There’s something about theGhostbustersfranchise that makes everyone feel good. Whether it’s the original film from 1984,orGhostbusters: Afterlife, one of the recent entries, theGhostbustersfilms are designed for sheer entertainment with the perfect blend of horror and comedy. And while the reception has varied throughout the years, it is one of those funny franchises that will always make you smile, regardless of generational gaps.
1989’sGhostbusters IIis a great example of a good sequel that was always overshadowed by the quality of the first movie. Decades after its release, its meta approach, its right dose of horror, and its inherent holiday spirit make it a rewatchable second part that manages to equal its predecessor in many ways.
Ghostbusters 2 (1989)
Its Christmas-y element is not blatantly “in your face” like happens with other films that try to capitalize on the holiday season.Ghostbusters IIhave had a summer release (released in June 1989). but it’s a very cozy movie that does a fine job of reflecting New York City during the holidays. Perhaps not as many Christmas trees as we would have liked, but what’s very visible in the film is that the holidays are all about burying the hatchet and defeating villains. New Yorkers getting together to give the city good vibes in order to control a massive blob? Definitely more nice than naughty.
What Is ‘Ghostbusters II’ About?
Ghosbusters IItakes place a fewyears after the eventsof the first one where the original crew defeated a violent deity that tried to use our planet as a playground for apocalyptic demons. As we’re reintroduced to them, we find that the Ghostbusters are not trendy anymore. Kids now like He-Man, and the boys are considered New York City’s former heroes.
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However, Ray and Egon start detecting something strange underground. There’s a substance running through the sewers: a sentient blob that feeds off of people’s bad vibes and constant anger. Imagine that in New York City where people aren’t exactly nice to each other.
Meanwhile, Dana Barrett has become a mother, but the baby isn’t Venkman’s. They’re separated, yet Dana seeks the help of the Ghostbusters when her son Oscar’s stroller appears to have a life of its own.
Dana is working in a museum where a massive painting of Vigo the Carpathian has enough power to hypnotize Dana’s boss, Janosz. Vigo demands a human vessel so he can be born again and wreak havoc on the already fragile New York City. The problem is that the Ghostbusters once again face the skepticism of the authorities. The holidays could be canceled, as the apocalypse is near, again.
The Best Villain in the ‘Ghostbusters’ Franchise
The pink blob running under New York City may be what you remember the most aboutGhostbusters II. And that’s alright. It is actually very memorable in terms of special effects and also the behavior it seems to have whenever it’s “motivated.” But that’s not the film’s most important “villain.” In reality, it is Vigo, the man who, as Ray says, was “poisoned, stabbed, shot, hung, stretched, disemboweled, drawn, and quartered” centuries ago.
Vigo stands proudly in the film’s iconic painting, holding a very angry look on his face. Daring anyone to look at the painting, he doesn’t even have to move to cause fear. But he’s just a painting. How could Vigo be such a good villain, not only for this film, but the entire franchise?
A Villain Who Doesn’t Overstay His Welcome
Director Ivan Reitman doesn’t wear him out. Vigo is brought to life at the end of the film’s third act. He announces his agenda with his gruff voice and rough accent, and the moment is scary enough to become one of the most frightening in the entire series. It’s also the result of Wilhelm von Homburg’s performance as Vigo. The actor, mostly known for playing bad guys throughout his career, is the result of very good casting.
Vigo is beaten quickly.Ghostbusters IIdoesn’t give him a lot of screen presence, so while the villain isthe best of the franchise, the memorable thing about him is what he turns into: a decaying monster with a makeup layer that’s bloodcurdling, considering the film’s relatively easy horror tone.
Yes, the Ghostbusters save the day. But this is also the result of New York City residents gathering together in the shortest cover of Auld Lang Syne in order to weaken the film’s villain.
A Holiday Horror Comedy That’s Better Than You Remember
While some may doubt that the film has the credentials to be a Christmas movie, early in the movie, viewers are treated with something that will confirm it: this time Venkman is a TV talk show host, and while interviewing a questionable author named Milton Angland, Venkman sarcastically makes fun of the writer. He has just released a book that predicts the end of the world “at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve.” Venkman calls it “cutting it a bit close” because the festivities are very, very close.
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In terms of chronology and the film’s production design, no one can deny it’s a Christmas horror comedy that shows the New York City spirit at its fullest. Few Christmas movies show the city at night with such liveliness.Elfcomes to mind, butGhostbusters IIdoes a pretty good job at it too. People just won’t associate it with the holidays very quickly, but it’s there, and you’ll notice when you rewatch it.
The conclusion ofGhostbusters IIis pure ‘80s cinema bliss: a catchy pop song, a happy ending, and the general feeling that the new year will be better than the last. The Ghostbusters walk out in glory in what would be the last time we saw the original crew alive together in this very underrated and unrecognized Christmas movie.
