We open on gadgets, effects, and a chase filmed in jiggly close-up that makes it impossible to discern what’s going on. The image eventually stabilizes which is more than can be said for an insufficient script that too often relies on CGI patchwork to draw attention to its lack of plot. Ivan’s relinquishing the directorial reins to son Jason caused a friend to snark, “they hired the wrong Reitman.” One intentional laugh: death by s’mores for a kamikaze team of Stay Puft Marshmallow men. Mckenna Grace’s (Troop Zero) star is on the rise and if this helps to catapult the talented young actress to better things, it was worth the trouble. When the story’s a drag, and things start to lag, who ya gonna call? Aykroyd, Murray, and Hudson? Nah! They’re always on call. Never before has a computer generated a “tribute” as sickeningly mawkish as the “ghost” that closes the picture. Is there life after Afterlife? If so, I pray for the surviving trio of Ghostbusters, lest the studio make bank off another celebrity corpse. Rest in peace, Harold Ramis. (2021) — Scott Marks
This movie is not currently in theaters.