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Fans of the original Ghostbusters franchise often feel betrayed by the 2016 reboot, which diverged significantly in tone and story. Many expressed disappointment that the sequel Afterlife appears to be a "safe" rehash rather than a bold new direction. Some reviews portray Afterlife as a movie that pays homage to Harold Ramis and the core spirit of the original, with scenes that elicit cheers and emotional nostalgia in theaters.
Interestingly, some outlets, like The Mary Sue, surprised expectations by giving Afterlife a positive review, praising its respectfulness and emotional connection. This indicates that, despite the ongoing fracas, there is an audience and critics willing to accept a film that honors the past while attempting to carve out its own identity.