the book of Revelation for the final chapter in the history of mankind before our Lord Jesus Christ’s return. If you need another reason consider this:

“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophesy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” —Revelation 1:3

Paul Rudd, delivers a fun take as the teacher dating their mom Callie. While he may have been the catalyst for the kids getting into the “Ghostbusters” scene, it is the character of Podcast, Phoebe’s new and only friend, that shines the most among the kids in this film. Finn Wolfhard as Trevor does a fine job as the new kid trying to get the girl.

Frankly, this may not be the sequel people were waiting for, considering so many years have passed and one of its stars, Harold Ramis, is no longer with us. The film does however continue the story and sweetly pays tribute to Ramis and manages to bring closure to the fans and, I suspect, his former co-stars as well.

“Ghostbusters: Afterlife” is not the greatest film, but rather a nostalgic homage to its predecessors. An enjoyable movie that is unfortunately tainted by violence, language, demonic worship, imagery and the lack of acknowledgment by any of the characters of God or the Heavenly Hosts. Incidentally, neither God nor angels need nuclear accelerators to save the day. Guard your minds and focus on the true afterlife for the time is near.

• Occult: Heavy— This film is more about demonic beings than ghosts.
• Violence: Moderate
• Profane language: Moderate
• Vulgar/Crude language: Moderate
• Sex: Mild
• Nudity: Minor
• Drugs/Alcohol: Minor

• Learn about DISCERNMENT—wisdom in making personal entertainment decisions
• Every time you buy a movie ticket or buy or rent a video you are in effect casting a vote telling Hollywood, “I’ll pay for that. That’s what I want.” Read our article

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