Dog’s Movie House: “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”, “King Richard” Hit Theaters This Weekend!

We’ll start with “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” a film that serves as a direct sequel to the 1984 film. Here we are introduced to a young family led by single mother Callie (Carrie Coon), who, facing eviction from her home, takes her two kids: teen Trevor (Finn Wolfhard, single-handedly redefining the word “lanky”) and younger sister Phoebe (movie MVP Mckenna Grace) out to a small mid-western town where they’ve inherited a sprawling farm in an incredible state of disrepair from Callie’s recently deceased father. We soon find out that said father was none other than legendary Ghostbuster Egon Spengler (the late Harold Ramis) and he’d been forced to abandon his family in an attempt to protect the world from another catestrophic invasion from the spirit world. Phoebe and Trevor soon discover their late grandfather’s designs and, along with a helping hand from nerdy-yet-somehow-still-cool Mr. Grooberson (Paul Rudd), find themselves fighting ghosts along with an old enemy thought to be buried in the past.

While some will undoubtedly dismiss “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” as a mere nostalgic cash-grab I beg to differ. Yes, the film does lean heavily on nostalgia, but it’s all in service to the overall story. Yes, Gozer and the devil-dogs are here and there are riffs on scenes from the earlier film, but the story (by Gil Kenan and director Jason Reitman) makes it necessary for these callbacks to take place. To me, the idea that sinister archetect Ravi Shandoor (J.K. Simmons), who just happens to be the same guy who designed Dana Barrett’s (Sigourney Weaver) New York apartment in the first film also built the town and the mine where Callie, Phoebe and Trevor come to live is actually a naturalistic bit of storytelling that makes the callbacks to the original a lot more organic without leasoning their nostalgic impact.

It helps that Reitman has assembled a crackerjack cast of appealing leads. Grace is terrific as Phoebe, a socially awkward genius who is very much her grandfather’s grandaughter. Grace plays her as social awkward second, brilliant first, which not the usual way these roles are played. Wolfhard continues his fine body of work as mostly supportive older brother Trevor who spends as much time trying to attract a local girl as he does saving the universe. Coon is an irreverant blast as Callie, a young mother who knows she’s not perfect but doesn’t let that get in the way of her being a very protective mother. Rudd, as always, does some nice comic work as Gary, the seismologist/summer school teacher who supports the kids in their ghostbusting efforts. He also has some effortless chemistry with Coon, leading to an interesting and funny take on the whole Gatekeeper/Keymaster dynamic. Big ups to young Logan Kim who plays Podcast, Phoebe’s true friend and very entertaining motormouth.

It also helps that every available cast member, from Bill Murray to Annie Potts, return from the first film. Fortunately they’re not shoehorned cameos like the ones to be found in the 2016 all-female reboot. There’s a natural progression that allows all of these characters moments to shine without overshadowing their younger costars. This whole film not only serves as a touching tribute to the character of Egon Spengler, but to the late, great Harold Ramis, the actor who portrayed him. Prepare to get a little misty-eyed at certain points of the film.

The effects are first rate and Reitman directs with a sure and smooth hand. A chase of an interesting spook called Muncher by the kids in a revamped Ecto-1 is one of the film’s highlights. I also enjoyed how Reitman ditches the adult comedy aspect of the first film for a more 80’s Speilberg flavor. The atmosphere manages to both honor the original film while allowing “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” to be it’s own thing. If you’re a fan of Ghostbusters than “Afterlife” is a film that’s going to leave you smiling from ear to ear. 4 1/2 Out Of 5 On Kendog’s Barkometer!

Next we have “King Richard” starring Will Smith as Richard Williams, father and coach to both Venus and Serena Williams, two of the greatest tennis players of all time. When the two sisters were coming up on tour, Richard often took the spotlight with his outrageous interviews and larger than life personality. Director Reinaldo Marcus Green and writer Zach Baylin attempt to get to the man behind the show and attempt to demonstrate what made the man so driven as well as devoted to his family.

“King Richard” charts the rise of Venus and Serena (Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton) from the ramshackle courts of Compton, California to Venus’ debut as a pro in a big tournament in Oakland where she faced world number one Arancha Sanchez-Vaccario. Richard Williams is shown as the driving force behind their development, being deeply involved and very protective in almost every aspect of their lives. Smith plays Williams as a man who believes that everything they’re working toward can be torn away in an instant if the girls don’t pay attention. Richard’s life experiences have made him a bit paranoid at times, but depsite his occassional bouts of overprotectiveness, it’s clear that Richard simply wants the best for his daughters, just not at the expense of their integrity.

Smith is quite good here as Richard Williams, making the man extremely likeable for the most part while not being afraid to show the man’s obvious flaws. Richard Williams is a stubborn man and sometimes he serves as his own worst enemy. He’s not the typical athlete father: in fact, when Venus is playing the juniors he regards the other tennis parents as nothing short of monstrous in their attempts to relive their glory days throught their children. Smith vanishes into the role in similar fashion to Harrison Ford in “42” as Branch Rickey. For the first time in a long time you forget you’re watching Will Smith in a film and that’s some damn good acting on his part.

Smith gets good support from Sidney and Singleton as the two Williams sisters. Aunjanue Ellis is in fine form as Richard’s wife Brandy. Brandy’s important because she’s the one who puts the metaphorical boots to Richard’s behind when he’s acting like an ass. It also helps that Brandy also wholeheartedly supports her husband’s endeavors even when not totally agreeing with his methods. Also giving fine performances are Tony Goldwyn and Jon Bernthal as Venus and Serena’s coaches. Bernthal in particular is a hoot as famous coach Rick Macci, a man who is constantly butting heads with Richard on how to proceed with Venus’ career. The two men are clearly friends but that doesn’t stop them from clashing over Venus.

With it’s fantastic performances and emotional story, “King Richard” is another winner from Will Smith. While this is streaming on HBO Max, it should be seen in a movie theater. 4 Out Of 5 stars on Kendog’s Barkometer! So Sayeth The Kendog!

Pages: 1 2