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 serious step down from the first film and, arguably, a thoroughly lackluster ghostly comedy by comparison.
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 to see what the time was. Frankly, I don’t think this movie is all that funny. And it doesn’t make a lot of sense either. Really, one of my biggest problems with this film is that it follows pretty much the exact same structure that the first film had.
There actually isn’t a lot new to praise here, and the things they change don’t really work for it. Specifically, Egon Spengler feels notably looser, which I’m not sure works for the film, and everything about the villain and his partner consistently fell flat for me (it is way too goofy, not scary whatsoever, and the talking painting aspect isn’t executed well). Also, 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 dance to the theme at a birthday party that I thought was a serious misstep. It’s the first sign of the film opting to mostly (and wrongly) correct its focus from adult-ish Saturday Night Live-type comedy to more kid-friendly, goofy fare, even though the original Ghostbusters could be enjoyed as a family comedy as it was.
The best thing about this film is that we get to see the iconic characters on-screen again for a new adventure. The first twenty-five minutes, or so, do have some strong scenes (not including the birthday party, which I dislike) including when they first meet Oscar and when they drill into the NYC ground. The core group’s chemistry (including Weaver) helps to make it have some genuinely funny moments amidst a film that is seriously lacking elsewhere. The thing is that the 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, at times, it’s almost hard to believe that the sequel to a supernatural-comedy classic can be this much of a step down, especially considering its legendary cast, who deserved a much better story and villain to have their great characters be built around.
5 out of 10
– I’m Jeffrey Rex
I'm Jeffrey Rex 