props77;151712
I know I'm in a minority here but I personally preferred the second one

Same here.

Don't forget: Harold Ramis referred to the films as “serious comedies”, meaning plot is just as important as the comedy.

I think the plot was downplayed a bit in the first one for more lighthearted comedy.

The second film was much, much darker, but the comedy was downplayed a bit for more of the plot, which I absolutely loved.

I also absolutely, positively love Vigo like you wouldn't believe.

Gozer's ok…but in fairness I would've preferred having been played by their original choice: Paul Reubens.

props77;151712
I know I'm in a minority here but I personally preferred the second one

I'm also in the same minority. I love both movies but have always preffered the 2nd. I've never understood why it gets so much negativity.

I think the points raised by lordvigo about the plot is the exact reason why I liked the 2nd that bit more.

It gets so much negativity cuz people basically expect straight-up comedies with silly, yet memorable villains.

1st movie: lighthearted comedy with an O.K. plot, acceptable villains, and more suggestive implied adult humor.

2nd movie: a bit lighter on the comedy, but a very dark movie with a fantastic plot, totally awesome villain, and toned-down language for the kids.

Even though the Real Ghostbusters series did tend to have a lot of jokes in it, at the same time, the plots were very important, and the ghosts were usually freaky as %$#* so I guess it's something I just came to expect more from Ghostbusters…and I thank that series every day I'm alive for bringing me to expect it

I mean really….if all I expected out of Ghostbusters was a lighthearted comedy with a halfway decent plot, would I honestly even care about the franchise? I mean…really.

LordVigo82;154114
1st movie: lighthearted comedy with an O.K. plot.

2nd movie: a bit lighter on the comedy, but a very dark movie with a fantastic plot

Only a “O.K.” plot? That's pretty unfair considering the “Fantastic plot” of Ghostbusters II uses such a similar narrative structure to the first film.

Well, ok, let me rephrase that: what plot was there was more overshadowed by the lighthearted comedy; it was there, but didn't seem as prevalent.

With the second, they seemed to make sure ya'd notice the plot, and again made it a lot darker.

I understood what you meant, the plot was fantastic but it was overshadowed in the sense that there was other things going on and more focus on the humour.

I think that's why the similarity between the 2 films never bothered me because in 2 the plot was more emphasized and seemed to come across totally differently to me. It was only really when joining here I became aware of how similar the film structures are. Then again, I don't see how else the films would be, or how else I'd want them to be. I want to see the guys bust some smaller ghosts then take on a super ghost!

You see, I never had a problem following the plot of the first film in relation of the comedy… the dialogue never made it difficult.

I don't think anyone is saying comedy or dialogue made the plot difficult to follow….. it just took a bit of a back seat at times where as 2 was very plot driven.

It's in no way a criticism to the first film, I just preffered the style of the 2nd 1. It's personal preference.

flameboy2;154155
it just took a bit of a back seat at times where as 2 was very plot driven.

Maybe at times the comedy was given a fore-front, but it was definitely worthwhile… I think the second film could've used a bit more comedy, as it definitely presented fewer memorable lines.

Kingpin;154156
Maybe at times the comedy was given a fore-front, but it was definitely worthwhile… I think the second film could've used a bit more comedy, as it definitely presented fewer memorable lines.

Completely agree.

Now I don't think Ghostbusters II was bad. But its quite clear to me that Ghostbusters is better. Its not a carbon copy of anything (as GBII rehashed the plot structure). Its hilarious, presents a thousand memorable lines, and actually has more adult humor. Its not kiddified. Yes, Ghostbusters II is still entertaining as an adult, but anyone who tries to say it wasn't geared more towards children is being naive.