Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Ghostbusters Afterlife is that rare legacy sequel with actual heart—it's not just cashing in on nostalgia, though there's plenty of that. The focus on a brilliant, socially-awkward girl protagonist is genuinely refreshing, and the movie takes grief and family legacy seriously without becoming a downer.

The scares are real enough to matter but cartoonish enough to not traumatize. Think Stranger Things-lite. If your kid loved the supernatural elements of that show but you wanted something more contained and family-friendly, this hits the mark.

The runtime is long and the pacing deliberate—this isn't a dopamine-rush Marvel movie. Some kids will appreciate the character development; others will check their phones. It's also deeply tied to the 1984 original, so maximum impact requires either watching that first or parents providing context.

Bottom line: A solid pick for families with 10+ year olds who like science, ghosts, and stories about weird kids saving the day. Just maybe not for a sleepover with easily-spooked friends.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-16, especially science-loving tweens who can handle spooky atmosphere. Younger kids might find it scary; older teens might find it a bit sentimental. Sweet spot is middle schoolers ready for PG-13 supernatural action.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Centers on family bonds, grief, and legacy with genuine emotional warmth. Single mom doing her best, kids discovering their grandfather's heroic past, and multi-generational teamwork. Some mild language and teen attitude, but overall models resilience, curiosity, and cooperation. Pacing is deliberate rather than frenetic, giving space for character development alongside action.

Imaginative

72

Builds on classic Ghostbusters mythology while introducing new generation of ghost-hunters. Science-minded protagonist Phoebe tinkers with equipment and solves problems through curiosity and experimentation. The rural Oklahoma setting with underground secrets invites exploration. However, it's more nostalgic homage than groundbreaking originality—leans heavily on callbacks to 1984 original rather than forging entirely new creative territory.

Safe

75

PG-13 territory with supernatural scares, ghost encounters, and action sequences that could be intense for younger/sensitive kids. Some jump scares and spooky imagery (possessed people, spectral entities), but violence is cartoonish and bloodless. No gore, sex, or nudity. Mild language. The scares are telegraphed enough that it won't blindside families, though younger kids might find the atmosphere creepy. Typical Marvel-level safety—you know what you're getting into.

Enriching

68

Celebrates science, problem-solving, and intellectual curiosity through Phoebe's character. Themes of processing grief, honoring legacy, and finding your place in the world. Showcases a smart, socially-awkward girl as the hero. However, it's primarily entertainment-focused—the enrichment is secondary to nostalgia and spectacle. TMDB rating of 7.3 suggests solid audience satisfaction but not transcendent impact.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Centers a brilliant, awkward girl who solves problems with science and wit—great representation for kids who don't fit the mold
Explores grief and legacy in surprisingly tender ways while still delivering ghost-busting action
Multi-generational story that parents who loved the original can genuinely enjoy with their kids
Celebrates curiosity, tinkering, and STEM without being preachy about it
Small-town mystery vibe gives it more heart than typical blockbuster fare

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What to Watch For

Supernatural scares, possessed characters, and jump scares that might be too much for sensitive or younger kids
Themes of absent parents and family dysfunction (grandpa abandoned his family to save the world)
Some mild language and teen attitude
Runs over 2 hours, which is a long sit for younger viewers
Kids unfamiliar with original Ghostbusters will miss half the emotional payoff

Conversation Starters

"Phoebe feels like an outsider at school—have you ever felt like you didn't fit in? What helped?"
"The kids discover their grandfather kept huge secrets. Do you think he made the right choice?"
"If you could invent something to solve a problem, what would you make?"
"The movie is about honoring people who came before us. Who in our family do you want to know more about?"
"Would you rather be book-smart like Phoebe or people-smart like Trevor?"

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