Back to the Future Part II (1989)
October 16th, 2003 at 6:45 am (3 - Enjoyed it)
Writer / Director Robert Zemeckis (Contact (1997)) had one hell of a challenge on his hands when he decided to make a sequel to Back to the Future (1985), but while Back to the Future Part II (1989) lacks much of the wit and original writing of it’s predecessor, I believe the producers did a superb job of continuing the story.
Part II is a fun movie, and one of the funnest parts is catching little inside jokes as we get a glimpse of the future. For example, the Marquee for ‘Jaws 19’ says it is directed by Max Spielberg (the real name of the son of Steven Spielberg who directed the original Jaws (1975)). Some other details you can catch if you are paying attention:
* Marty’s jacket from the first movie is on display in the 2015 antique shop
* So is a Roger Rabbit Doll (also directed by Zemeckis)
* George is murdered on March 15th… the ides of March.
* A poster in 2015 advertises ‘Surf Vietnam’ a reference to Apocalypse Now (1979).
* Flying around in the future is one of the spinner cars from Blade Runner (1982) and the StarCar from The Last Starfighter (1984)
* The robot leash walking a dog in the suburbs is from *batteries not included (1987)
As a credit to the filmmakers, and to Jeffrey Weissman, I did not realize until after having seen the movies that he replaced Crispin Glover, who refused to take part of the sequels, as George McFly. In another switcharoo, anyone wondering why the opening scenes to part II look oddly different from the ending of Part I may take note that they were re-shot since the character of Lisa, played by Claudia Wells (I) in the original, was expanded and taken over by Elisabeth Shue (The Karate Kid (1984), Adventures in Babysitting (1987))
Nick said,
October 16, 2003 at 10:29 pm
Some good bits of trivia there, especially the Crispin Glover thing. He’s a bit of a weirdo, so it’s not too surprising. What is surprising is how many goth/punk/tech chicks dig him. I do not understand. Why couldn’t I ever get any of that geek/goth love?
I think it’s the worse of the three because the plot geta a bit confused and convoluted, but it is still a fun movie, no doubt.
Leopoldo said,
October 16, 2003 at 10:32 pm
I have wondered the same thing about Glover. I think the guy has talent, but I don’t understand why some people just love him.
Allie said,
October 20, 2003 at 6:11 am
He’s cool and he dares to be different/odd/weird. Some of us just like that. To each his (her) own.
Rory said,
November 16, 2003 at 5:32 pm
Marty’s girlfriend’s name is Jennifer, not Lisa. And Elisabeth Shue is awesome.
Jeffrey said,
October 4, 2004 at 4:31 pm
Thanks for the compliment. It was hard work getting made up as “George II”, about 3 hours just to get into make up, and another hour to get out of it. And for many days I was hung upside down. (In the future McFly family household.) I was told the torture I endured was meant for Crispen. When will they leave us geeks alone. (I also played Screech’s Guru on Saved By The Bell-”Rockumentry” episode)
be fun,
Jeffrey
Tanya said,
December 9, 2004 at 1:21 pm
That’s only BOBs side of the story. I’d like to hear Crispin’s side.
I love him. Why? It’s not surprising: he’s cool, he’s a brilliant actor, creative and different. Not in the way you’d think (he’s not weird). And he’s just absolutely cute!
If you think I like him, because I’m weird too, then you’re wrong. I’m typical teenager.
nuno said,
March 22, 2005 at 6:16 am
os filmes sao super fixes
alexandre said,
April 21, 2005 at 3:43 pm
c’t ait le film le plus hot que j’ai jamais vu