Ghostbusters II – Film Review

Ghostbusters II, the 1989 supernatural comedy sequel directed by Ivan Reitman and starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, and Rick Moranis, had big shoes to fill after the first film’s success in 1984. While the sequel had its share of ups and downs, it managed to keep the audience engaged and entertained with its memorable moments and comedic antics.

The movie takes place five years after the Ghostbusters saved New York City from Gozer. Peter Venkman (Murray), Ray Stantz (Aykroyd), Egon Spengler (Ramis), and Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) are now out of business, working odd jobs to make ends meet. When a river of slime flows beneath the city, causing negative energy to amplify and manipulate emotions, it creates a new wave of ghosts, who return to haunt New York. The Ghostbusters, with the help of Sigourney Weaver’s character Dana Barrett and her baby Oscar, are once again called into action to save the city.

While Ghostbusters II wasn’t a critical success, it still managed to garner a sizable following due to its continued use of memorable one-liners and comical dialogue, coupled with fantastic special effects and charismatic acting. This time around, the group seemed more established, confident, and entertaining than before.

The main actors reprise their roles with great ease, bringing new and fresh elements to their iconic characters. Bill Murray’s sarcastic and charming wit as Peter Venkman provides most of the film’s comedy, as he flirted with Dana, teased Ray about their outdated technology, and made countless one-liners throughout the film. Murray was able to create an instantly likable character in Venkman, someone the audience roots for no matter what.

Dan Aykroyd also continued his wacky persona as Ray, a man still fascinated with ghosts and always ready to create new gadgets. Sigourney Weaver as Dana Barrett proved to be more than just a damsel in distress, showing her versatility and charm as a mother who will stop at nothing to save her baby from evil forces. Even Rick Moranis, as Louis Tully, gets more screen time this time around, proving that he too is an integral part of the team, rather than just being comic relief.

The movie’s strongest point is the dialogue, with numerous memorable moments that stick with the audience long after the credits roll. One such scene features Murray’s Venkman attempting to woo Dana by speaking into the baby monitor, resulting in hilarious misunderstandings and one-liners.

The movie also uses its characters’ unique skills to solve various problems, such as Venkman’s manipulation of a malevolent painting or Ray’s knowledge of New York City’s history to find the ghost’s secret lair. Each of these situations allows the Ghostbusters to use their equipment in different ways, providing a glimpse into the team’s creativity in battling ghosts.

The special effects are another strong point of the film, showcasing the advancements in technology since the first film. The use of animatronics, puppetry, and stop-motion techniques make for an impressive visual experience. However, it should be noted that some of the computer-generated effects may appear dated by today’s standards, especially the floating heads at the film’s climax.

While the film does have its strong points, it does have some flaws, most notably the storyline, which seems somewhat rushed and repetitive. The first film had a unique premise that felt fresh, but the sequel relies too heavily on repeating the same plot with different ghost entities. The River of Slime was also a weak plot point that was difficult to follow and could have been more creatively presented.

Another issue with Ghostbusters II is its treatment of Ernie Hudson’s Winston, whose character is significantly underutilized compared to the first film. His lack of presence throughout the movie is especially noticeable in scenes where the original trio takes center stage.

Additionally, the romantic subplot between Peter and Dana felt rushed and could have been better developed. The initial connection between them is entirely absent, which leaves the audience to question why the two suddenly become infatuated with one another.

Despite its shortcomings, Ghostbusters II manages to provide a fun and entertaining experience. The film takes an already established formula and elevates it with strong performances, witty dialogue, and impressive visuals. While not as good as the original, Ghostbusters II remains a memorable and entertaining film.