I’ve been watching Ghostbusters II since I was a kid. This movie came in 1989 when I was just seven years old. I’ve loved this movie because it showcased the best and worse about New York City. It also made me want to visit the Statue of Liberty one day to experience the sights and views for myself.
I know my opinion is in the minority since the first film is ranked a lot higher (7.3 to 6.6) and made about $81 million more. I’m not here to take anything away from the original, which is considered a classic on its own.
This sequel features the entire cast returning, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis, and Annie Potts. They will face the evil force a Vigo the Carpathian (Willhelm von Homburg), who wants to be reincarnated through Weaver’s baby Oscar. He’ll try to come to life through a picture at the museum, under the watchful eye of Janosz Poha (Peter MacNicol).
Ghostbusters II deals with the same issues from the original. No one believes that ghosts are real, that evil is trying to take over the world, and that everyone on the crew should be locked up in jail or nuthouse. Only when things turn into chaos do these skeptics finally see the importance these four bring to the city.
I loved all the cultural references in this one. Whether it is the old subway train that derailed decades ago, the Titanic finally reached its destination or the mayor (David Margulies) conversation with the late New York City mayor Pierre LaGuardia. If that wasn’t enough for you, Lady Liberty herself is going to save the day. The Ghostbusters will bring one of the city’s most iconic figures to live and walk her through the harbour through Times Square to the museum. Call it what you will, but it definitely one of the best uses of the landmark.
Like I mentioned before, I’ve always been biased with Ghostbusters II. I love what it had to offer in terms of story and backdrops. It has always made me sad that this was the last hurrah for these guys and the franchise. Nothing that happens today or tomorrow will ever compare to the first. 8/10
Ten Stars or Less 