Ghostbusters II

In 1984, Ghostbusters became a cultural phenomenon that spawned a franchise, merchandise, animated series, toys, and even a remake. However, it was not until five years later, in 1989, that a sequel was released, Ghostbusters II. The anticipation and expectations were high, but the critical reception and commercial success were mixed. Nevertheless, three decades later, Ghostbusters II has aged well and deserves a reappraisal for its strengths and weaknesses.

Ghostbusters II reunites the original cast, including Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, Annie Potts, and Rick Moranis, under the direction of Ivan Reitman. The story picks up five years after the events of the first film, in which the Ghostbusters have gone out of business and the world has largely forgotten about ghosts and hauntings. However, a new threat emerges in the form of Vigo the Carpathian, a malevolent spirit who seeks to possess a baby that is the child of Dana, the love interest of Peter Venkman, and a violinist named Oscar.

The plot of Ghostbusters II has been criticized for being too derivative and predictable, as it follows the same beats and structure as the first film, with the Ghostbusters being ridiculed, reassembling their team, investigating paranormal activities, and facing off against a powerful entity that threatens the city. However, this familiarity also makes the sequel a comfortable and enjoyable ride for fans who appreciate the chemistry, wit, and charm of the cast and the humor and action of the franchise.

One of the highlights of Ghostbusters II is the music, which features the iconic themes of Ray Parker Jr.’s “Ghostbusters” and Bobby Brown’s “On Our Own,” as well as the score by Randy Edelman, which gives the film a sense of grandeur and epicness that matches Vigo’s villainy. The special effects are also impressive for their time, especially the practical effects that bring to life the ghosts, slime, and other supernatural phenomena.

Another strength of Ghostbusters II is its themes and messages, which are more relevant today than ever. The film tackles issues such as environmentalism, consumerism, media manipulation, and social decay, as seen in the subplot of the mood slime, a substance that amplifies moods and emotions and is created by negative energy such as hate, anger, and fear. The Ghostbusters use the slime to their advantage by harnessing positive emotions such as love, joy, and hope to defeat Vigo and to spread positivity throughout the city.

Ghostbusters II also has its share of flaws, such as the underdevelopment of some characters and subplots, the lack of novelty and freshness compared to the first film, and the use of clichés and stereotypes for comedic effect. However, these flaws do not detract from the overall enjoyment and value of Ghostbusters II as a worthy follow-up that expands the Ghostbusters universe and legacy.

In conclusion, Ghostbusters II may not be as groundbreaking or memorable as its predecessor, but it is still a fun and entertaining film that offers nostalgia, humor, and heart. Whether you are a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, Ghostbusters II is a comfort food that can lift your spirits and make you believe in the power of ghostbusting. As Winston Zeddemore says, “I love this town!”