Movie Review: Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)

Ghostbusters: Afterlife
November 19, 2021

Directed By: Jason Reitman
Writing Credits: Gil Kenan and Jason Reitman
Stars: Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Logan Kim, Celeste O’Connor, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, Sigourney Weaver

Columbia Pictures
Running Time: 2 hr, 4 min (124 minutes)
Genre: Horror, Comedy, Fantasy, Adventure, Paranormal.
When a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind.

Film Website-Official FB-Official Instagram-Official Twitter

Ray Stantz: I remember Revelations 6:12...? And I looked, and he opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake. And the sun became as black as sack cloth, and the moon became as blood."

Winston Zeddmore: "And the seas boiled, and the skies fell."

Remember that quoted in the 1984 Ghostbusters movie? Well, it’s 2021, and it appears Judgment Day is coming again, not to New York City this time, but a little town in Oklahoma called Summerville. 

One day Egon Spengler said that the end of the world was going to happen, and he tried to tell his fellow Ghostbusters, but they didn’t listen and he took all their equipment and the Ecto-1, and took off for Summerville, leaving his family behind. 

His daughter, Callie, and her two children, teenage Trevor (Finn Wolfhard who we all know as Mike from Netflix’s Stranger Things series) and middle schooler Phoebe (McKenna Grace of Gifted). After Egon dies, Callie is forced by penurious circumstances to take her family to live in his creepy-looking farmhouse in the middle of nowhere.

The local folk referred to Callie’s late father as “Dirt Farmer.” Because he never grew anything (well, there was that cornfield). Trevor gets a job at the local car hop, Spinners, and fixes up the only vehicle in Grandpa’s garage that has an engine—which is the Ecto-1— and gets it running. 

This is a good third companion to the first two Ghostbusters films from the ‘80s, and there is humor here, but this is a scarier film than the first two. And stay to the credits and the end after that—think Marvel and DC—it might be worth your while. And if at the ending of the film, you feel tears in your eyes like I did, well, you’ll see why.

I gave Ghostbusters: Afterlife 5 ghostbustin’ sheep.

Reviewed by Pamela K. Kinney

Guest Post: Bootleggers Book One by Paul Rudd + excerpt

Bootleggers Book One

by Paul Rudd
15th December 2019
Genre: Fantasy/Science Fiction
Publisher: Ravenous Roadkill Publishing
& Wild Wolf Publishing
ISBN-10 : 1675816727
ISBN-13 : 978-1675816721
Number of pages: 497
Word Count: 136,697
Cover Artist: Southern Stiles Design
"We’ve gone from zero to apocalypse in six days.”

Welcome to 1987, part of the era of VHS and arcade games.

A time when teenagers on BMX’s create worlds of imagination.

The Four Horsemen, Tommy, Mikey, Kurt and Ted, need something new to spice up their gatherings, because, well, boys will be boys. When a stranger approaches Mikey with bootlegged tapes in the trunk of his car, Mikey isn’t interested, but the boardgame the man presents might just do the trick.

The Horsemen become Bootleggers to play this life-altering game, assuming avatars with a twist to every tale and forging into the realms created by a sadistic madman known as Mr. Nobody.

Everything is at risk, family and friends, and their entire town; they must play, or everyone dies.

When folk are murdered, the boys know there is only one way to end the game. It is time to change the rules and kick some ass.

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/zSZJn9KDbj0

Amazon-AmazonUK-AudibleUS-AudibleUK

Excerpt:
Monday …
08:10 A.M.
THE DOWNPOUR eased up just before Tommy left home. Still, he chose to take the school bus rather than cycle. The teenager exited the bus and made his way up the driveway towards school, not caring that he was wishing away the day.

Some of the Mids, with their side ponytails, structured shoulder jackets, and baggy, cropped trousers mingled in the courtyard. The term ‘Mids’ came from Tommy and the other Horsemen, for the kids who were not geeky enough to be a nerd, and not cool enough to in the clique; so middling, somewhere in between.

