Ghostbusters II (1989)

The discovery of a massive river of ectoplasm and a resurgence of spectral activity allows the staff of Ghostbusters to revive the business. (IMDb)

The fall from grace and quick rise back to it feels as contrived as it did in the first movie, but the pink slime plot following this is quite enjoyable in its investigation/teamwork angle (the ‘busters are always better together) and “positive emotion” climax. Venkman still slips in some misogyny here and there but it’s mostly overshadowed by the film’s good smattering of quirky comedy elsewhere (Louis’ opening statement was a riot: “Because one time, I turned into a dog and they helped me”).

6.5/10 (Alright)

 

Ghostbusters (1984)

Three former parapsychology professors set up shop as a unique ghost removal service. (IMDb)

I mean, it’s alright. The original trio have a good amount of chemistry together (Ramis the nerd, Murray the deadpan cool guy, Aykroyd the straight man) but on his own Murray’s schtick gets misogynist and tiresome real quick. Plot-wise, their rise to success feels too sudden and honestly, it’s way more enjoyable early on when they’re down-on-their-luck underdogs. The wild apocalyptic elements contrast nicely with the crew’s dry, down-to-earth vibes but highlight some terrible visual effects.

6.5/10 (Alright)

Animal House (1978)

At a 1962 college, Dean Vernon Wormer is determined to expel the entire Delta Tau Chi Fraternity, but those troublemakers have other plans for him. (IMDb)

Ha ha! Look at the silly boy under the bleachers violate a woman’s privacy! Ha ha! Look at the silly virgin consider raping a passed out girl and then get called “homo” when he chooses not to! Ha ha! Look at the silly friends run away screaming from the scary black people! Ha ha! What a bunch of goofballs! Get the fuck outta here, Animal House. Dumb and mischievous protagonists are funny (see the cafeteria load-up, courtroom contrast), ones with a disturbing disregard for others are not.

3/10 (Awful)

Groundhog Day (1993)

A weatherman finds himself inexplicably living the same day over and over again. (IMDb)

Starts off as a funny (thanks to Murray’s signature dry wit) but standard comedy as the characters are introduced (Larry is a classic comic sidekick) and the premise is milked for the easy surface-y/hedonistic humour. But as the day continues to repeat itself (the repeated settings alternate nicely) it takes on surprising dramatic weight as Phil moves through different stages of dealing with his (smartly unexplained) predicament (see his climactic interaction with the homeless man).

7.5/10 (Really Good)

 

Stripes (1981)

Two friends who are dissatisfied with their jobs decide to join the army for a bit of fun. (IMDb)

Thanks largely to its tried and true “ragtag team of misfits” trope (gotta love Candy), this has its moments (see the platoon’s unimpressive obstacle course run, unconventional graduation drill routine, conflict with uptight captain), but leads Ramis and Murray’s cocky slacker schtick is annoying more often than funny, and their tangential exploits are the same (their flirtations–not to mention the unbearable mud wrestling scene–reek of misogyny, and the trip to Czechoslovakia was just silly).

5.5/10 (Poor)

 

National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

The Griswold family’s cross-country drive to the Walley World theme park proves to be much more arduous than they ever anticipated. (IMDb)

Definitely some laugh-out-loud moments, mostly thanks to Clark Griswold’s manic drive and ridiculous stubbornness, but they are too often separated by awkwardly slow scenes with bad attempts at humour. Poor joke execution aside, the 80s Americana road-trip cinematography is nice, and the film does well at building up the mishap-filled “Murphy’s Law” plot to a fittingly nuts-o climax.

6/10 (Mediocre)

Knocked Up (2007)

At times outrageous and hilarious, at others, genuinely sweet and heartfelt. Loads of laugh-out-loud moments, with a cast stacked full of comedic gems. It’s a movie of extreme moments that overwhelm the actual story and character development at points, but make it a very memorable and enjoyable watch.

7/10 (Good)