It has always been peculiar to me that, to this very day, in certain critics’ circles, while donning fedoras and pants that are far too tight for their body type, they deem Ghostbusters II a “bad movie.” Was it the conflicts and challenges behind the scenes that unfairly branded it as a corporate cash grab before it even hit theaters? Was it the fact that it was released during a golden era of cinema filled with classics that led the film world to overlook it so quickly? What was up with the joke about the fedoras and the critics’ tight pants? It was oddly specific.
We’ll attempt to address all those questions and more in today’s deep dive love letter to Ghostbusters II. The struggle to create the movie in the first place, the dinner that reunited everyone and revived a seemingly dead sequel, and ultimately… why what was will be and what is will be no more. Why Ghostbusters II is actually an exceptional sequel. And dare I say… in some aspects even better than the original.
The Contentious Making of Ghostbusters II
The Ghostbusters symbol is one of the most recognizable entities in cinematic history for good reason. When it debuted in ‘84, it not only generated significant revenue but also achieved a hat trick with both fans and critics falling in love. There’s always a Walter Peck or two out there, as is typical with any franchise. However, it’s not controversial to state that everyone adored Ghostbusters and wanted more. The plan at Columbia Pictures was to make that happen as soon as possible, despite the fact that franchise creators Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ivan Reitman never intended for it to become a franchise.
It all begins with the suits… not those suits. The boring ones. Columbia was then managed by David Puttnam, who preferred smaller films and foreign language productions over Ghostbusters-type projects. Puttnam seemed like the type of person with whom the Ghostbusters would clash in the films: the pretentious hotel manager who tries to cheat them on their bill or the band guy who had Sigourney Weaver stolen from him by a game show host. Perhaps this explains why Puttnam once considered making the sequel with an entirely new, cheaper cast (though he later denied this). Puttnam would eventually be reportedly “ushered out” of his position partly because he ruffled feathers surrounding Ghostbusters, including those of Bill Murray and his agent.
However, Murray wasn’t eager to make Ghostbusters II, either. The actor vanished from Hollywood for four years after his film The Razor’s Edge flopped at the box office. By the time he returned, he wanted to make Scrooged before Ghostbusters II. The key actors and production schedules continued to clash. And whether as a grown man at a bar trough or wielding unlicensed nuclear accelerators… crossing beams is never advisable.
Some unresolved grievances between cast members and production had festered over time, likely including financial disputes, as multiple cast members were demanding $10 million each to return. Things looked grim for a future sequel until Michael Ovitz, the talent agent representing several main actors and Reitman, intervened and organized a meeting. Where? I’m referring to somewhere warm. A place where beer flows like wine. Where beautiful women flock like salmon of Capistrano. I’m talking about a little establishment called Jimmy’s Restaurant in Beverly Hills.
According to Murray himself, none of them sat down for that lunch thinking they would end up making Ghostbusters II by the time the check arrived. However, they laughed, drank, and dined for four hours and had so much fun they ultimately decided to work together again. To make the financials work, Reitman, Murray, Aykroyd, and Ramis negotiated for salaries that would give them a percentage of box office profits on the back end in an attempt to keep the budget profitable.
You might wonder, “What about Ernie Hudson?” And you’d be right. The star was once again barely involved in marketing for the film nor was he compensated nearly as much as others. This is indeed unfortunate; however, Hudson maintains a positive perspective on situations involving anything nefarious, stating, “It’s very tempting sometimes to blame anything that doesn’t work in your life on racism. I think if Eddie Murphy had played my role… he would have been paid very well. I think studios are in business to make money and pay what they feel they must.” Bill Murray at least supported him by refusing to participate if Hudson wasn’t given a larger role than promised at that time.
The first draft of the script veered significantly off course, with Aykroyd writing a story set in Scotland featuring a fairy ring and an underground civilization. Eventually, they found their way back home, and the script we now recognize as Ghostbusters II was completed by March 1988, just under four years after the first film’s release. Quite contrary to “Two in the box, ready to go; we be fast and they be slow.” But hey, it was happening. The popularity of Ghostbusters had only increased over those years with the hit animated series The Real Ghostbusters, which became immensely popular among children (and toy sales) at that time. So much so that it influenced Slimer’s return in the film; moreover, the movie script made an effort not to contradict storylines from the show too much.