A few jocks sat on the handrail lining the eight steps leading up to the mustard-colored entrance doors. The athletic teens were taking it in turns to knock books out of kids’ hands as they passed. When a kid bent over to pick them up, a kick up the backside sent the kid tumbling down the steps. Hilarity ensued for the brainless minority.

A fashion parade of cheerleaders, sporting big perms and hair, shared a mix of lace gloves, leg warmers and cut-off sweatshirts. Showing a little flesh over their high waist jeans, leggings and miniskirts, the clique watched the world go by from their perches on the Football team players car bonnets.

A few of the nerds were gathered under a tree, admiring something in a magazine. Oversized blazers appeared to be on the dork menu, with a side of one-tone shirts and thick-rim spectacles. Tommy squeezed his coat tighter round his chest, to hide his own blazer.

He couldn’t see the magazine cover, which annoyed him a little. Rather than dwell on it, he looked for his friends within the few hundred kids currently converging on the high school. He couldn’t see Kurt or Ted, but he spotted Mikey sprinting across the courtyard, his ruddy features noticeable before he doubled over to catch his breath.

“Hey, Mikey, sorry I didn’t meet you at the park entrance this morning. I took the bus.”

Mikey shook his head, “You … need …”

“To save little Timmy from the well?”

Mikey shook his head, “To …”

“Do the truffle shuffle?”

“To …”

“Learn the ways of the force? Give me a clue here, Lassie.”

“Hide.”

Tommy’s smile faded as he spotted, over Mikey’s shoulder, Zack’s car screeching into the car park. Skidding across the wet surface, the car came to an abrupt halt a few inches shy of a teacher’s parked car.

Mikey jabbed a finger at Zack’s Corvette, and then drew a thumb across his jugular. Tommy knew exactly what his friend meant.

“I didn’t do anything to upset Zack.”

“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.”

“What did I do?”

“Daisy.”

“I didn’t do her.”

“You kissed her.”

“I didn’t kiss her; she kissed me. Wait. You told him?”

Mikey shook his head.

“Then who did?”

“West!”

Tommy swung towards a furious teenager. Zack was around six-foot, with wide shoulders, slicked back hair, and a George Michael six o’clock shadow. The kid never took off his beloved leather jacket, which would have been a good thing on any other day. Today he removed it, showing off a plain black t-shirt, and a look that said he wanted to crack some heads. He wore ripped jeans and happened to be the instigator of the trend that was now running throughout the school like a virus.

Like the courage crawling up his ass crack, Tommy had nowhere to run to, nowhere to hide. And the beating of all beatings was headed his way at light speed.

EAGER to witness the early morning bloodshed, every kid in shouting distance surrounded the two boys.

“Fight, fight, fight …”

The chant seemed to get louder as the spectator’s circle started to force the boys towards each other.

Zack vaulted a school bench like a hurdler, leaving Tommy wondering if he would ever look so cool while doing the same thing. He spotted Daisy forcing her way through the crowd. She was shouting and trying to get to Zack.

The older kid ran towards Tommy, clenching his fists. “You think you can kiss my girl, and I wouldn’t’ find out.”

“Zack, wait, it’s not what you think.”

“I knew you had a thing for her. Well, it’s time to pay the price.”

Tommy held up his hands. Zack’s punch went through the middle of them, and the darkness descended faster than a closing Death Star blast door.

“I can see the light …”



THE DESIRE to be in Daisy’s arms came out of the blue. The tightness of their embrace, the thrumming of her heart as he pulled her closer, her hands clasping the base of his spine, her perfect eyes taking in the love outpouring from his devoted heart. His lips locking with hers, the smoothness of her tongue, the kiss, a moment hidden from time.

Tommy’s love for her he could not deny, even as the school prom quickly faded away, right before his eyes. Replaced by a dull, overcast cloud front, and raindrops, hundreds of them, running down his cheeks, his throbbing skull reminded him that he was just hit by a meat meteor.

