On G List of Movie Reviews

(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)



Ghostbusters II (1989)

Rate: 4
Viewed: 6/07

Ghostb2
6/07: Widely considered a disappointing sequel that's more of a cult flick than a comedy picture, Ghostbusters II is plagued with an incomprehensible story and foolish logic although the special effects are still outstanding as ever.

It elicits laughs from me, but they aren't as strong as the original. The last twenty minutes is tedious to get through which left me asleep. Bill Murray is less of an attention hog this time around, but he's still too much. It gets tiring to see him act like a weasel more than a Good Samaritan.

The transition between the two parts isn't smooth as there are many plot holes in the sequel to explain how, why, and what happened thereafter. For example, I wasn't informed of why the Ghostbusters team fizzled out after five years yet there might be ghosts running amok in not just New York City but the United States. Also, if somebody got slimed, would it be hazardous to his or her health?

Once again, there's no theory proffered to the existence of ghosts. Worse, everybody acts like as if they didn't exist in the original film. The video evidence of the huge 100-foot Marshmallow Man will do. Watching the pride of New York City swell like a big fat balloon during the celebration of the Ghostbusters team is nauseating. I mean, how am I supposed to relate to it if I'm not a resident?

Meanwhile, the villain shows potential yet is stuck behind a painting. He can be much more than that. Speaking of the painting, what's the point of the deification of the guys holding the baby? It goes without saying that logic is way down along with many undeveloped characters. Hence, the special effects only serves as eye candy to mask the problems.

All in all, Ghostbusters II is a poorly made sequel.