lot more shakin goin on

Rating: Null/10 (25 August 1999)

The first time I saw this I was extremely disappointed. Not as many laughs, not as much heart, and so many problems for the characters to fix. But after watching it 5 or 6 times it became one of the better action/adventure films I'd seen. The main appeal for me was how it picked up right where part 1 ended. Though four years later in real time, the actors had to put back on the same outfits, do the same lines and be in the same setting (Martys driveway). Most of us remember Docs "theres gotta be something done about your kids" that ended the last movie. They head off to 2015 and after Martys business with his kids is taken care of in an elaborate chase on flying skateboards (I loved those things), he buys a book detailing the outcomes of sporting events from the previous 50 years. Doc is outraged at Martys desire to take it back and place bets to fatten his bank account and throws it away. It ends up in the hands of our favorite bully Biff (now 77) and he reeks havoc with it after commandeering the briefly unoccupied Delorean. All the mayhem Biff causes leads Marty and Doc back in time to fix it, and oddly enough...they end up back at the exact same week in 1955 of Martys first adventure! How convenient! It was the only way the filmmakers could use the truly clever idea of re-witnessing the first movie from another angle as Marty has to do work out of view of his "other self." Though totally unbelievable that Biff would choose that date to go back to so he could give himself the sports book, its extremely well done and something we've never seen in a movie. But as soon as the problem with Biff is squared away, theres a dramatic set up for a third movie! The groan let out by the audience I was with was warranted as it was a little annoying. As far as the future scenes go, they were pretty impressive. The expected high tech gadgets are featured and they'll definately raise your eyebrows. The overall effects are great as many of the actors have to do scenes with themselves sometimes, like when Fox plays 3 at once. Theres also a lot of scenes from the original film parodied here and the only way to get em is to have seen part 1 numerous times. From what I heard Shue replaced Wells as Jennifer because of "personal problems" and Glover didnt show up because he wanted Michael J. Fox type money. He got it when he sued Speilberg for using footage of him from part 1 without permission. What a weiner. So though not as good as the first trip, this is still enjoyable for film fans who like movies that keep them on their toes.