Amid the downpour was Ted, smiling as manically as the Riddler.

“Ground control to Major Tom?” he said, shoving Tommy’s shoulder.

“Shut the hell up, Ted.” Mikey jostled Ted to one side and knelt next to his best friend.

It hurt watching Tommy hit the grass like a dead weight. And then to listen to every kid in the crowd laugh at the fight that ended before it even started.

“Where am I?” Tommy tried to lift his head, despite it feeling as heavy as a bowling ball.

“You’re on Mongo, Flash. And Ming just kicked your blonde ass.”

“Is everything a joke to you, Ted?” Mikey snapped.

“Not everything. Well, I say not everything, what I mean to say is …”

Mikey turned back to Tommy. “Are you okay, dude?”

“How long was I out?”

“About four centuries. You even overshot Buck Rogers,” Ted said, leaning over Mikey’s shoulder. “We had to wait until they created time travel, so that we could come back, tell you to duck. I guess we were too late. Damn time travel traffic. And don’t get me started on that Delorean. I mean, who chooses a Delorean over a Trans AM?”

Mikey turned in a flash. “Ted, as usual, you’re not helping.”

“Don’t bite my head off. It’s not my fault he felt up your sister.”

“Ted!”

“Okay, okay …” Ted started dispersing the crowd. “There’s nothing to see.

This is not the kid you’re looking for. You can go about your business. Move along, move along.”

Tommy struggled to take a knee. Most of the kids were still in the circle, pointing his way and ignoring Ted’s attempts to move them.

“Like the kids around here need any more ammunition to throw my way. Now they think I’m a love criminal.”

“Ignore them,” Mikey said.

“Did I do well?”

“If doing well is getting floored with one punch, then you aced it, dude,” Kurt said from over Mikey’s shoulder. “Oh, crap. Here comes the Whip.”

The gathering scattered, leaving Ted standing alone in the dispersing circle.

“Yeah, you better run. Next time I catch you all cheering, I’ll kick your asses myself.” Ted swiveled on his heels and almost collided with a grey-haired man in a pressed suit and waistcoat. “Oh, fu–”

“Don’t you have a class to get to, Theodore?”

“That’s an affirmative, sir.”

Whitmore looked down his nose at Ted’s rucksack. Ted smiled, leaned down to pick it up, and slinked off, grabbing Kurt on the way.

To the kids at Rosewood Falls High, Principal Marshall Whipmore ruled the corridors like this generation’s Wyatt Earp. Rumors were rife of the grey-haired disciplinarian’s horsewhip never being too far away from a pupil’s legs, or his trusty ruler from the back of a kid’s palms. The punishment rumors had yet to be proven legitimate.

“You two boys care to tell me what you were doing out here?” Whipmore asked.

“Nothing, sir. He just tripped,” Mikey replied.

“I didn’t ask you, Mikey. I asked Tommy. Well?”

“I tripped over a tree root sir. I didn’t see it. Damn things are everywhere.”

“It must have been some stumble, considering your eye?”
Tommy reached for his left eye and felt a lump the size of melon three inches from his eyebrow. “Er, yeah.” He glared at Mikey and mouthed, what the f***.

“May I suggest you go and see the nurse, and get some ice on that lump?”

“Yes, sir. I’ll go straight away.”

Whipmore waited until Tommy passed by before he said, “And if I catch you fighting again, it will be the whip, boy. You hear me?”

About the Author:
Website -FB-Twitter
Goodreads
No, he’s not the actor, or Ant Man, Paul Rudd, the author, is UK based and tends to delve into Sci-Fi/horror/fantasy genres.

Sharks have been a passion since he first watched Jaws at an age far too young to print. Writing about sharks, and in particular, the prehistoric Megalodon sharks, seemed an obvious route to take, and so began the creation of Paul’s debut novel Sharc.

