Ghostbusters 2

Plot

Five years after saving NYC – the ghostbusters have been dismantled. Ray is now doing kids parties with Winston, and has an ‘occult type shop’, Egon is still working in psychology, and Peter is the host of a television show about psychics.

When a new supernatural menace starts, a slime that feeds on negativity, the boys are tasked with trying to stop it – but in a city where everyone hates everyone – how can they stop it?

Direction

Improved direction by Ivan Reitman has a bit more action, especially in the third act. And pretty impressive effects considering it was made in 1989.

Cast/Characters

All of the cast are back, with new cast members Peter MacNicol in an ‘Igor’ type role to the big bad. He puts on a hilariously ludicrous accent that is never explained.

A whose who of 80’s and 90s stars appear briefly in roles like Harris Yulin, Brian Doyle Murray, Earl Boen, and Philip Baker Hall.

Screenplay/Setting/Themes

The setting once again is NYC, and the identity of the city comes front and centre into the screenplay as the city is famous for having angry citizens. This is really the primary theme of the film, as evil is overpowering good.

I felt the characters were improved mostly from the first film with all the men now a little older and wiser – especially Peter, who feels like he should have more – especially with old love Dana – now a mother.

The villain ‘Vigo the Carpathian’ is an improvement as well, perhaps this is nostalgia as I always enjoyed this film over the first, he’s also a little more memorable than Goza.

I did find it slightly regressive, as once again Winston feels very underused, and Dana feels like a damsel in distress once again. Considering they are played by Ernie Hudson and Ellen Ripley, this is a little disappointing.

Score/Soundtrack

Another soundtrack that would have been out of date in 1995, but works for the time. There is also a pretty solid score, especially during the third act.

Overall

I’ve always preferred this film over the predecessor – from the improved character development, to better villain and side characters. Solid sequel. Followed by two more sequels (I’ve yet to watch or review).

4/5