Bleak sequel to the sparkling original

Rating: 2/10 (13 September 2008)

This is the most disappointing sequel I've seen since Living Free (sequel to Born Free). There is no energy, no commitment, nada. What a letdown. Did Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, et al. show up just because of contract requirements? I almost asked for my money back; now I wish I had. Thankfully, Back To the Future III was very good and revalidated the trilogy. I haven't seen such a depressing fantasy since Neverending Story. When filmmakers commit to a film as wonderfully entertaining as "Back," anyone working on a followup should somehow be required to achieve something as joyously memorable. This was just bad and sad, and better off forgotten.--arnie113