Nov 19 2021

Ghostbusters: Afterlife

Now just a footnote in history, it’s been 37 years since the Ghostbusters saved Manhattan, subsequently all of the team have since disappeared into the tapestry of life; but, when financially challenged Callie (Carrie Coon) and her two kids Trevor and Phoebe (Finn Wolfhard and Mckenna Grace) learn of an inheritance of their family estate in the midwest, it’s wagon’s ho! Upon arrival in Oklahoma, the family quickly discover their recently deceased and estranged Father/Grandfather was more than just a paranormal eccentric, he was in fact Egon Spengler, founding member of the Ghostbusters– more importantly, up until recently he had been continuing his research and work into the paranormal. Now with a strange darkness looming, it’s apparent it will take the next generation to save the world…again. Written by Gil Kenan, Jason Reitman, and Dan Aykroyd and Directed by Jason Reitman, this nostalgia driven revisitation to the world of Ghostbusters comes with oodles of ectoplasmic reminiscence holding true to the original designs, FX, scoring, and concepts put forth in Ivan Reitman’s Ghostbusters from 1984; a risky and challenging move in attempting to placate the fans of the franchise without overdoing it and without alienating newcomers at the same time, to that end, success, mostly. With the majority of the film riding on the young cast’s shoulders, Reitman does effectively transition from old guard to new while keeping the flavors and traditions the same, consider that for a win as the new proves they’re ready to hold down the fort. Oddly enough, it’s when the original cast members reprise their roles that the film loses strength and steam, too much kitsch to finish the spell perhaps. Regardless, there’s still plenty to enjoy, just don’t cross the streams and look into the trap. oh, and by the way, stay through all the credits….all of them. Ghostbusters: Afterlife is rated PG-13.


Nov 19 2021

King Richard

Coached initially by their father, Richard (Will Smith), Venus and Serena Williams (Saniya Sidney and Demi Singleton) meteoric rise to the top of the tennis world would be fraught with adversity and challenges from expected and unexpected angles. But, with their eyes on success and their father’s “plan,” the two would eventually blow the lid off the game as it’s understood. This is a glimpse of their childhood. Written by Zach Baylin and Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green this autobiographical portrayal of the Williams family is straightforward enough, but, it’s Smith’s performance as Richard that sends this otherwise ordinary sports feature to the next level. And, while the overall outcome is already a known quantity, getting to know the motivators and supporters of the Williams sisters success is a fascinating, and sometimes cringe inducing tale worth examining, this is where the magic is hidden. Although the film runs a bit long at two hours and 18 minutes, if you’re looking for your feel good film for the holidays, you’ve found it. King Richard is rated PG-13.