Ghostbusters II *** (1989, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, Peter MacNicol, David Margulies, Kurt Fuller, Janet Margolin) – Classic Movie Review 3265

A massive river of ectoplasm and renewed spectral activity have hit New York. Who ya gonna call again? Yes, the retired Ghostbusters get back in business. The whole team of ghostbusters is back from the 1984 original super-hit in producer-director Ivan Reitman’s 1989 special effects-led sci-fi comedy blockbuster sequel.

Again written by Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd, it is a slightly sticky second helping of monster goo, as the whacky gang set out to try to save Manhattan again. Of course, nothing saves us from the relentless high spirits of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis, Ernie Hudson and the rest. Again, there are plenty of good gags mixing with the cheerfully sloppy, gleefully amateurish work in writing, directing and performing.

Obviously any curmudgeons uncharmed by part one would do well to stay clear, but the fans will probably find plenty to chortle over. Certainly, it is fairly good, harmless fun, and, surprisingly, there hasn’t been a part three, though a reboot finally happened in 2016.

Also in the star cast are Annie Potts, Peter MacNicol, David Margulies, Kurt Fuller, Janet Margolin and Chloe Webb.

The film franchise was long dormant till the Ghostbusters reboot was released on 5 July 2016, with director Paul Feig and a female cast: Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones. Chris Hemsworth also stars, with Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray and Sigourney Weaver in cameos, and Andy Garcia as the Mayor.

Rick Moranis found solo fame the same year in Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.

David Margulies, best known for his role as the Mayor of New York in Ghostbusters (1984) and Ghostbusters II, died on 11 January 2015, aged 78.

Henry J Deutschendorf II, one of two twin boys who played Baby Oscar in Ghostbusters II, took his own life at his home in Escondido, California, on 14 June 2017, aged 29. He shared the role with his twin brother William. They went on to run a martial arts school in San Diego.

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© Derek Winnert 2014 Classic Movie Review 3265

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