Having reassembled virtually the entire team behind the first blockbuster for this sequel, director Ivan Reitman was not prepared to mess with a successful formula. This time the self-styled ghost busters - Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson - are called back into service when evil emanating from a painting Sigourney Weaver's boss Peter MacNicol has been restoring awakens spirits around New York. The effects are bigger and more spectacular, Murray once again shines as the shyster scientist and there is an expanded role for Rick Moranis. But Ramis and Aykroyd's script fails to sparkle and there's very little that's new to show for all the big-budget endeavour.

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