5 Great Comedy Movie Sequels (And 5 That Were Disappointments)

4. Ghostbusters II (1989)

The idea of a second "Ghostbusters" movie sounds much more fun than the actual movie that we got, which is forgettable to say the least. The first film is an absolute classic, made at a time when a big-budgeted comedy wasn't considered to be such a risky venture as it is today. Think about it, nowadays, the "summer blockbuster" is mostly devoted to self-serious superhero films. Don't get me wrong I like some of them, but why can't we have fun blockbusters anymore? Do people still like to laugh? Getting back on track, "Ghostbusters II" begins with the main characters' operation being put out of business. When Dana (Sigourney Weaver) turns to them for help, after her baby is threatened by an unseen force, the Ghostbusters get back together and find that the city is heading for doom. There's the mad magician, Vigo, trapped inside a painting, wanting to put his spirit inside Dana's baby. The gang must find a way to destroy Vigo and weaken the slime that's been building thanks to the overall negative attitude of city's citizens. The film's plot seems interesting enough, but the execution just feels off throughout. Bill Murray seemed to phoning it in the entire time, and despite there being plenty of reason given for the gang to get back together, "Ghostbusters II" just isn't funny. This movie is the prime example of going for "big" instead of trying to be funny. It's a movie that should have worked and we should have had a trilogy by now. Bill Murray has consistently and adamantly denied ever being involved in a possible third Ghostbusters film, and for good reason, he knows they would never be able to re-capture the magic of the first. "Ghostbusters II" is proof of that.