I have just watched the new incarnation of the movie, titled Ghostbusters: AfterLife and have to say I was pleasantly surprised. And makes sure you watch to the end – even after the credits!
Synopsis: In Ghostbusters: Afterlife, when a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind.
Ghostbusters was a block buster in the 80’s it was one of those movies which I’m sure had many wondering should I allow my kids to watch it? Is it healthy considering the spiritual undertones.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife is released in UK & Ireland: 19th November
From the characters, the humour and even some nostalgia from the original movies is written brilliantly.
Storyline: I don’t want to give too much away as not to spoil the movie though I will say the storyline is probably not what you expect. It’s fresh taking a new generation of youth on board the ghostbuster universe whilst throwing in plenty of humour, albeit dry but just the way it drops in makes it funny and nostalgia hiking back to the original 80’s movies!
Main Characters – definitely watch for their quirky-ness and how they interact with one another! Five main characters: Callie, Phoebe (Callie’s 12 year old daughter), Trevor (Phoebe’s older brother) Chad Grooberson (Phoebe & Podcast’s teacher), and Lucky, (Trevor’s classmate and love interest). And not forgetting the tribute to Harold Ramis who played Dr Ebon Spengler from the original movie.
Dr Ebon Spengler, played by the late Harold Ramis by creative efx and archival chips from the original two movies. He’s pretty central to the movie appearing at the start in his crazy world.
Phoebe, 12 year old geek, clever and wannabe scientist, probably ADHD maybe? Child actress born in 2006, McKenna Grace, I think this young actress already doing well in the Disney universe, is going to be one of the new generation of up & coming actresses – definitely one to watch! I just loved Phoebe’s interaction, geekiness and boldness to overcome, that with humour (bad jokes) but you just have to laugh at – guess its the way she tells them!
Podcast, played by Logan Kim, is phoebe’s class mate, yes Podcast really seems to be his name, what were his parents thinking!?! Definitely a fit for Phoebe always mic in hand to record! Again watch out for the interaction and humour works well.
Trevor, played by Finn Wolfhard, Phoebe’s older brother as you’d expect. A rather quirky character though not geeky like his sister, more in being unsure about relationships (I can certainly relate to that!).
Callie, the mum, played by Carrie Coon, a single mother who’s estranged from her father and raising her kids as a single parent. She doesn’t really get her daughter who is more interested in weird science than normal kid stuff!
Chad, played by Paul Rudd, he’s Phoebe & Podcasts teacher, who doesn’t really seem that interested in his students but why? Watch the movie and find out!
Is it worth watching? Definitely! and makes a difference watching on imax and the big screen! There are some scary ish moments but these are overcome. Generally speaking it is a feel good safe movie, involving teens saving the day with a surprise throwback to the original in the end – so watch out for original cast members in the movie.
My favourite ghost characters – watch out for the marshmallow mischievous characters – i want one!
Theological reflection
A scripture that is referred to is that of Revelation 6:12, referring to a great earth quake once the sixth seal is opened. Of course this is a very loose reference and the film is in no way based on biblical understanding.
We do however live in a world where there is an unseen realm. The bible talks about our battle is not against flesh and blood but the spiritual forces of darkness in the unseen realm (2 Cor 10:3-5) and our fight is overcome through the blood of Christ and the word of our testimony (Rev. 12:11) Ghostbusters: Afterlife does (to its credit) depict hell as real, however of course the answer is not in defeating the demons with enhanced zapping technology but through the victory won at the cross of Christ. Also, like youth play an active role in defeating the ghosts, children play an active role in defeating the enemy, Praise & Worship declaring out to the heavens what God has done and is doing! (Psalm 8:2). Still this movie could provide a good start to discussion on how we overcome demonic forces in our lives!
Discussion Questions (get your youth group talking)
- What character in the movie do you most relate to and why?
- In what ways does heaven & hell feel real to you? How does the scripture referred to in the movie make you feel Revelation 6:12
- How does the Bible say we can overcome? Maybe divide your group into pairs or small groups and give them a scripture each to drawer out the answer to the question and then get each group to share their findings – (here’s some to get you started)
- 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 – who or what is our battle with
- Psalm 8:2 – role of Praise & worship
- Revelation 12:11 – How we overcome
- 2 Timothy 1:7 —timidity v Holy Spirit gives us
- The bible says that the name of the Lord is like a strong tower, a refuge, where we can run to and be safe. Write on a piece of paper your biggest fears – run to God with those fears placing them at the foot of the cross asking Holy Spirit to replace those fears with what God says.
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