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)

The Flintstones (1994)

In this live-action feature of the cartoon show, Fred Flintstone finally gets the job he’s always wanted, but it may just come at a price. (IMDb)

With its cheesy set design, wooden dialogue/acting, and poorly written bare-bones plot (might as well add to the film’s plethora of puns) The Flintstones is mostly just a showcase for a bunch of clever culture spins as per its prehistoric setting (the warthog waste disposal, “RocDonalds”, etc.). They’re groan-inducing, but fun, and along with a couple of surprising laugh-out-loud moments (can opening bird to the camera: “This job sucks!”) they make The Flintstones watchable-but just barely.

5/10 (Poor)

Parenthood (1989)

*If you noticed my absence, I’m flattered and surprised, and apologies for the lack of posts! I’ve been preoccupied with more important matters lately, like taking care of my wife and my newborn first child, Gemma! I’m a very proud papa, to say the least. And this next movie review (which had already been qued up before my wife went into labour) couldn’t be more appropriate:

The Buckman family is a midwestern family all dealing with their lives: estranged relatives, raising children, pressures of the job, and learning to be a good parent and spouse. (IMDb)

The script here is well-developed, and its multiple narrative strands are expertly pieced together; you get a really good feel for each of the characters (thanks also to a great cast), and the film never feels disjointed. The stories contain a nice blend of comedy and drama, never becoming too outrageous in either aspect, favouring realism over shock value, and they are capped off by a touching silent final scene as the family comes together to welcome yet another generation.

8/10 (Great)

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)

The scientist father of a teenage girl and boy accidentally shrinks his and two other neighborhood teens to the size of insects. Now the teens must fight diminutive dangers as the father searches for them. (IMDb)

The movie’s main concept is wonderfully silly and results in novel and imaginative adventures for the shrunken kids that are fun to watch–and the low-budget special effects aren’t actually a detriment; the grass “jungle” sets have a really cool clay-mation look to them that comes across as charming and not cheesy. The kids’ acting and dialogue is hit or miss (although Moranis’ unaware geeky dad is pretty funny) and the story isn’t super complex, but it’s up to par for standard family film fare.

6/10 (Mediocre)