Ghostbusters is, rightfully, an acknowledged comedic masterpiece, yet its sequel is maligned and generally regarded as inferior in every way. It is the purpose of this piece to illustrate exactly why Ghostbusters II is, while not a better movie, certainly a formidable one.
The most important difference is that II is no longer concerned with establishing the team and their function, but with the process of putting them back together as well as the central ghostly occurrences around town. The acting, as if I have to mention it, is the stuff dreams are made of, classic SNL dialogue with the highest quality deadpan delivery money could buy. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Rick Moranis, and Sigourney Weaver are all in top form, giving performances worthy of the first in the series, as well as the addition of a new central talent the bizarrely awkward but hilarious Peter MacNicol as Janosz Poha, Dana Barrett's boss and general creep.
I can't stifle my enthusiasm for this film, and I can't comprehend its detractors. This is not Citizen Kane, La Dolce Vita, Au Hasard Balthazar or The Virgin Spring, but it's also not trying to be. Its subject matter is not particularly intelligent, there are things about it that don't even seem to make sense within its world, but none of that matters because here, in Ghostbusters II, we have a world where fun and friendship are the dominating factors in everyday life. Those and slime, actually.
The movie is about a team of Ghostbusters, paranormal investigators, now defunct and fragmented, who rediscover their occupation thanks to a tunnel full of psychomagnotheric slime, and a sixteenth century Carpathian despotic ruler named Vigo who's trapped in a painting. If you haven't seen this movie, then I know, I know, it sounds absolutely ridiculous. But to watch this film, or the original entry in the series, is to completely dismiss reality and submerse yourself in bizarre alternate history, common paranormal events, and subtle inside jokes (e.g. Vigo's full name is Vigo Von Nomburg Deutschendorf, referencing the twins that play Dana Barrett's child, Oscar, Hank and Henry Deutschendorf).
The end result of this fusion of special effects extravaganza and comedic enterprise is a tender and sweet battle between good and evil. Each character is given lines that play off their personalities and unique deliveries, and the action is dealt with the guiding force belonging to veteran comedic director Ivan Reitman.
Article comments
1 - Brandy
It's a very fun movie. The baby is also very cute, as is Bill Murray in his interactions with the baby in their scenes. It isn't easy to act with a child or animal on film, as W C Fields knew. Murray pulled it off.
I love the fun they're all having on film.
2 - Doug Smith
Just wanted to say you're right on every count. I've heard so often that this film is "terrible," and every time I have to counter with nearly all the same good qualities you've pointed out. Very well written. Kudos to you!