RETRO REVIEW: Ghostbusters 2 (1989)

The following is a retro review of Ghostbusters 2 (1989).

In preparation for the release of Paul Feig’s new rebooted Ghostbusters, I’ve been rewatching the two original Ivan Reitman-films. I’ve always liked the franchise and the characters, but I’ve never been a real Ghostbusters-fanboy. Just the other day, I rewatched and reviewed the original Ghostbusters, which is still an amazing comedy.

Now, I hadn’t actually seen Ghostbusters 2 in, maybe, around ten or eleven years. I couldn’t really remember it that well, and, when I sat down to watch the sequel today, I found out why: Ghostbusters 2 is a terrible comedy sequel. 

In Ghostbusters 2, the team-members are considered frauds. No one believes Venkman, Winston, Ray, or Egon. Venkman didn’t end up with Dana Barrett, who has since given birth to a son named Oscar. But after proving their worth against two spirits in a courtroom, the ghostbusters are, once again, famous. Right when they get back together as a somewhat respected group, however, Dana Barrett is once again haunted by a malicious spirit.

When I watch Ghostbusters I always have a great time. But when I was rewatching Ghostbusters 2, I kept looking at the time. This movie isn’t really all that funny. And it doesn’t make a lot sense either. Really, one of my biggest problems with this film is that it follows the exact same structure that the first film had.

There actually isn’t a lot new here. Even the characters aren’t that different. But, if you thought Ernie Hudson’s Winston Zeddemore didn’t have a lot to do in the first film, then get ready for this film, in which he has absolutely nothing to do: except to dance to the theme at a birthday party.

The best thing about this film is that we get to see the iconic characters on-screen again for a new adventure. But that adventure isn’t really handled well, and there aren’t a lot of truly memorable and iconic character moments.

Ghostbusters 2 is terribly disappointing compared to the first film. You’ve seen it all before, it doesn’t make much sense, and it doesn’t come close to the original film at all. To be perfectly honest, I even found it hard to get through the sequel. I almost don’t believe the sequel to a supernatural-comedy classic can be this bad.

4.5 out of 10

– I’m Jeffrey Rex