Part of me wants to sit here and think that no one ever has ever written an article about how great a film like Ghostbusters 2 is–like as if no one has figured this out. But let me tell you, this won’t really be an article, just some of my favorite stills from the film. I’m just going to put this here as a fan, ok? Genius is a word that’s probably over used, but fuck it–I’m just going to use it anyway. Ghostbusters 2 is genius and particularly I’d like to focus on the performances, because the writing is great, the technical aspects of the filming is great, but for me it’s the acting.
It’s hard for me to think Harold Ramis and Dan Akyroyd, wrote this film after they wrote Ghostbusters. I mean how often does lightning strike twice? Well…apparently twice. The budget for the first Ghostbusters was 30 million dollars, a HUGE sum for 1984. It went on to make 291 million dollars. That’s a like a 1000% return! The same goes for the 1989 film, where the budget was less, at 25 million and it went on to make 215 million. Could you imagine being that kind of breadwinner for Columbia Pictures? I have a hard time breaking even with scratch-off lotto tickets.
“We’re the best. We’re the beautiful. We’re the only Ghostbusters.”
The previous scene, where they use the trap to capture the Scolari brothers is really cool. After the trap closes the boys say, “Two in the box, ready to go, we be fast and they be slow!” At that point the camera cuts away to Louis who rushes down to the trap and says, “Wow!” That scene may be one of my favorite scenes in any movie, all-time.
“You have a weak electrochemical bond!”
Harold Ramis here is particularly subtle in his acting. Note he’s insulting the slime. He’s so proud of himself, he lifts his head and looks side to side, to see if anyone has perhaps been impressed with his insult. Not overacting, just playing the character the way it should be played.
I made this GIF. How fun!
Jackie Wilson — Higher and Higher
“Being miserable and treating other people like dirt is every New Yorker’s God-given right.”
The mayor played by David Margulies is a treat in both movies. He’s also in literally no other good films.
Rick Moranis is also a genius. This dialogue, which is great is so well delivered by Rick. If it were possible I’d love to sit down with the screen writers and ask then who wrote which bits, because I’m sort of dying to know.
“So the 7 little dwarves had a limited partnership in a small mining operation. And one day a beautiful princess came to live with them. And they bartered housekeeping services for room and board, which was a real good deal for them because they didn’t have to withhold social security or income tax or nothin’, which you’re really not supposed to do, you see, but for the purpose of the story, I think it’s okay.”
When you watch it, take note how he’s not really acting, ever. Honey I Shrunk The Kids, anyone? He does have great on-screen chemistry with Annie Potts. She’s so smokin’ hot in this, it’s unreal.
“As I explained before, we think the spirit of a 17th century Moldavian tyrant is alive and well in a painting at the Manhattan Museum of Art.”
Take a close look. See the doctor? That’s Bill Murray’s brother, Brian Doyle-Murray. He’s a fine actor in his own right. Noted by me for his work in Groundhog Day, National Lampoons Vacation, Cabin Boy, Club Paradise (starring Robin Williams!) and Waiting for Guffman. Super casting choice!
I’m not going to get too deep into Vigo and the whole plot of the movie, but I’ll say that I love this still. It’s important to have a strong cover letter/resume, and Vigo has just that.
I can’t think of a good way to end this so I’ll just end it with a list.
- Cheech Marin as a dock worker!
- Philip Baker Hall (Jimmy Gator!) as the chief of police!
- Ben Stein!
- Soundtrack controversy, Huey Lewis gets serious!
- Bobby Brown writes an amazing song!
Now that I live in NYC I wonder if I should buy a car just to try and get this license plate. A long shot, I know.
Leave some comments about your favorite movies from growing up!
Author: Hey Mike Waskom
Comments
oh that reminds me a good couples halloween couple; Rick Moranis & Annie Potts
Too hot to handle, too cold to hold. They call 'em Ghostbusters and they're in control.