Released in 2012, Sharc led to Sharc Bait (book 2 of the series), London Warriors followed, and then Wild Wild Dead, along with the Chronicles of Supernatural Warfare. Shark Spawn and Bootleggers, the latest release (first published in 2020).

All of Paul’s releases can be found under the Ravenous Roadkill banner, and Ebooks available through Wild Wolf Publishing. Audiobooks for Sharc, Sharc Bait, Wild Wild Dead, London Warriors, Shark Spawn and Bootleggers are all available through Audible.

Please check out the Ravenous Roadkill website at www.ravenousroadkill.com

Tweet

Hey #80s fans, #Bootleggers is the latest release from @ravenous_road

If you fancy reading a story written by #PaulRudd, which is a cross between the Goonies, Jumanji & Stranger Things, & everything else 80s based, then check out https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1675816727/ You won’t be disappointed.

#Bootleggers #PaulRudd #RavenousRoadkill

Sheep Movie Review: Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

Ant-Man and the Wasp
July 6, 2018 (USA)
Director: Peyton Reed
Written By: Andrew Barrer, Gabriel Ferrari
Screenplay: Paul Rudd, Gabriel Ferrari, Chris McKenna, Andrew Barrer

Cast: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Peña, Walton Goggins, Bobby Cannavale, Judy Greer 

Based on: Ant-Man; by > Stan Lee; Larry Lieber; Jack Kirby;
Rating: PG-13 (for sci-fi action violence)
Genre: Action & Adventure, Comedy, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Runtime: 118 minutes
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
In the aftermath of Captain America: Civil War, Scott Lang (Rudd) grapples with the consequences of his choices as both a Super Hero and a father. As he struggles to rebalance his home life with his responsibilities as Ant-Man, he’s confronted by Hope van Dyne (Lilly) and Dr. Hank Pym (Douglas) with an urgent new mission. Scott must once again put on the suit and learn to fight alongside The Wasp as the team works together to uncover secrets from their past.

What a fun movie! It is better than the first Ant-Man. Tons of suspense and action scenes and my favorite part of any Marvel movie—humor. The character Scott Lang is such a lovable dork. Honestly, there was nothing in the movie I didn't like... so I can keep this review short and sweet. Go see it if you love Marvel movies.

There are two after credit scenes. The first one is pretty long...and right after the cast acknowledgments. DAMN! Didn't see that coming, but should have. The second one is at the very end and quick. Basically tying the movie into the universe as a whole.

Stan Lee has a cameo. Not sure how many more he will be making, but this is a funny one.

My daughter, her friend and I give it...

5 "Quantum" Sheep

SharonS

Sheep Movie Review: Ant-Man

Ant-Man
Directed By: Peyton Reed
Rated: PG-13
Cast: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Michael Pena, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll
Plot:
The next evolution of the Marvel Cinematic Universe brings a founding member of The Avengers to the big screen for the first time with Marvel Studios' "Ant-Man." Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, master thief Scott Lang must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

I remember when the first Ant-Man trailer came out, I watched it so excited to see all the amazing action coming, sadly I was disappointed. But my love for Marvel runs bone deep, so I didn't give up and call it a day. No, one bad trailer is not going to send me packing my Avengers backpack and heading to the dark side. And I am so glad. Ant-Man was worth the wait, worth the box office ticket price and worth sitting my ass in a public seat that's been filled by too many people. 

Marvel Comics has finally noticed us. I Smell Sheep must be doing big things and going all over the web. I say this BECAUSE you will see the sheep in this movie! That is no lie, at all. I may have cried out in joy when this scene happened, but trust me, we are represented in this one folks! Power to the Sheep! 

Michael Douglas may not seem like a comic book hero, but just wait. He's the kind of caliber you hope all in the cinema profession will end up like, the guy is movie gold. Please take notes from this man! Age is really just a number and he shows that you can still bring the badass no matter what year it is. Cover your faces, his fists are about to blow! 

