Except if you are The Godfather: Part Two, it is nearly impossible to make a sequel that is equal or better then the original. It just is. The reason why is because when you first create an idea and make a film about it, that is it at it's purest and at it's hieght. With sequels, the idea is already exposed and the
shock that the idea gave people is already used up. With a film like The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day, what it does is take what people love from the first film and just rehash it a second time.The main complaint of the first film was that it was a copy of the films of Quentin Tarantino. My response was that it was more of a tribute (could have been better) to his films then a rip off. If any of the films is a rip off, it is this film. Actually, if one really thinks about it, Troy Duffy is making a parody of his own film. But he could of, at least, done so with some honor and dignity.I don't know. I mean, I did enjoy this fim a bit, but it could have been much more. So much more. But the main problem, other then rehashing parts of the previous film, is that it takes from so many other films whose sequels were better then it's original. The main one that comes to mind is the back story of Il Duce told in a psuedo The Godfather Part Two fashion. Just replace the Sicilian backdrop with an Irish one.Then you also have the cast which, in their own right, are okay actors for the most part, are not used to their potential. But I feel the most bad for Clifton Collins. If you have seen the original film, then you will know that he will be compared to and is basically playing the same part as David Della Rocca. It is just kind of sad that Duffy had to right in a comic relief guy to go along with the already comic relief of the three detectives in this film. My advice for Duffy: keep the comic relief down to one character. Have too much, it will then ruin the film.So, that is all I have to say about the sequel. it is entertaining as hell to watch, has it's moments of awkward humor, but it has so much potential, has so much it could do, hell, it could even have made Troy Duffy some respect after he lost it with The Boondock Saints (in the eyes of critics) and in the documentary Overnight (in the eyes of everyone else).Now, there is a cliffhanger at the end of the film along with one cameo that made me scream 'YES!' at the end. If there would be a sequel to this film, then I have a message for Troy Duffy: Actually write an original screenplay that is not complete crap. You have everything set up, you have your story and mythology (granted you borrowed and ripped off a lot). USE it.
October 23, 2011
Top Critic
