Fun but not a classic like its predecessor

Rating: 8/10 (5 November 2015)

With "Back to the Future" being such a huge hit in 1985 it was inevitable that a sequel would follow, particularly since the first movie's ending set the stage for it. Released four years later, part two of the planned trilogy contained some memorable moments but failed to match part one's high standard.
The main cast from the first movie returned for this outing, with a couple of exceptions. The irreplaceable Crispin Glover (George McFly) was nevertheless replaced, appearing only in footage from the previous movie while another actor played his part in new scenes. Claudia Wells, who played Marty's girlfriend, decided to decline the sequel, which necessitated reshooting the ending scene from the first movie with her replacement (Elisabeth Shue). These losses were unfortunate but at least the bulk of the first movie's well-chosen cast was present.
Plotwise, in this case we end up being transported to the future rather than the past. The scenes taking place 30 years into the future (in 2015) are the easily the film's most memorable. There are also scenes that take place in 1955 (during the events of the first film) and in an alternate version of 1985. As before, the main focus is on preventing history from being altered, though they don't seem to be too concerned about tampering with the future. In any case, I find that the story just isn't as compelling as the first movie's, which isn't helped by an ending that mainly just sets the audience up for the concluding chapter of the trilogy.
On the technical side, as in the first movie, the direction by Robert Zemeckis is rock solid. The special effects for the 2015 sequences are a bit quaint by today's standards but they're still serviceable. Overall, the movie's production values show the benefit of the generous (but not extravagant) budget.
Living up to the original "Back to the Future" was not an easy task. While this movie wasn't quite as successful or as enjoyable it still provided enough entertainment to be fondly remembered thirty years later, when its vision of 2015 provides an interesting glimpse into both the past and the future. I haven't seen the concluding film since its original release but my recollection is that it too is worthwhile but, ultimately, inessential.