I'm going to go against the crowd here and say that Ghostbusters 2 is a superior film to the original, and here's why:
While it is true that the original GB was an original surprise hit, beating out Indiana Jones, Gremlins, and other big movies in the summer of 84, Bill Murray was coming off of Stripes and was playing the same smarmy guy he always played in the early 80s. In GB 2, Murray is way more likable and he allows his great costars to have more fun moments, like the discovery of the river of slime, Rick Moranis gets to be the Ghostbusters' lawyer and "suits up" as an honorary Ghostbuster this time. Anne Potts, Harold Ramis, Dan Akroyd, and Ernie Hudson ALL have better material and seem more interesting this time around.
I like the way both Ghostbuster films make use of New York locations. Ghosts and undead beings walking around New York is a fascinating sight that never gets old because the special effects are really top notch.
This movie is just less cynical than the original. In fact I love that the overriding message of the film is that people sort of created the river of slime by being so cynical and that New Yorkers could pull together and change that outlook. That interesting theme gives this movie a heart that the original lacked I think.
But all of that aside, I just think it is a funnier movie. In the courtroom when the Ghostbusters put on their proton packs and sing "Doe," Ray," "Egon," and the look Harold Ramis flashes Murry is priceless.
Anyway this is probably the best movie ever inspired by Saturday Night Live cast-members, at least in my book. So give it another try. |
Ghostbusters 2 (Widescreen Edition) dvd movie.