Movie

Ghostbusters II

Name: Ghostbusters II
Released: 1989

1989 • Action, Comedy, Fantasy

Woke Score

1.6

out of 10

Plot

Having lost their status and credibility five years after covering New York City with marshmallow in Ghostbusters (1984), the once-famous band of spirit-hunters find themselves struggling to keep afloat, working odd jobs. However, when Dana Barrett and her baby, Oscar, have yet another terrifying encounter with the paranormal, it's up to Peter Venkman and his fearless team of supernatural crime-fighters to save the day. Now, once more, humanity is in danger, as rivers of slimy psycho-reactive ectoplasm, and the dreadful manifestation of the evil sixteenth-century tyrant, Vigo the Carpathian, threaten to plunge the entire city into darkness unless the selfless Ghostbusters take action. Can they save the world for the second time?

Overall Series Review

Ghostbusters II is a supernatural comedy from 1989 that places the Ghostbusters team in professional disgrace before reuniting them to face a new paranormal threat. The plot centers on a river of psycho-reactive slime, generated by the pervasive negativity and cynicism of New York City's citizens, which threatens to unleash the spirit of a 16th-century European tyrant, Vigo the Carpathian. The movie's primary narrative drive is the defense of Dana Barrett’s infant son, Oscar, whom Vigo seeks to possess. The resolution involves the Ghostbusters inspiring a massive, city-wide surge of positive human emotion, a demonstration of collective good will that empowers them to defeat the villain. The film is a classic ensemble comedy that focuses on scientific solutions to supernatural problems and the importance of community spirit over individual bitterness. The core cast remains focused on merit, competence, and the protection of the innocent.

Categorical Breakdown

Identity Politics2/10

Characters are judged by their competence and public standing; their loss of status is due to property damage lawsuits and a restraining order, not race or immutable characteristics. The four male leads, which include Winston Zeddemore, a black man, are a unified team, with their failures and successes being collective. The casting is a reflection of the original 1984 film and not a product of forced diversity.

Oikophobia3/10

The premise involves a civilizational self-critique where the negative emotions and cynicism of New Yorkers create the supernatural evil. This beginning flirts with hostility toward the home culture. However, the conflict is resolved by uniting the city, inspiring positive emotion, and using the iconic Statue of Liberty as a national symbol to triumph over the ancient, foreign tyrant, serving as a powerful affirmation of civic unity and gratitude.

Feminism1/10

The female lead, Dana Barrett, is not a 'Girl Boss' but an art restorer whose main role in the plot is as a devoted mother protecting her baby, Oscar. Motherhood and the defense of a child are the central motivations for the heroes. The male Ghostbusters are generally competent, if a bit down on their luck, and are the active protectors. The narrative reinforces the importance of the family unit.

LGBTQ+1/10

The narrative structure is entirely normative. The focus is on the rekindling of a traditional male-female pairing (Peter and Dana) and the protection of their baby. There are no elements that center alternative sexualities, deconstruct the nuclear family, or lecture on gender theory.

Anti-Theism1/10

The spiritual conflict is based on paranormal science versus an evil 16th-century tyrant/sorcerer, not an attack on traditional organized religion. The villain is a source of ancient malevolence, and the defeat comes through a secular 'higher moral law,' which is the power of positive human emotion and collective belief. Faith is not a plot point, and Christian characters are neither villains nor bigots.