Ghostbusters Afterlife cereal - The Walter Peck of Cereals

I love Ghostbusters. I grew up in the prime of its explosion of popularity. I saw both movies on VHS. But, I got to see the cartoon on Saturday mornings and play versions of the video games that ranged from NES version to the most current iterations like the mobile augmented reality version and appearing in LEGO Dimensions. From the action figures along with their firehouse (which I still own in storage) to the LEGO 10274 version of the new Ecto-1 from the upcoming Afterlife movie I collect it all. Lately I have even started colleting version of it on VHS and laser disc as well as picked up the original soundtracks on cassette tape. I have always loved Ghostbusters.

As with every movie release, there is merch on the shelves. I won't be getting any new toys at the moment. But I was excited to try the new cereal. What could be a better throwback to the original cereal than sugar balls with marshmallows vaguely in the shape of a ghost and... maybe a blue star?

The answer is: Apparently, anything else.

General Mills produces this generic cereal. The packaging is the most exciting thing about it. And, only because of the back. But don't let that fool you: It is a low bar.

The front has the OG Ghostbusters logo, a bowl of the cereal held up by a proton beam, and a few of the new mini-pufts. Generic, but normal. The back has a quiz entitled: "Do you have what it takes to be a Ghostbuster?" Six random questions to determine if "you are ready to start trapping." There are more mini-pufts and another proton beam for color.

A friend had picked this up at the store for me (Aldi apparently does not carry it). The cereal itself looks like Kix died a pinky-red. The taste is "sugar cardboard" which somehow leaves your mouth dry (sans milk). The marshmallows are shapeless lumps; at least seem to be the standard cereal marshmallow recipe. The ratio of marshmallows to cereal is absurdly low. Per cup, there are about five or six tiny white or blue marshmallows. My toddler picks them out first, but is understandably disappointed. She avoids the actual cereal. Take that as an honest review.

It feels like I have an unlicensed nuclear accelerator on my back full of excitement for the new movie. This cereal feels like the EPA sending a lackey down to shut off your enthusiasm for both breakfast and Ghostbusters. Luckily, this has not dampened my enthusiasm for Ghostbusters back in theaters. However, this is not the snack that will be joining me in the theater.

If you are looking to eat some, just take Venkman's advice, "Just stick with toast!" Or something like that. 2/10