Today’s quick review: Ghostbusters II. Five years after saving New York, the Ghostbusters (Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson) have gone their separate ways. But when Dana Barrett’s (Sigourney Weaver) baby is targeted by a malevolent spirit, the Ghostbusters come out of retirement to get to the bottom of the case. Their investigation leads them to an unearthly discovery: an underground river of slime that feeds on negative energy.
Ghostbusters II is a horror comedy that picks up five years after the original Ghostbusters. The sequel sees the return of the original cast, writers, and directors. The plot echoes the first movie in places but stands well enough on its own, and much of the all-around quality that made the first one a hit returns in the sequel. However, the writing is noticeably weaker, and changes in plotting, humor, and tone make the sequel a step down from the original.
Ghostbusters II has many of the same strengths as the original. The Ghostbusters and their associates are great characters brought to life by talented comedians, and just seeing them operate is still a joy. The humor is generally good, a blend of wisecracks, odd situations, and dubious paranormal phenomena. These elements are not used to their fullest, but they still make the movie a fun watch.
However, Ghostbusters 2 has weaknesses that the first did not. The tone of the sequel is somewhat more dramatic than the tone of the original, stemming from the Ghostbusters’ sorry state at the beginning of the film and the more menacing nature of the new threat. The humor is less inventive and more self-conscious. The plot more closely resembles a proper story, but lacks the light touch and charm of the original.
Watch Ghostbusters 2 when you are in the mood for a light comedy with a talented cast and a good script. Although it falls short of its predecessor in terms of tone and humor, Ghostbusters 2 is still an entertaining watch. Those looking for a comedy of the same caliber as the original will be disappointed, but those looking to while away a couple hours will have a good time.
6.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for good humor and characters, but lacking the heart of the original.