Five years have passed since the major paranormal event in New York City, and the former Ghostbusters are struggling. Having nearly drowned the city in Stay Puft marshmallow, New York citizens have had enough of the ghost-hunting crew and have forced them to work a series of side jobs, including party entertainment and marriage counseling. When red goo begins to plague the city and give new life to a series of new vindictive spirits, the Ghostbusters are given a chance to redeem themselves and reclaim fame and financial stability. Ghostbusters II is the story of redemption and paranormal mischief unlike anything you’ve seen before.
In 1984, Ivan Reitman graced the world with the Ghostbusters for the very first time. He introduced them to a group of oddballs who, despite what the rest of the world might believe, saved the world from certain destruction at the hands of Gozer in all of his forms. Five years later these misfits take the stage one more time to prove their worth and win the hearts of the city of New York.
As the four protagonists--Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Raymond Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), Egon Soengler (Harold Ramis) and Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson)--battle a series of spirits, their use in the world becomes better understood, but their humor and ability of having audiences identify with them is what makes Ghostbusters II shine as brightly as it does. The four leads feed off of one another’s emotions and find a way to create a seamless stream of comedy, resulting in endless laughs and entertainment. While nearly everyone in the film contributes to the comedy, two characters in particular are what make it what it is; those characters are Murray and Rick Moranis (Louis Tully). Like in the first installment of the series, these two actors are what provide substantial laughs and a majority of the film’s entertainment. The two have an aura about them that invites audiences in and keeps them rooting for them throughout the film. What is interesting about Moranis’ involvement in Ghostbusters II is the fact that, unlike in Ghostbusters, Louis’ role in the story is less than substantial. Useless might be too harsh of a word, but, in terms of adding to the plot, he serves little to no purpose.
Moranis, regardless of the fact that his presence is unimportant, etches his name among the essentials in the Ghostbusters franchise. His ability to keep pace with the brilliance of Murray and Aykroyd shows the world how talented he is and what he is able to bring to the table without being too overwhelming or outshining the leads to any significant degree. Moranis is able to find a brilliant balance throughout Ghostbusters II and viewers are grateful for the beautiful juxtaposition of genuine comedy and cheesiness that makes up this talented actor.
For the first time in the series a character who, despite all attempts to appreciate him to some degree, annoys the bejeezus out of viewers. Peter MacNicol’s Dr. Janosz Poha, from the moment he steps on screen, presents viewers with an antagonist that possesses and provides nothing of any value. His horrific accent, his overindulgence in Dana Barrett’s (Sigourney Weaver) life and inability to grip audiences in any capacity leaves him feeling unnecessary and frustrating. While it’s not necessarily the purpose of a villain to be enduring and/or enjoyable, it’s important that viewers are able to connect, in one way or another, to the bad guy. Between the unappealing character and frustratingly mediocre (at best) performance lead to Poha being nothing more than agitating. Fortunately his role in Ghostbusters II is small enough that his impedance does not significantly hinder the film.
One of Ghostbusters’ issues was its inconsistent CGI. As the images ranged from mildly successful to borderline hysterical puppetry, the paranormal figures were less than adequate in many regards. Ghostbusters II closes the gap between what was done in the first installment and what might be considered acceptable in the twenty-first century. Stepping up their game between the first installment and Ghostbusters II appeases audiences and provides them with the ability to better accept the insanities that make up the story.
In some regards Ghostbusters II steps up their game and Reitman delivers a sequel that, compared to many other sequels, exceeds expectations. Murray and Moranis, like before, deliver exceptional comedy and nearly endless laughs. Their performances, paired with the other brilliant talents in Hudson, Ramis, Aykroyd and Weaver, create a fluid and seamless story that transcends generations. This horror/comedy extends the Ghostbusters universe and further engulfs audiences in a world of metaphysical hubbub. Ghostbusters II surpasses expectations and, in many ways, is equal to the first installment.
Directed by Ivan Reitman. Written by Dan Aykroyd & Harold Ramis. Starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis, Ernie Hudson, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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