The studio was experiencing a bit of a losing streak at that time and had high hopes for this sequel which they budgeted between $30 million and $40 million dollars for. Then came test screenings which revealed significant issues. Reitman stated that the last twenty-five minutes had “died a horrible death,” leading them to replace it with a new ending using reshoots focusing less on Ray’s possession and more on Viggo challenging the Ghostbusters along with some additional scenes.
Release
When Ghostbusters II finally premiered in June 1989, it more than doubled its predecessor’s opening weekend box office earnings by pulling in $29 million as the number one movie of that weekend while breaking multiple box office opening day records. This success was likely partly due to its predecessor’s massive success which created an enormous fanbase leading into this next chapter of what appeared to be an unstoppable franchise. It was hard to envision what would happen next; perhaps something akin to Gone Girl, resurfacing decades later as a Melissa McCarthy project—am I right? Answering that call! No—forget that call; it goes straight to voicemail where bill collectors await whom I’m pretending don’t exist.
Ghostbusters II contributed to what was then considered the highest-grossing box office weekend ever when movies were made properly. However, this led to intense box office competition resulting in the film never reclaiming its top position after that fun first weekend—unlike its predecessor which enjoyed a seven-week reign atop that mountain. By September’s end, the film exited theaters having earned less than half of its predecessor’s domestic gross while nearly doubling its original Ghostbusters haul internationally. Ultimately, this sequel fell nearly $70 million short of its predecessor’s earnings despite still grossing over $200 million against its previously mentioned budget of between $30 million and $40 million dollars. However, considering all these cast members needed compensation along with all their efforts… it remained disappointing depending on one’s perspective—not forgetting this was a sequel to what had been deemed at that time as the highest-grossing comedy ever made—unbeknownst to us then; our beloved Ghostbusters were effectively gone.
I recall being a child at that time simply enjoying it immensely; it felt like more of something I loved now featuring shinier things along with new outfits and gadgets… yet many adults apparently didn’t share that sentiment then or even now. The majority of critical responses were negative; critics argued that Ghostbusters II was merely a carbon copy of its predecessor’s structure and story claiming it felt corporate, unenergetic, and even depressing (which I personally find hard to understand). With Tim Burton’s darker edges showcased in his release of Batman captivating audiences during that same year alongside this sequel being widely perceived as not living up to its predecessor’s standards—something strange occurred: Ghostbusters II became entrenched within cinematic memory as some forgettable film—and here’s where we reach an exciting point: such assumptions couldn’t BE more incorrect.
The Case for Ghostbusters II
Ghostbusters II, from top to bottom matches its remarkable predecessor in numerous ways. Beginning with its story—one aspect I particularly enjoyed about the original film was witnessing our beloved parapsychology professors navigate through their challenges after being ousted from their comfortable positions at Columbia University—securing loans, finding firehouses, hiring assistance while contending with bureaucratic nuisances like Walter Peck. We watched them struggle through these obstacles before achieving success akin to full-on Rocky IV-style montages featuring numerous ghosts they were capturing before facing off against their greatest challenge yet: saving New York City while becoming true heroes.
This sequel could have easily picked up from there; instead we find our Ghostbusters five years later at their lowest point facing yet another uphill battle after events from their first adventure led them into lawsuits from every state agency across New York City—a likely realistic outcome given human nature.
This leads us into Ray and Winston having one of their most humiliating jobs just trying keep afloat: performing at children’s birthday parties where they show up dressed up while throwing on their Ghostbuster theme song dancing around only for kids booing them asking instead for He-Man. Ray’s broken “come on; let’s go grab a beer” resonates deeply within anyone who has experienced such days filled with frustration; they’ve become jokes both among children who are too embarrassed or angry towards them based on selective history suggesting these Ghostbusters were jerks throughout all this.
This brings us back around towards another intriguing plot point absent from original Ghostbusters: slime-related themes!
