Ghostbusters II, released in theaters on June 16, 1989, brings back the beloved paranormal investigators for another thrilling, hilarious, and slime-filled adventure in the heart of New York City. The follow-up to the highly successful Ghostbusters from 1984 delivers a spirited continuation of the supernatural antics, proving there’s still plenty of fun to be had with our favorite ghost-busting heroes.
The story finds the Ghostbusters largely out of business and facing public skepticism five years after their heroic defeat of Gozer. Peter Venkman (Bill Murray) hosts a psychic talk show, Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd) and Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) perform at children’s parties, and Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) works in parapsychological research. Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver), now a single mother, turns to them when her baby Oscar’s pram mysteriously moves on its own.
Their investigation uncovers a massive river of “mood slime” flowing beneath the city, fueled by negative human emotions, and leading to the painting of a malevolent 16th-century Carpathian tyrant, Vigo the Carpathian (voiced by Max von Sydow, with body by Wilhelm von Homburg). Vigo plans to possess Oscar and begin his reign anew.
It’s up to the Ghostbusters, with the help of their eccentric lawyer Louis Tully (Rick Moranis) and the unflappable Janine Melnitz (Annie Potts), and the quirky art restorer Dr. Janosz Poha (Peter MacNicol), to rally the city and stop the rising tide of negativity.
Murray, Aykroyd, Ramis, and Hudson slip effortlessly back into their roles, their chemistry as sharp and endearing as ever.
Murray’s cynical wit is a highlight, Aykroyd’s earnest enthusiasm is infectious, Ramis’s deadpan intelligence remains crucial, and Hudson provides the grounding everyman perspective.
Weaver is excellent as Dana, adding a maternal warmth and a compelling reason for the Ghostbusters to return.
Moranis is hilarious as the devoted Louis Tully, whose attempts at becoming a Ghostbuster are pure comedic gold.
Potts shines as the sardonic Janine.
MacNicol delivers a wonderfully campy and memorable performance as the villain’s obsessed minion, Janosz Poha.
Harris Yulin provides solid support as the dismissive Judge Wexler.
Ivan Reitman once again directs with a confident hand, orchestrating both the comedic set pieces and the escalating supernatural threats. The film leans into its fantastical elements, with the river of slime providing a tangible, gooey manifestation of the city’s collective bad mood. The special effects are impressive, bringing new ghosts and ghouls to life with creative flair.
The screenplay, by Aykroyd and Ramis, maintains the spirit of the original while expanding the mythology and introducing new challenges. The themes of positivity overcoming negativity and the importance of collective belief add a heartwarming layer to the paranormal antics.
Ghostbusters II (Photo/Columbia Pictures)
Reception for Ghostbusters II
Ghostbusters II grossed $29.5 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office, topping Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade ($11.7 million) and Dead Poets Society ($9.1 million).
The film would gross $215.4 million worldwide, en route to being the eighth-highest grossing film of 1989.
Legacy
Ghostbusters II is a fun, spirited, and thoroughly enjoyable sequel that successfully revisits a beloved world and its iconic characters. It’s a film that delivers plenty of laughs, exciting supernatural encounters, and a message of hope. For fans of the original, or anyone looking for a charming and entertaining blend of comedy and fantasy, Ghostbusters II is a delightful return to the ghost-busting business that reminds us that sometimes, we all need a little positive reinforcement.
