The original Ghostbusters film is held in such high regard that it has proven hard please fans with additional content. Ghostbusters 2 has a negative stigma to it, and so does the 2016 reboot. Ghostbusters: Afterlife isn't fairing much better, with less than stellar reviews on the aggregate sites. In a way, the spinoff cartoon might be the only respected sequel.
Fans are split on Ghostbusters: Afterlife, because it can feel like it is playing things too safe. There are lot of fun nods to the original film, even when their implementations may not make sense. Regardless of its execution, though, the dedication to nostalgia is charming. Sometimes it's best to turn off the crtical brain. However one feels, it's worth taking a look at some cool references and Easter eggs in Ghostbusters: Afterlife. There will be spoilers ahead.
8 The Equipment
The most obvious nod to the other movies is the various equipment. The P.K.E. Meter, traps, and Proto Packs all make a return in the movie. The uniforms come back as well and are even donned by the new kid crew. That part doesn’t make a lot of sense but it’s a nice callback at least.
Another thing that doesn’t make sense is Egon putting in a fire pole for his secret lab. Why a fire pole and not a set of stairs? This was seemingly only placed in the film to wink at fans.
7 The Music
There are two iconic songs that fans shoulder recognize. The first is heard throughout Ghostbusters: Afterlife: a rearrangement of “Main Theme,” which was composed by Elmer Bernstein in the original movie. It’s the jazzy piano track that was played most often in the firehouse. Now, it’s a catchall song for most of Phoebe's shenanigans.
The other, of course, is “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr. This is saved until the very end of the film when the Ecto-1 is brought back to New York City.
6 Mini Stay-Pufts
One of the funniest moments from the first film was when Ray summons the giant version of the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man. It may have looked like a cute humble mascot, but it was a terrifying behemoth beneath that classic exterior.
The Stay-Puft gag returns with a scene involving Gary at Walmart. The reason for their animation in the store is never established. Like the fire pole, it was seemingly only done to wink at the fans. At least it was a funny wink.
5 Ray’s Occult Books
There is a question about what is and isn’t canon in Ghostbusters: Afterlife. The main reason for this is that Vigo is never mentioned. It seems like New York City only witnessed one terrifying ghost attack. However, Ray does own an occult book shop in Ghostbusters: Afterlife, which was only established in Ghostbusters 2.
That might be proof enough to show fans that Ghostbusters 2 is still part of the cannon. Maybe they’re saving the Vigo discussion for the sequel. There is also the matter of the cartoons, comics, and movie tie-in games, but those are more likely to be exiled from the records.
4 Famous Quotes
There are a lot of quotes from the original horror/comedy film that come back in Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Sheriff Domingo asks Phoebe, “Who you gonna call?,” the tagline of the franchise. The demon dogs possess Callie later in the film. When the kids find her she says, “There is no mom, only Zuul.” This is a play on Dana’s reply to Peter in the original, “There is no Dana, only Zuul.” Callie is also wearing a dress similar to Dana’s from the original film.
The best quote that makes a return is when the villainous Gozer asks Ray, “Are you a god?” There is a pause before he finally says that he is indeed a god. This is something of a redemption moment for Ray. He answers no to the same question in the original film, which prompts Winston to yell at him: “Ray, when someone asks you if you're a God, you say yes!”
3 Peter’s Card Tricks
There are two stingers scenes in Ghostbusters: Afterlife. The first happens mid-way through the credits, and shows Peter trying to psychically guess what a card says. It is then revealed that he is with Dana. It was a surprise to see Sigourney Weaver come back.
Of the original cast, the only one missing after this reveal was Rick Moranis. There is always hope he can return in the sequel, since it seems like things will take place in New York City again.
2 Going Back To The Firehouse
The other stinger scene happens at the very end of the credits, and shows Winston having a chat with Janine before the scene shifts over to the firehouse. It seems like Winston bought it back from Starbucks.
Does this mean he is going to fight ghosts again, or is he just going to be a mentor for a new generation? The latter of the two is more likely. Even though the shot of the firehouse is brief, it was still nice to see.
1 Phoebe Emulating Egon
It might be an odd stretch to say this, but Phoebe herself is like a callback to the original films. She is the very embodiment of Egon but in a younger female body. Like Egon, Phoebe can only communicate through science.
She may seem cold, but Phoebe has a powerful mind and heart underneath. Her character is shown to have more compassion through a willingness to evolve past her awkward outer shell.