Ghostbusters 2 Review: Higher and Higher

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Ghostbusters 2 is the sequel to the original success from 1984 and from what I know it was highly anticipated upon its release. Now between the first and second films, there was an animated TV series that was released called The Real Ghostbusters due to the popularity of the movie amongst kids. 

I bring this up because I have heard that this movie leaned more in the kid direction than the first film did, and I can say in some ways this is apparent with the adult jokes being toned down but it does still have some moments that are less kid-friendly or at least on par with the first film. Now, since I grew up in the 2000s, I had access to both films from the very beginning and so I might have a different perspective to those who had to wait 5 years.

To give further context when I was younger, I had a dislike for the first movie in any series. In my mind, I didn’t want to see the characters meet or the establishment of the world after I had already seen it happen. With the exception of Jurassic Park,  I would tend to rewatch the sequels of any given series before I would go back to the original.

I have since changed this perspective and believe that the first movie in many series is in fact the best including the original Ghostbusters.  I bring this up because when I did watch a Ghostbusters movie it would tend to be the sequel as opposed to the original. So I have a fondness for the second Ghostbusters film and many elements of it.

To start with the elements I don’t like, I do miss some of the bite that the first movie had. In the first movie, New York is grimier, the people are meaner and the skeptical nature of the belief of ghosts feels more believable in this realistic world. Our characters aren’t clean-cut either. They are constantly smoking, drinking, swearing, and attempting to find sexual pleasures. It is a movie filled with adult jokes.

This second film tones the adult elements in favour of a plot where the power of positivity saves the day. Now I actually don’t mind the ending of the movie, I just wish some of the more adult elements could have stayed in this one. My only other negative is how everyone stops believing the Ghostbusters.

Like what do you mean everyone just stopped believing that there was a giant marshmallow man and an army of ghosts? Like I could see some people trying to rationalize what happened, but you can’t deny most of what was experienced in that first film, and it just makes no sense.

To move on to what I like about this movie I have to say it is just awesome to see the original cast together for what would be the last time. Their chemistry is just on point, and they slip back into their roles effortlessly. Louis and Janine get more to do in this film, and I think their relationship is fun. The courtroom scene is one of the best in the movie and Louis is quite funny as the lawyer.

The ghost action in this movie is just as cool as in the first film and they even get some upgrades to things like their jumpsuits. The villains in this movie are almost better than in the original because they take a more active role in the plot. Vigo is honestly creepier than Gozer, and he just has the intimidating face and voice that gives him a fear factor. Janosz is also great as our comedic side villain who gets some very funny and creepy moments in the movie.

As I mentioned above, this film, while being more kid-friendly is still unafraid of being scary from time to time. As I mentioned Vigo is quite scary as a villain but we also have the severed head scene that is legitimately freaky and might be scarier than anything in the other Ghostbuster movies.

The ghost montage where we see things like the Titanic and a fur coat come to life shows there is still creativity when it comes to the spooks in this franchise. The ending with the Statue of liberty is just fun! I know it was an excuse to have another giant in the streets of New York but I think this time making it the Ghostbusters’ doing is awesome. The song they use in the scene “Higher and Higher” always gets stuck in my head after I watch this movie.

Some of you may know that every year on Halloween I typically watch a Ghostbusters film. While I do still think the original is the better, Ghostbusters 2 is still one I am happy to throw on.  It shows that there is still a lot to explore in this franchise with new threats and ghosts to explore. If you’re looking for the continuation of the franchise this first sequel is an enjoyable step on that path!