Crocodile Dundee II
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Movie Reviews of Crocodile Dundee II
Movie Review: Mick "Crocodile" Dundee is Back!
Summary: 4 Stars
If you saw the original, this one will seem like a visit with an old friend, that being the likable Mick Crocodile Dundee. This time around theres not as much whimsy to it, though, and as things get a bit more heavy-handed, Mick finds himself in some rather murky waters as the story unfolds. Still, the appeal of the character and the easy, intrinsic humor at the heart of the film is enough to make Crocodile Dundee II, directed by John Cornell, a satisfying cinematic experience.As the film opens, Mick (Paul Hogan) is happily ensconced in New York City with his lady-friend, journalist Sue Charlton (Linda Kozlowski), and life is good. Mick, however, tired of just laying about has decided its time to seek gainful employment, and sets out to do just that. His job search gets put on hold, though, when Sues ex-husband, Bob Tanner (Dennis Boutsikaris), a journalist currently covering a story in South America, sends some photographs hes taken-- the subject of which is of a particularly serious and sensitive nature-- to Sue, and something else arrives along with the them: Trouble. Trouble, as in the man in the pictures is one Rico (Hechter Ubarry), a big time drug dealer who is more than a little concerned about the compromising position these particular photos will undoubtedly put him in. He will stop at nothing to get them, and he has the muscle to do it. But theres one small item Rico hasnt factored in to his agenda and his plan of attack. And his name is Mick Dundee.
Written by Paul Hogan and his son, Brett Hogan, this film suffers the Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom syndrome, in that-- like the Indy film-- it is a sequel to a hugely successful original, and takes that same turn toward the dark side. And in the case of this film, its even more noticeable inasmuch as this is a comedy rather than a pure action/adventure movie, and-- lets face it-- its tough to find a light, comedic touch in a film that deals with a kidnapping, killings and drug dealers. Still, just as Spielberg did with the Indy sequel, Hogan pulls it off; and he does it with a winning smile and bit of sleight-of-hand.
As the great Steve Allen would say, All seriousness aside, folks-- And in a nutshell, thats the trick Hogan, Hogan and Cornell use to make this offering a viable commodity. Taken out of context, the story alone is serious stuff, more conducive to a Traffic, Blow or Scarface than a Crocodile Dundee movie. But therein is the rub; the filmmakers here take a lighthearted approach to a serious issue, being careful, however, not to discount or be dismissive of it, but rather by toning down the results of the violence while infusing it with humor and some genuinely engaging characters, and presenting it all in a way that is palatable to a wide audience.
Cornell, like Peter Faiman (who directed Crocodile Dundee), is destined to be the forgotten man of this project, and for the same reasons. Cornell takes the wheel of the ship here, takes his audience on a cruise then deposits them safely back on shore, where most will agree it was a trip worth taking. But in the end, there is nothing about it that identifies Cornell; nothing with his signature on it. And, like Faiman, he only directed one other film, Almost an Angel in 1990 (also starring Hogan and Kozlowski), which was mediocre at best. So theres simply nothing to reference him. He may have been the captain of the ship, and he did a good job, technically speaking, but he kept himself in the wheelhouse too long to be noticed.
Hogan, meanwhile, was taking center stage in the lounge, successfully reprising his role as everyones favorite Aussie. Without question, no matter what Paul Hogan does for the rest of his career, this is the character moviegoers everywhere will forever associate him with, and for good reason. Quite simply, Mick Dundee is just such a likable bloke. And its a theme that runs throughout the entire series-- everybody likes him; no matter where he goes or who he meets, he makes them feel as if theyve known him all their lives. Hes amiable, good looking, charismatic, and has an entirely non-judgmental, matter-of-fact way of dealing with people and situations that provides a refreshing perspective on the human condition. Thats what makes this character so memorable, and theres no getting around it: Just as Leonard Nimoy will always be Spock regardless of whatever else he ever does, Hogan will always be Crocodile Dundee. Because he IS Mick Dundee.
Also in fine form for this second go round is the beautiful Linda Kozlowski, returning to the role she created in the original, Sue Charlton. And-- as in the first one-- its the on screen chemistry between Kozlowski and Hogan that really sells it; whether its in the Australian outback or on the streets of New York City, they find the magic, and it comes through to the audience, loud and clear. This isnt, of course, the kind of stuff that wins Oscars, but her performance is honest and convincing, and Kozlowski has a screen presence that is altogether natural and real, all of which makes the relationship between Sue and Mick all the more believable.
Also turning in noteworthy performances are John Meillon, returning as Micks friend and business associate, Walter Reilly; Charles Dutton as the street wise Leroy; and Ubarry, who makes Rico the bad guy you love to hate.
The supporting cast includes Juan Fernandez (Miguel), Kenneth Welsh (Brannigan), Ernie Dingo (Charlie), Luis Guzman (Jose), Jace Alexander (Rat) and Steve Rackman (Donk). An entertaining film, but not nearly as fun as the original (the Indy syndrome, again), Crocodile Dundee II is nevertheless a worthy addition to the series, as it puts you together with one of the screens most unforgettable characters, Crocodile Dundee.
Movie Review: Second dose of Dundee
Summary: 4 Stars
After the amazing success of the first movie,there just had to be a follow up.
This had alot of funny moments,but i wouldn't say it's as good as the first.
I saw the first 2 of these at the cinema when they came out.The first on i saw twice.I havn't done that with too many movies.Paul Hogan certainly had an amazing sense of humor.If you like these,you should grab a copy of the best of The Paul Hogan Show.
Movie Review: Crocodile Dundee II
Summary: 4 Stars
A funny nonstop romp of a movie. One of the few sequels that is better than the original. Hogan and Kovoslosky have enormous chemistry and the rest of the case perform credibly. There are a few problems with story that bothered me such as why the aboriginals don't have more force and focus in the story, but it still doesn't take away from the joy in the movie. Worth seeing again and again.Movie Review: Dundee II
Summary: 4 Stars
Very good sequel. Moderate amount of action & an actual plot unlike many new movies. If you own the first this is a definite addition to your video home libraryMovie Review: Pretty lame and pretentious, but still fun
Summary: 3 Stars
In CDII Mike Dundee is still as likable and fun as in the last one but
this movie gives the term "slow" a bad name. Aborigines now how magical
powers and they seem to have rubbed them off on Crocodile Dundee who
now can communicate with them via the wind with (as well as with the
animals). He even turns out to be a millionaire real state owner !
Hispanic and Japanese characters talk in English between themselves.
Dundee's girlfriend still can't act. The material isn't fresh anymore.
Still, a lot of the jokes are funny (specially when the
characters get back to Australia) and this movie had enough to make me
want to go see the dreaded CDIII many years later, good enough reason
for me not being able to forgive it !