‘Ghostbusters 2’ Is the Best Underrated Christmas Movie

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As someone who grew up in the 80s and was utterly captivated by the original Ghostbusters movie, I can confidently say that Ghostbusters II is a hidden gem of a holiday horror comedy. It’s a film that seamlessly blends humor, horror, and holiday spirit, creating a unique cinematic experience that has stood the test of time.

There’s a unique charm about the Ghostbusters series that brings joy to everyone. Whether you’re referring to the 1984 original or more recent releases like Ghostbusters: Afterlife, the Ghostbusters movies are crafted for pure entertainment, masterfully balancing horror and humor. Though opinions have shifted over time, this hilarious franchise is timeless, capable of putting a smile on your face regardless of age differences.

1989’s “Ghostbusters II” stands as an excellent illustration of a well-crafted sequel that has consistently been eclipsed by the brilliance of its precursor. Even with the passage of time, its unique blend of self-referential humor, just the right amount of terror, and the festive ambience it embodies, make it a movie worth revisiting. Remarkably, it manages to match its predecessor in numerous aspects.

The Christmas-like aspects of this film aren’t overly prominent or ostentatious, unlike other movies that aim to cash in on the holiday season. For instance, “Ghostbusters II” was released in June 1989, but it beautifully captures the spirit of New York City during the holidays. There might not be as many Christmas trees as one would expect, but the film clearly communicates that the holidays are about reconciliation and vanquishing adversaries. In this movie, New Yorkers uniting to ward off a colossal blob is definitely more heartwarming than mischievous.

What Is ‘Ghostbusters II’ About?

In the sequel to Ghostbusters, the story unfolds a few years after the original team successfully thwarted a malevolent deity intent on turning Earth into a battleground for destructive spirits. As we reconnect with them, it’s apparent that their time in the limelight has waned. Nowadays, kids are more captivated by He-Man, and the Ghostbusters, once hailed as New York City’s saviors, have been relegated to its former heroes.

In contrast, Ray and Egon begin noticing unusual activities beneath the ground. There’s a mysterious, intelligent goo flowing through the city’s sewers, thriving on the negative emotions of individuals, especially their anger. Picture this scenario in bustling New York City where kindness isn’t always the norm.

In the meantime, Dana Barrett has given birth, but the child isn’t Venkman’s. Despite being apart, she turns to the Ghostbusters for aid when her son Oscar’s stroller seems to be animated on its own.

At a museum, Dana tends to a colossal painting of Vigo the Carpathian, which has an uncanny ability to mesmerize her superior, Janosz. Vigo insists on having a human host to reincarnate and cause chaos in New York City, which is already struggling. Unfortunately, the Ghostbusters are confronted with disbelief from the authorities as they try to warn about the impending doom, potentially putting holiday plans on hold once more, as it seems the apocalypse is at our doorstep again.

The Best Villain in the ‘Ghostbusters’ Franchise

The pink goo scampering beneath New York City might stand out most in your memory from the movie Ghostbusters II. That’s fine. It is indeed quite striking due to its special effects and the peculiar actions it takes when it appears to be “inspired.” However, it’s not the main antagonist of the film. In truth, that role belongs to Vigo, the man who, as Ray notes, was subjected to various methods of execution such as poisoning, stabbing, shooting, hanging, stretching, disemboweling, drawing, and quartering centuries ago.

In the famous painting, Vigo appears with an intimidating scowl, daring any viewer to challenge him. Remarkably, he manages to instill fear without any motion, proving himself as an exceptional antagonist, not just for this movie, but the whole series. Yet, he’s merely a painting. How is it that Vigo excels so effectively in his villainous role?

A Villain Who Doesn’t Overstay His Welcome

Director Ivan Reitman doesn’t tire out the character of Vigo. Instead, he comes to life towards the end of the movie in its third act. With his gravelly voice and strong accent, Vigo makes an intimidating entrance, earning a place among the scariest moments in the entire series. This memorable performance is a testament to Wilhelm von Homburg’s acting skills, as he is primarily known for playing villainous roles throughout his career. However, it seems that the director made an excellent choice by casting him as Vigo.

In the movie Ghostbusters II, Vigo doesn’t get much time on screen, but despite this, he stands out as the most impressive villain in the series. The striking aspect of him is his final form – a grotesque, decaying monster whose makeup is truly terrifying, given the film’s generally light-hearted approach to horror.

Indeed, it was the Ghostbusters who saved the day. This triumph, however, was not solely their accomplishment; it was also aided by New York City residents joining forces in the quickest rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” ever recorded, which significantly weakened the movie’s antagonist.

A Holiday Horror Comedy That’s Better Than You Remember

In the movie, there might be some skepticism about whether it truly qualifies as a Christmas film, but it quickly becomes clear why it does: in this instance, the character Venkman is hosting a TV talk show. While interviewing an author named Milton Angland who has questionable credentials, Venkman playfully mocks him. This author has just published a book predicting the end of the world at exactly midnight on New Year’s Eve. Venkman jokingly remarks that it’s a bit tight since the celebrations are right around the corner.

Without a doubt, this Christmas-themed horror comedy, in terms of its timeline and set design, showcases New York City’s vibrancy like no other. While Elf may be the first film that comes to mind when considering city life at night during the holidays, Ghostbusters II also does an impressive job of depicting it. Though it might not immediately strike viewers as a holiday movie, upon rewatching you’ll undeniably notice its festive undertones.

In the final scenes of “Ghostbusters II”, there’s an overwhelming sense of ’80s cinema delight, filled with a popular tune, a joyful resolution, and a hope that the upcoming year would surpass the last. The original Ghostbusters team strides away victoriously, marking their last appearance together in this often overlooked and underappreciated holiday movie.

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2024-12-08 20:01