I watched Ghostbusters II and I really liked it! 4/5
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Ghostbusters II may not hit the same iconic highs as its predecessor, but it’s still a fun, spirited sequel that brings back the charm, humor, and supernatural thrills that made the original a cultural phenomenon. Directed once again by Ivan Reitman, this follow-up reunites the original cast for a fresh adventure filled with ghostly hijinks, witty banter, and a surprisingly heartfelt message about hope and togetherness. While it doesn’t break new ground, Ghostbusters II captures enough of the magic to make it a thoroughly enjoyable ride.
Set five years after the events of the first film, Ghostbusters II finds our favorite paranormal investigators—Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis), and Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson)—struggling to regain relevance after being sued and discredited for their ghostbusting escapades. Their chance for redemption comes in the form of a new supernatural crisis: a river of mood-sensitive slime running beneath New York City and the return of a malevolent spirit, Vigo the Carpathian, who plans to use Dana Barrett’s (Sigourney Weaver) baby as his vessel to conquer the world.
The cast is as sharp as ever, slipping back into their roles with ease. Bill Murray’s Peter Venkman continues to steal the show with his dry wit and irreverent humor, while Aykroyd and Ramis bring warmth and nerdy charm as Ray and Egon. Ernie Hudson’s Winston gets a bit more screen time this time around, and his grounded, no-nonsense demeanor adds balance to the group’s dynamic. Sigourney Weaver reprises her role as Dana, bringing a sense of strength and vulnerability as she protects her son from Vigo’s sinister plot. Rick Moranis also returns as the adorably hapless Louis Tully, now doubling as the Ghostbusters’ legal counsel, and his awkward romance with Janine (Annie Potts) provides some delightful comedic moments.
One of the film’s strengths is its emphasis on the team’s camaraderie. Watching the Ghostbusters work together again—whether they’re joking around in the firehouse or battling supernatural forces—is just as entertaining as it was in the first film. The humor is a little broader this time, leaning more into slapstick and family-friendly antics, but it still lands thanks to the cast’s impeccable chemistry and timing.
Visually, Ghostbusters II retains the playful, inventive design that defined the original. The special effects, from the glowing pink slime to Vigo’s menacing presence in his portrait, are creative and fun, even if they’re a bit dated by today’s standards. The ghostbusting gear and iconic Ecto-1 get some nice upgrades, and the new scenes featuring the Statue of Liberty being animated by the power of positive slime are delightfully absurd in the best way. It’s this blend of the ridiculous and the heartfelt that gives the film its unique charm.
While Ghostbusters II succeeds in delivering laughs and supernatural thrills, it does struggle with originality. The plot follows a structure very similar to the first film, with the team starting from rock bottom before coming together to save the city from an otherworldly threat. The villain, Vigo the Carpathian, is effectively creepy but lacks the personality and humor of Gozer from the original. The film’s reliance on the mood-sensitive slime as both a literal and metaphorical plot device feels a bit heavy-handed at times, and some moments feel more contrived than inspired.
That said, Ghostbusters II shines in its exploration of themes like optimism, teamwork, and the power of positivity. The film’s message—that collective goodwill and unity can combat even the darkest forces—is surprisingly uplifting and gives the story a bit more emotional weight. The climax, featuring the Ghostbusters leading New Yorkers in a singalong of “Higher and Higher” to charge the Statue of Liberty with positive energy, is both silly and oddly touching, encapsulating the film’s earnest, hopeful spirit.
In the end, Ghostbusters II doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a worthy sequel that builds on the beloved characters and supernatural fun of the original while adding its own quirky charm. Though it lacks some of the sharpness and originality of its predecessor, it still delivers plenty of laughs, memorable moments, and ghostbusting action. For fans of the franchise, it’s a nostalgic trip back to a world that’s always a blast to revisit.