Ghostbusters 2 Fizzles: A Disappointing Sequel?

Ghostbusters 2: A Sequel That Slimed Out

Five years after saving New York from a giant marshmallow man, the Ghostbusters returned in 1989 with Ghostbusters II. Directed once again by Ivan Reitman, the sequel aimed to recapture the magic of its beloved predecessor. However, behind the scenes, a cloud of disappointment loomed, with stars like Bill Murray and Rick Moranis reportedly feeling let down by the final product. This article delves into the making of Ghostbusters II, exploring its production challenges, hidden Easter eggs, and why it failed to live up to the hype for some of its key players.

Behind the Ectoplasmic Curtain: Script Woes and Star Discontent

The five-year gap between the original Ghostbusters and its sequel was largely attributed to Bill Murray’s hiatus from acting and his reported dissatisfaction with Columbia Pictures head David Putnam. Following Putnam’s dismissal in 1987, his successor, Don Steel, pushed for a sequel. While most of the original cast returned, the script proved to be a significant point of contention. According to Bill Murray, the script presented to the actors before signing was drastically different from the one they ultimately filmed. This early version, which Murray and others preferred, reportedly focused more on character development, while the final script leaned heavily on special effects and slime, leaving the cast feeling disappointed.

This dissatisfaction extended to Rick Moranis, who played Louis Tully. Moranis was so underwhelmed by Ghostbusters II that he later declined cameo appearances in subsequent Ghostbusters films, including the 2016 all-female reboot and Jason Reitman’s Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021). His reluctance stemmed from his negative experience with the sequel, to the point where he didn’t even keep his movie wardrobe, a practice he usually reserved for films he truly enjoyed.

A New Threat, A Familiar City: The Plot Unfolds

Ghostbusters II opens five years after the events of the first film, with the titular team disgraced and facing lawsuits for the property damage caused during their battle with Gozer. The Ghostbusters are forced to find alternative means of income, with Peter Venkman (Bill Murray) hosting a paranormal talk show, “The World of the Psychic.” Meanwhile, Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) is a single mother to baby Oscar. Strange occurrences begin plaguing New York City, with a mysterious purple mood slime seeping from underground, an emotionally charged entity that reacts to the city’s negative emotions.

The film introduces a new villain, the ancient Carpathian sorcerer Vigo the Cruel, whose painting is being restored at the Manhattan Museum of Art. Vigo seeks to possess a child to return to life, with Oscar becoming his target. The Ghostbusters, initially ostracized, must reunite to combat this new supernatural threat, facing skepticism from the public and the mayor’s office.

Easter Eggs and Behind-the-Scenes Tidbits

Ghostbusters II is packed with subtle nods and interesting production details:

• The purple slime, a central element of the film, was a debated choice, with green and blue also considered. Over 13,000 gallons were created using mineral oil, methyl, and mica dust.
• Director Ivan Reitman makes a cameo as the driver of Ecto-1.
• Jason Reitman, son of director Ivan Reitman, makes an early appearance as a child at a birthday party, years before he would direct Ghostbusters: Afterlife and produce Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
• The Institute of Advanced Theoretical Research, where Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) works, is actually Columbia University’s Avery Hall.
• Egon’s device for recording emotions is a modified radiation detector.
• Peter Venkman’s talk show guest, Milton Angland, is played by Kevin Dunn, who later starred in the Transformers film series.
• The character of Jack Hardmeyer, the mayor’s assistant, was created as a replacement for Walter Peck from the first film, as actor William Atherton declined to reprise his role due to being harassed on the street.
• Dr. Janosz Poha (Peter MacNicol) was inspired by MacNicol’s European heritage and his performance in Sophie’s Choice.
• The painting of Vigo is actually a photograph by Wilhelm von Hamburgg, stylized to look like a painting.
• Ray Stanz’s (Dan Aykroyd) occult bookstore exterior is located at 33 St. Mark’s Place in New York City.
• The fictional Gaml and Pros Infant Acuity Test is a tribute to comedy writing duo Tom Gaml and Max Brooks.
• The bathtub scene, where Dana and Oscar are attacked by their slime-infested bathtub, was inspired by Reitman’s 1975 film Shivers.
• The name Vigo von Hamburg Dudenorf is a combination of the names of the actors playing Vigo and the baby Oscar.

Reception and Legacy

Upon its release in 1989, Ghostbusters II was a commercial success, grossing over $215 million worldwide against a production budget of $37 million. However, critical reception was mixed, with many critics finding it inferior to the original. While the humor and performances were generally praised, the plot was often criticized for being derivative and less inventive than its predecessor. The film’s tone was also noted as being lighter and more family-friendly, partly influenced by the popularity of *The Real Ghostbusters* animated series, which depicted Slimer as a friendly character.

Despite its flaws, Ghostbusters II remains a significant part of the franchise’s history. The film’s exploration of emotional themes and its introduction of Vigo the Cruel have cemented its place in the Ghostbusters canon. While it may not have reached the iconic status of the original, it provided a continuation of the Ghostbusters’ adventures and remains a nostalgic favorite for many fans.

Source: GHOSTBUSTERS 2 (1989) Breakdown | Easter Eggs, Hidden Details, Making Of & Ending Explained (YouTube)