Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that there isn't much to shock tweens and up in this mock-horror film. There are numerous ghosts running rampant through NYC, but it's played for comedy over scares (like when the Titanic disembarks). Still, ghosts are the "bad guys" and get eliminated with laser guns by a crew of wisecracking guys. At one point a baby is kidnapped by a ghost and a sinister spirit tries to inhabit his body. The baby is rescued, of course, but there is another real person, hilariously portrayed by Peter MacNicol, who wants to steal the baby in order to woo its mother.
Parents can talk about the idea of ghosts and what people believe and don't believe about them. Are they real? Are they imagined? Parents can also talk about why the ghost wants to become the baby and why the mother is afraid of him. You can also discuss the "mood slime" the Ghostbusters discover and if there's a metaphor in there for real life: negative energy begets more negativity, and a positive outlook begets more positive outcomes. When have you found this to be true?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Colette DeDonato
It's hard not to laugh at anything Bill Murray says or does. He has a sly, wry, comic genius that makes even the simplest plot (which is what gives this sci-fi adventure its charm) a little more complex. Murray's in his prime here as one of four fearless slime fighters in a sequel that is just about as funny and entertaining as the original.
The story, partially written by two of its characters played by Dan Akroyd and Harold Ramis, relies on the comeback of the once-famous Ghostbusters, who are long-forgotten and bankrupt when the film begins. When some mysterious slime surfaces they gladly trade their gigs singing at children's birthday parties for their real ghostbusting duties.
The plot thickens when Murray's ex-girlfriend Dana (Sigourney Weaver), now a single mom, is forced to confront the paranormal after a strange slime incident involving her 9-month old baby, Oscar. Coincidentally, Dana works for the Met as a restoration artist where she encounters a mysterious portrait of a long-dead madman. His evil spirit inhabits the artwork, waiting for his chance to come alive again. When he takes an interest in baby Oscar, you know who Dana's gonna call.
This hodgepodge of occult, paranormal, and plain bizarre elements means all kinds of zaniness is free to ensue -- especially when you serenade Lady Liberty with a little Motown. It's a nice little send-up to the world of psychics and other New Age types, as well, who take themselves far too seriously. It can even put some of those paranormal shows like Ghost Hunters and Lisa Williams: Life Among the Dead in perspective for kids who can get caught up in the hype.
However outdated the special effects might seem in today's light, the movie works as a not-so-scary comedic action film. Families who enjoy this will also enjoy Bill Murray in Groundhog Day. For more kid-friendly ghost stories, try Casper.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentSome kissing and "making out" that is more suggested than graphic. |
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ViolenceThe Ghostbusters crew attacks the slime and the ghosts with laser guns that shoot light and goo. A baby is kidnapped by a ghost and is threatened with possession by Vigo. |
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LanguageSome mild insults. |
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Social BehaviorGhostbusters try their hardest to bring out the best in New Yorkers, defeating negative energy with positive. |
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CommercialismThe city of New York gets great publicity. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoBill Murray and Sigourney Weaver have wine with dinner. The slime substance has some mood-enhancing effects. |
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