AIRPLANE II : THE SEQUEL (1982)
The bumps you feel are asteroids smashing against the hull of this ship. Also we’re flying without a navigational system and can’t seem to change course.
Miss, are you telling us absolutely everything?
Not exactly…we’re also out of coffee.
Oh man, if you saw the first one, this might be about the most perfect follow up possible. In this one Ted Striker (played by Robert Hayes) escapes from a mental institution after being framed for a crash he had as a test pilot after the events of the last movie, but that’s not important right now. He then decides to board a passenger lunar shuttle, called Mayflower One, on its first flight. Of course the computer that runs the shuttle goes freakin nuts due to a malfunction and Ted is forced to take over the flight. On top of all that Striker’s relationship with Elaine (played by Julie Hagerty) from the last movie is strained, and she just happens to be on the same flight, hoping her new man doesn’t fall apart on her. That way she won’t have to deal with Ted and his drinking problem.
Much like the first one the performances in this movie are all top notch and the comedic timing is amazing. We do have a William Shatner, Raymond Burr, Sonny Bono and even a John Vernon sighting in this movie as Dr. Stone. If you don’t know who John Vernon is, he’s the biggest jerk cop in KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE. He actually replaces Leslie Nielsen in the role. However, we do see Leslie Nielsen’s character in a flashback. Among others, Peter Graves is back as the plane’s captain and Lloyd Bridges is back as Steve McCroskey.
The movies flashbacks are slightly better than the flashbacks in the first movie and there are some belly laugh moments that were just over the top hilarious. The computer saying “What are you doing Dave?” is a line I remember so fondly that I use it in conversations just to be funny even at work. If the other people in the room, know the reference it always cracks people up. Of course if they don’t, it’s just weird. Unfortunately, the movie is not without its “what the crap?” moments thrown in. Especially one of the opening scenes, and a scene involving a young girl on the plane are over the top even for the 80’s.
Overall out of the two movies in this series, this one for me is probably more memorable, and I did actually like the plot line better, but I have to give it a 6 out of 7, because of the few annoying imperfections. For most this is spoof comedy at its peak and I can see it getting a 7 out of 7 from most fans.
GRAPHICS ARE THE PROPERTY OF PARAMOUNT PICTURES AND ARE USED FOR REVIEW PURPOSES ONLY.
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