Review of Arthur 2: On the Rocks (1988) by Michael Y — 03 May 2011

Can't say it measures up to the first movie, both in story and comedy, but with a new writer and director, what do you expect? But Arthur 2 tries to aim for a little more heart that frankly I find charming.

Arthur and Linda are still together, and happier than ever. But Arthur's past troubles are going to bite him in the ass as Mr. Johnson, the father of the daughter Arthur refused to marry, has schemed a plan that forces Arthur to loose all of his money. Now Arthur and Linda have to fight to keep ends neat. But will Mr. Johnson's evil plan to break Arthur down to marry his daughter be too much presure for Arthur? Because the previous writer and director died, Arthur 2 has a new writer, and the diference is noticeable. This sequel is not nearly as funny, but because of the great pair of Dudley Moore and Liza Minnelli, their struggle is a lot more dramatic and personal that the previous movie was. We see a different side of Arthur that we never seen before, which is really charming. But just because the plot is more dramatic doesn't make it better. In fact it sometimes doesn't make a lot of sence either, but I guess that's the gamble of this comedy that one has to take.

What I will say though is this, Arthur 2 definitely has better directing in it. This is what I wish the first Arthur had, a lot more adventurous camera work and film editing. The look of the movie is definitely an upgrade. You get to see not only the millionaire lifestyle again, but the lower, lower class enviroment as well. Both are pretty well concieved and detailed. And we still get the great Burt Bacharach to make the music once again for this sequel.

The first movie is a comedic masterpiece. Arthur 2 isn't a necessary sequel at all. But for what it has it does have some good laughs, nice dramatic moments, a good theme about the importance of love over money, and we finally see Arthur mature up and tries to be a better person. It's not a classic, but seeing familiar faces again is worth it.