
Ghostbusters II (1989)
Having lost their status and credibility five years after covering New York City with gooey roasted marshmallows in Ghostbusters (1984), the city's former heroes and once-popular spirit-hunters struggle to keep afloat, forced to work odd jobs. However, when Dana and her baby have yet another terrifying encounter with the paranormal, it is up to Peter Venkman and his fearless team of supernatural crime fighters to step up and save the day. Once more, humankind is in danger, as rivers of slimy psycho-reactive ectoplasm, paired with the dreadful manifestation of evil sixteenth-century tyrant Vigo the Carpathian, threaten to plunge the entire city into darkness. Is the world ready to believe? Can the Ghostbusters save us for the second time?
Details
Budget
$37,000,000
Rating
7/10 (4508 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Columbia Pictures
About Ghostbusters II
Released five years after the original, "Ghostbusters II" brings the team back to New York City for another confrontation with the supernatural. After their reputation is damaged, Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, Egon Spengler, and Winston Zeddemore find themselves dealing with a new ghostly threat linked to rivers of psycho-reactive ectoplasm and the spirit of Vigo the Carpathian. The film blends comedy and fantasy as the heroes work to regain public trust and save the city once more.
The sequel revisits familiar territory, utilizing elements like paranormal investigation and urban settings. Keywords such as "new year's eve," "painting," and "slime" point to specific plot devices and visual components central to the story. The narrative focuses on the Ghostbusters' return to action, offering a mix of crude humor and nostalgic appeal for fans of the first film.
The critical reception for "Ghostbusters II" was mixed, with Rotten Tomatoes scoring it at 57% and Metacritic at 56/100, suggesting some division among critics. Audiences awarded it a 7.0 on TMDB and 6.6 on IMDb. Despite the varying opinions, the film maintains its identity as a sequel to a popular franchise, with its status as a direct follow-up being a prominent element of its release and reception.
Why you might be searching for Ghostbusters II
People are searching for "Ghostbusters II" often to recall specific visual gags and plot points, like the memorable scene of a character stopping short on a fire pole due to a monster below, or the central conflict involving a river of slime. The film's unique blend of humor and supernatural elements, alongside its connection to the original, drives interest in its specific moments and characters.
What reviewers are saying
This sequel, though often criticized compared to the first "Ghostbusters," still offers entertainment with the returning main characters.
Read the full reviewOne reviewer found the sequel to be a tired retread, noting that the characters, especially Bill Murray, seemed disengaged.
Read the full reviewAnother viewer felt the film was just as good as its predecessor, enjoying it immediately after watching the first movie.
Read the full reviewThe film effectively captures the spirit of the original despite being a sequel, with Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd making an effort to refresh the comedic elements, albeit without reaching the absurd spectacle of the first film.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream Ghostbusters II on Netflix. It is also available to rent or buy on platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, Google Play Movies, Plex, and YouTube.
No, Ghostbusters II is a supernatural comedy film and is not based on a true story. It is the second film in the Ghostbusters franchise.
In the climax of Ghostbusters II, the team uses positively-charged mood slime to pilot the Statue of Liberty through New York City, breaking through a slime barrier at the museum. Inside, they confront Vigo, who attempts to possess Oscar. The crowd outside sings "Auld Lang Syne," weakening Vigo and allowing the Ghostbusters to defeat him, turning his painting into one depicting them around Oscar. The city then celebrates the Ghostbusters, and they receive the Key to the City.
Ghostbusters II is considered reasonably amusing due to its cast, though some critics felt it lacked the charm and wit of the original. It has an approval rating of 55% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 44 critics.