Certain arguments can be made suggesting Ghostbusters II is merely an imitation copycat version but honestly? That wouldn’t bother me one bit—we simply want our heroes doing their thing without needing any reinvention! However one compelling argument against such claims stems from storyline surrounding slime itself! Nowhere within original did anything remotely resembling threads present throughout sequel regarding negativity impacting environment—supernatural or otherwise! Here we discover slime granting us scenes showcasing our heroes pretending they’re New York City construction workers! Things take an eerie turn when observing well-crafted rivers filled with pink slime flowing beneath streets—it’s mesmerizing visually! I just wanted play around with it! Still do! Which likely explains why toy sales skyrocketed!
The process through which we uncover details about slime allows us opportunities seeing characters (mainly Egon & Ray) embodying scientific research nerds! While several scenes were cut down for brevity purposes—Ghostbusters II leans heavily into those aspects deserving celebration similar how fans honor Batman films highlighting detective skills! Who could forget iconic toaster scene? Oddly enough when recalling memories associated with Ghostbusters II I often think not so much about Statue Liberty scene but rather Ghostbuster crew yelling at toaster! Because A) It’s hilarious & B) Their camaraderie remains alive & well here just like first installment mattered most!
Additonally nice knowing we weren’t so deep into corporate sequel territory preventing subtle disturbing implications suggesting Egon engaged sexually with slime—all done purely “for science.” Overall Egon comes across quirky taking puppies away kids holding smiles far too long whatever he does seems happy—good for him & good for big-haired weirdo!
This narrative focuses somewhat heavily upon Peter & Dana rekindling romance though similar arguments could’ve been made regarding initial film too! At least here we gain Oscar addition allowing both Peter & Dana realizing he’d actually make great dad after all! Not necessarily essential but touching nonetheless! Yet greatest character arc might just belong Janine—in many ways!
A subtle (and I cannot stress importance enough) SUBTLE theme emerges regarding treatment towards one another especially within large cities! Someone could easily utilize this plotline crafting social media horror flick if desired envisioning Egon pointing emotional reading device towards X app—thing’d blow head off man! It didn’t dominate narrative through finger-wagging ham-fisted kumbaya approach (think Spielberg’s Disclosure) instead leaving intriguing thoughts behind viewer ponder while entertained if desired—well done no notes long live ‘80s!
Speaking visuals side things, Ghostbusters II again excels! Are physics surrounding Statue Liberty scene ridiculous bordering stupidity? Sure! But there simply isn’t topping Stay Puft Marshmallow Man—that concept itself seems absurd too yet who cares? Just shut up & dance! Appreciate sentiment behind using meaningful symbol evoking good emotions while “Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher And Higher” plays!
MAY I ALSO MENTION two soundtracks aren’t comparable? Ghostbusters II features amped-up Run-DMC version Ray Parker Jr.’s classic but nothing possibly tops Bobby Brown’s “On Our Own”! Back when movies artists weren’t afraid creating songs specifically tailored films! Not pushing hard claiming Ghostbusters II better than original just asserting deserves recognition as quality film—but one point where argue this installment surpasses original! Shout out “Savin’ The Day” Alessi Brothers regardless but Ghostbusters II has best soundtrack!
Circling back visuals pink goo requiring 100000 gallons slime utilized throughout film added cool layer lore surrounding Ghostbuster franchise—from raging beneath streets oozing out Dana’s bathtub leading invention new proton packs—I don’t care if solely created sell toys (because happy ask Christmas!) These Slime Blower proton packs may not compare originals but integrated nicely rather replacing classics!
Ecto-1 received upgrade Ecto-1A featuring shiny waxed vehicle adorned colorful branding hazard stripes sweet LED ticker board atop roof rack mixing beautifully Christmas theme present within Ghostbuster II often overlooked choice releasing Christmas-themed movie June whatever!
The new charcoal grey suits look pretty slick too—it’s sequel after all consumer within me appreciates additions arsenal updating few things—even if one new tools literally NES Advantage Controller used pilot Statue Liberty throughout city can confirm kids thought bad-ass many still do adulthood—not out realm possibility scientist doing such within movie depicting ghosts taking over city wide scale second time—it’s science make-believe man making science look awesome!