I've been watching Paul Rudd since his days in the film Clueless, he's an actor I've grown up with and loved in just about every role he's take on. The man can deliver and has the comic timing to make you laugh out loud over and over. Paul truly becomes the Ant-Man and I certainly can not see anyone else in this role now. He's it! So don't you dare replace him. 

When it comes to secondary cast, sometimes you get a few wet noodles. It's not often that a lot of time is taken for the comic relief type of cast, but actor Michael Pena and rapper T.I. were hilarious! Mr. Pena is most often an under appreciated actor, and that's a damn shame because he is stellar! Give this man more parts in movies! His acting range has so many layers, you'd be silly not to invest more in this man. 

You may never again look at ants the same, and that's okay. I had some big flashbacks to "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" and that reminded me of the only other film I can think of which had some cool ants. My son now wants to learn about ants! That's amazing stuff. Fun CGI effects, great scripts across the board, Stan Lee cameo, Thomas the Tank going on a rampage and so much more I don't want to spoil. 

I would just like to add that my first job was at Baskin Robbins, which was so hilarious to see in this film. We are watching you! 

Overall, you totally get your money worth on this one. Great edition to the franchise, but make sure to stay past the credits! 

Getting 4 and 1/2 'I need a tank keychain" Sheep 

KD 

Our Idiot Brother

Our Idiot Brother, directed by Jesse Peretz stars Paul Rudd, Zooey Deschanel, Elizabeth Banks, Emily Mortimer and Hugh Dancy. With long hair and beard Paul Rudd nails the part of the ever-faithful brother who just can't seem to get it right. Life, love and relationships ring true in this heartfelt playful story bringing the summer comedies to a sweet ending.

Plot:

Every family has one: the sibling who is always just a little bit behind the curve when it comes to getting his life together. For sisters Liz (Emily Mortimer), Miranda (Elizabeth Banks) and Natalie (Zooey Deschanel), that person is their perennially upbeat brother Ned (Paul Rudd), an erstwhile organic farmer whose willingness to rely on the honesty of mankind is a less-than-optimum strategy for a tidy, trouble-free existence. Ned may be utterly lacking in common sense, but he is their brother and so, after his girlfriend dumps him and boots him off the farm, his sisters once again come to his rescue. As Liz, Miranda and Natalie each take a turn at housing Ned, their brother's unfailing commitment to honesty creates more than a few messes in their comfortable routines. But as each of their lives begins to unravel, Ned's family comes to realize that maybe, in believing and trusting the people around him; Ned isn't such an idiot after all.

While you won't be getting the cruder kinds of humor seen in previous summer flicks this year, you will get a very decent script well acted with lots of promising scenes. A few little draggy parts here and there but overall the actors owned the parts given and made for one heck of a film. Now the most disappointing part here is the trailers for this movie give away some of the more touching parts of the film. There are also some pivotal turning points that change the plot around. While I would have liked a bit more of a surprise in these areas I do understand the studio needs to push the selling points. So if you are going to be heading out for this one don't expect much else from the movie if anything.

Deeper than the hippie comedy bits is a real emotional story which as I stated above hits on life, morals and family. Relationships that fall apart and family ties that need mending. Some pleasant surprises had me ALMOST teary eyed, but the vamp in me kicked those suckers back just in the nick of time! Phew! In all honesty this was a refreshing film that touched on my sweet spot, Paul's character is hard not to love. While we may not all have a brother like this one it's nice to see that there are some people out there who love just to love. Would have enjoyed a little more camp from the actresses playing the sisters in the film but aside from that the rest of it all worked out.

I'm going to tack on the end here that this movie will probably appeal more to the ladies out there, not to say men can't enjoy it too. If you want to see a sincere comedy that spreads a little sunshine then go check this one out.

Getting 3 and 1/2 Willie Nelson Sheep

KD