It's still mediocre teen fare - but most definitely an improvement in many ways on the first movie. See it at the cinema only if you think you can tolerate the shrieks and swoons of a myriad Edward/Jacob fans as they are quite obviously pandered to by the number of skin shots!
Hard to believe I've only just got around to watching this movie 21 years after it was made (which makes me feel very old BTW). As well as loving everything 80s, I'm also a long-time fan of Mr. Willis and I love Alan Rickman. The latter's very dodgy accent in this particular film did test my deep regard slightly, but I accept that the off and on German was just part of the fun. A very enjoyable action film that lives up to its hype and gives you exactly what you would want from an action romp - explosions and cartoon violence, dodgy European villains, a hero in a vest, corny but quotable script, a touch of romance and a homo-erotic 'buddy' sub-plot. All that, plus the headmaster from 'The Breakfast Club'?! I'm sold!
Bloody loved this film. It's not perfect by any stretch - but it certainly tries its hardest to bring something new and original to the sci-fi genre. And, like all good sci-fi, it uses a fantastic premise to explore the very ordinary human condition. In one small film we see big issues tackled - racism, apartheid, exploitation, corporate and government greed, propoganda, the arms race and its cost... And, in spite of the incredible premise, the documentary approach to the storytelling brings a heightened sense of realism to the movie, ensuring that the audience never feels (excuse the pun) alienated. This is helped by the amazing special effects, with very real and sympathetic aliens, and the brilliant and moving performance from Sharlto Copley as the lead character Wikus. If I had one complaint it would be that the film occasionally strayed too far into 'shoot em up' territory, but at least it never turned into voyeuristic gore for the sake of it. One to watch!