Stupidity: The whole movie happens for unbelievably convoluted causes. Despite their friendship and the simple fact that he still runs an occult shop (showing that he's not exactly insensitive to the past), Ray in years never spent a single moment to check on Egon's whereabouts, which he knew, or listen to him. The city has Shandor's name all over and any cursory investigation would have unveiled the connection. Assuming of course that Egon turned into such a lunatic he couldn't do the namedropping himself.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2020)
1 stupidity
Directed by: Jason Reitman
Starring: Paul Rudd, Mckenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard, Carrie Coon
Deliberate mistake: When the kids are about to jump start the trap Phoebe hides behind the school bus door. Half a second later, when the trap opens, she's nowhere to be seen, not even jumping or stepping inside the bus. Then half a second later she has managed to get inside, turn around and protect her head while the bus windows burst. It all happens in real time for their hairs are still fluttering. It sure paces up the scene, but it's really awkward.
Trevor's classmate: What are you doing here in Summerville?
Trevor: Honestly, my mom won't say it, but we're completely broke. And the only thing that's left in our name is this creepy old farmhouse my grandfather left us in the middle of nowhere.
Trivia: Director Jason Reitman is the son of Ivan Reitman, director of the original "Ghostbusters" and "Ghostbusters II." As a child, Jason actually had a cameo in "Ghostbusters II" during the birthday party in the beginning. (He's the kid who tells Ray he heard the Ghostbusters were "full of crap").
Question: Is the 1989 Ghostbusters II film still canon or does this film retcon it?
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Answer: Yes, it is still canon. Director Jason Reitman has confirmed it is, and there are actually lots of easter eggs referencing it in "Afterlife." For example, Ray still has his bookstore from "Ghostbusters II." The "dancing toaster" is in the farmhouse. Etc. They chose not to directly reference it in dialogue since it didn't have much to do with the plot, but there are plenty of hidden details confirming it is still canon. Reitman has also said that there are plans to possibly bring back more plot/characters from "Ghostbusters II" in the future. (It just depends on what direction the sequel ends up going in).
TedStixon