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The original Ghostbusters cast an indelible spell on pop culture in 1984. But how have its various sequels fared in continuing the story of New York’s paranormal exterminators? Let’s strap on our proton packs and investigate.
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Ghostbusters II: A Familiar Yet Uneven Follow-Up
Released in 1989, Ghostbusters II aimed to recapture the magic of its predecessor. The plot revolves around a river of slime beneath NYC that feeds on negative emotions, leading to the resurrection of a 16th-century tyrant. While it retains the original’s charm and humour, critics found the story weaker and overly reliant on rehashed elements.1
The chemistry between Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Sigourney Weaver remains a highlight. Scenes like the Ghostbusters’ impromptu utility worker disguises and their run-in with a slime-possessed bathtub are memorably funny. However, the darker ghostly imagery sits uneasily alongside the comedy.4
Box office-wise, Ghostbusters II earned a respectable $215 million worldwide, though it couldn’t match the original’s cultural impact. It currently holds a decent 6.6/10 IMDb rating, reflecting its status as an enjoyable but flawed sequel.4
Ghostbusters: Afterlife – Bridging Generations
After years of dormancy, 2021’s Ghostbusters: Afterlife resurrected the franchise to mostly positive reviews. Directed by Jason Reitman (son of original director Ivan Reitman), it follows the estranged grandchildren of the late Egon Spengler as they uncover their family’s ghostbusting legacy in smalltown Oklahoma.1
Afterlife strikes a successful balance between nostalgia and freshness. Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, and especially Mckenna Grace are likeable as the new generation, while cameos from the surviving original cast provide heartwarming moments. The reverence for Egon, played by the late Harold Ramis, is particularly touching.2
Grossing over $200 million against a $75 million budget, Afterlife tapped into the desire for feel-good throwbacks in a post-pandemic landscape. Fans praised how it expanded the mythos while capturing the adventurous spirit of the 1984 film.1
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire – A Chilly Reception?
The upcoming Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, set for a December 2023 release, will pick up where Afterlife left off. Though plot specifics are under wraps, it will involve the Spengler family battling a ghostly threat in New York that unleashes a supernatural winter.
Early buzz has been mixed. Some are intrigued by the Ghostbusters sequel’s frosty premise and exploration of Egon’s legacy. However, others worry it may retread too much familiar ground.12
Only time will tell if this Ghostbusters sequel will leave audiences in high spirits or simply give them the chills. With the original’s popularity still enduring, Frozen Empire has both a rich tradition to draw from and high expectations to meet.
The Ghostbusters Video Game – A Spirited Adventure
A surprise gem in the Ghostbusters sequel canon is 2009’s Ghostbusters: The Video Game. Featuring the voices and likenesses of the original cast, it serves as an unofficial “Ghostbusters III” set two years after the second film.
Players control a nameless rookie who joins the team in stopping a resurgence of ghosts in New York. The story, co-written by Aykroyd and Ramis, features a diabolical plan by the Ghostbusters’ old foe Ivo Shandor. It’s filled with witty banter, creative bosses, and fun expansions to the ghostbusting tech.
The game was praised for authentically capturing the movie’s tone and giving fans a chance to bust ghosts alongside their heroes. It’s since been remastered, ensuring this Ghostbusters sequel will continue to haunt consoles in the best way.
Ghostbusters (2016) – Controversy Versus Comedy
One cannot discuss Ghostbusters sequels without mentioning the controversial 2016 reboot. Directed by Paul Feig, it reimagined the team as four women: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones.
The decision sparked intense online backlash from some fans who decried the gender-flipped casting. But politics aside, how does it fare as a film? Reviews were decidedly mixed.
Critics praised the chemistry and talent of the central quartet but felt the plot was messy and the cameos from the original stars somewhat awkward. Nonetheless, it has its share of funny and creepy moments.5
Ultimately, the 2016 Ghostbusters was a boldly different take on the formula that you’ll either find refreshing or an unworthy successor to the name. As the discourse fades, its place in the canon remains divisive.
From proton packs to ecto coolers, the Ghostbusters franchise has remained a beloved part of the cultural landscape for nearly four decades. Each of its Ghostbusters sequels, while not always universally acclaimed, has aimed to balance comedy and supernatural spectacle in its way.
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Did you know? Ghostbusters: Afterlife features appearances by several iconic ghosts from the original film, including Slimer and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. In Ghostbusters II, the famous pink slime was a combination of methylcellulose and food colouring. The upcoming Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire will be set during winter in New York City, a first for the series. |
As we await Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’s release, it’s the perfect time to revisit the series and decide which entries still make you say “I ain’t afraid of no ghost!” And for those looking to catch up on all the spooks and laughter, an Airtel broadband connection will ensure you can stream these films without any paranormal interference.
Whether you prefer the originals, the sequels, or even the reboot, the Ghostbusters’ enduring appeal is a testament to the simple joy of wise-cracking underdogs saving the world in style. In a world that could always use more laughter, that’s the kind of sequel-spawning magic we can all appreciate.
FAQs
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Which Ghostbusters sequel is considered the best?
Most fans and critics consider Ghostbusters: Afterlife to be the strongest sequel, thanks to its combination of nostalgic charm and fresh characters. -
Is it necessary to watch the original Ghostbusters before seeing the sequels?
While each sequel can be enjoyed on its own, watching the original 1984 film first will provide helpful context and enhance your appreciation of the callbacks. -
Are the original Ghostbusters cast members in Ghostbusters: Afterlife?
Yes, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, and Annie Potts all reprise their roles in Afterlife, though some only appear in cameos. -
Is the 2016 Ghostbusters film considered part of the main series?
No, the 2016 film is a reboot featuring original characters and is not directly connected to the continuity of the other Ghostbusters movies. -
Will Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire be released in theatres?
Yes, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is currently scheduled for a theatrical release in December 2023, though no exact date has been announced yet.