The Horror and The Villain
I confidently stand before you arguing Ghostbuster II actually surpasses original particularly horror aspects villainy while maintaining gateway fun side horror ghost Titanic bits Slimer reappearance numerous Industrial Light Magic ghosts goblins invading city… there exist few moments within Ghostbuster II that tread line full-on horror movie territory!
Kicking off sequence Winston Egon Ray venturing old subway tunnel encountering creepy sounds ghost train severed heads pikes some real Game Of Thrones sh*t man—it serves purpose illustrating stakes faced (no pun intended) alongside dark power villain: Vigo Carpathian master evil scourge Carpathia sorrow Moldavia Carpathians possessed more names guy kids The Sandlot had Babe Ruth rightfully so—as film progresses learn man most-fed-up painting actually genocidal maniac who died 105 years old after own people poisoned stabbed shot hung stretched disemboweled drawn quartered somehow during stretching last words were “death merely door time window I’ll return” like Vin Diesel Fast Furious franchise haunting!
Lore surrounding Vigo fits perfectly scary-ass visage originally intended monster-oriented before casting Die Hard villain Wilhelm von Homburg realized face possessed so much personality deemed unnecessary—and true there exists something about guy makes think probably nicest individual earth look way smiling baby—but here movie particularly painting? He’s goddamn fright! Vigo dread permeates throughout sending wacky henchman Janosz find baby possess which happens adorable Oscar meanwhile learning history occult records Vigo inches closer reality!
This includes particular moment feels pulled classic R-rated ‘80s horror flick—as Ray Egon develop pictures shoot sh*t discussing dinner options realize photos taken painting Vigo transforming freaky stuff right invisible entity locks door demonic-looking pictures catch fire leaving trapped inside burn death before Winston saves day!
Vigo possesses look lore ability classify him Class A kick-ass villain—and he genuinely frightens when going full-on deadite able possess Ray sure ultimately bested few insults happy songs loose best—but love myriad ghosts goblins throughout franchise regarding interesting backstory scares go? Vigo easily best villain franchise next Paul Feig!
The Mentality Never Changed
While music bad guys horror elements Ghostbuster II are ones truly believe surpass original other things simply needed remain unchanged most crucial element Ghostbuster friendship guys remains strong ever within Ghostbuster II . There exist previously mentioned slime gags constant banter midst insane circumstances feeling despite separating life chapters film….they always reunite nothing ever changed though Venkman found hosting TV show fulfilling Dana’s prophecy him Egon happy weird science experiments Ray occult bookstore when wasn’t trying keep Ghostbuster alive kids’ parties alongside Winston….they came back together like nothing happened just bunch weird dudes complimenting one another better worse rare thing find movies real life appreciated!
A favorite scene movie occurs after Ray Winston get almost fistfight negative energy slime takes hold crashing Dana Peter fancy dinner something energy group guys covered slime yelling carrying midst New York dining upper-class reminds me being teenager friends showing up hanging girl thinking “oh sh*t this going poorly.” Hard tell good possibility Venkman actually jealous missing cockroaches rats slime trip underneath city—but exact thing real-life cast noticed during dinner California displayed full force Ghostbuster II . They enjoyed each other company creating plenty laughs!
I genuinely believe if don’t allow box office reviews during time when truly spoiled infect opinions regarding Ghostbuster II , you’ll realize camaraderie served exact purpose movie—who cares story points feel restructured first installment Statue Liberty scene crazier Kevin Spacey Se7en ? You can argue courtroom scene Scoleri Brothers merely rehash hotel scene Slimer original—I’m fine with that! Scene awesome giving chance watch guys attempt completely fail defend against court law—because deep down bunch hopeful weirdos thought Louis Tully might have chance defending court because got degree night school—the guys remained funny room together taking ghosts establishment politicians across New York City—and friends why believe Ghostbuster II every bit good first film—or AT VERY least….something should’ve never labeled “bad movie” sense word.
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