Ghostbusters II
Slime-soaked sequel has violence, cursing.
Parents say
Based on 14 reviews
Kids say
Based on 29 reviews
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Ghostbusters II
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Ghostbusters II is the 1989 sequel to Ghostbusters. Amid the scenes of ghosts and slimes, there are some scenes of demonic imagery, including a scene in which dozens of decapitated cadaver heads are on stakes. Profanity is infrequent ("a--hole" and "s--t") and there's some sexual innuendo, including references to "gynecological exams" and "exposing ourselves." Sex is implied between two characters who jump up from a couch with their hair messed up and clothes rumpled when someone else enters the room. Cigar smoking is shown, as is wine drinking in an upscale restaurant. In one scene, an infant steps out onto the ledge of a high-rise building and hangs precariously over the edge.
Community Reviews
Dark and spooky
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More family-friendly than the first.
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What's the Story?
The once-famous Ghostbusters 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. Dr. Peter Venkman's (Bill Murray) 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.
Is It Any Good?
Murray's in his prime here as one of four fearless slime fighters in a sequel that's almost as funny and entertaining as the original. GHOSTBUSTERS II was partially written by two of its actors: Dan Akroyd (who played Dr. Raymond Stantz) and Harold Ramis (Dr. Egon Spengler). 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.
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the idea of ghosts and what people believe about them. Are they real? Are they imagined?
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?
How does this sequel compare to the original? Are sequels ever better than the first movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters: June 16, 1989
- On DVD or streaming: June 29, 1999
- Cast: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver
- Director: Ivan Reitman
- Studio: Sony Pictures
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Run time: 110 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: mild action
- Last updated: December 26, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Ghostbusters
Paranormal '80s classic has some scares, innuendo.
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Casper Meets Wendy
Hilary Duff's silly spook-fest is good tween fun.
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Tim Burton's Corpse Bride
Magical, with scares most 10-year-olds can handle.
For kids who love ghosts and New York
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