Some movies beg for a sequel. Obviously Star Wars was destined to have a follow up, as was Raiders Of The Lost Ark (I refuse to call it by its new, “improved” name). Others, like Gigli and Glitter, were powerful enough on their own to fulfill the moviegoer’s dreams via their initial release. A sequel would have just tarnished their illustrious legacies. In 1980, Airplane! changed the landscape of American cinema as we new it. Of course, a sequel was destined to be produced. Amazingly, with a completely different production and writing staff, Airplane II: The Sequel managed to succeed. Although it doesn’t reach the heights of the original (well, they do go to the moon), it manages to entertain quite well.

The original Airplane! was brought to you by the warped minds of ZAZ (Zucker/Abrahams/Zucker) and it was long on laughs, not to mention financially lucrative. The studio wanted a sequel, but the ZAZ gang wanted no part of the project, as they are quick to point out during the DVD commentary. Of course, the studio got their way and commissioned Ken Finkleman to pen, as well as direct, a very serviceable follow-up, Airplane II: The Sequel.

The film begins with what could have been the first Star Wars crawl parody (don’t quote me on that) and never lets up. Quickly we learn that Mayflower I, a passenger space shuttle, is preparing to make its first trip to the moon. Our hero from the first film, Ted Striker (Robert Hayes) was the test pilot for the ship and claimed that it was not fit for flying. Of course, the powers that be wanted the shuttle to sail and managed to convince everyone that Striker was crazy.

He was able to escape from a mental hospital and immediately heads to the airport to stop the ill-fated flight. Unbeknownst to him, his former love Elaine (Julie Hagerty) is part of the flight crew for the Mayflower. She’s since put him in the past and has moved on to pilot Simon Kurtz (Chad Everett).

Amazingly, Striker is able to purchase a ticket for the long ago sold out flight from a scalper with a sweet old school Pittsburgh Pirate hat. Once he makes it onto the ship, the story is just beginning. The computer unfortunately malfunctions and causes the Mayflower to veer very tragically off course towards the sun. Once again, Striker is forced to pilot a plane on his own, save hundreds of innocent lives and get the girl in the span of only and hour and a half. Of course, this time he must land on the moon instead of Chicago, but it’s almost the same, right?

A plot summary of Airplane II: The Sequel hardly does the film justice. The film is filled with crazy gags, stupid puns and plenty of crazy lines like:

Doctor, can you give the court your impression of Mr. Striker?
I'm sorry. I don't do impressions. My training is in psychiatry.

Can I ask you a question?
What is it?
It's an interrogative form of sentence, used to test knowledge. But that's not important right now.

And I can sum it all up in just one word: courage, dedication, daring, pride, pluck, spirit, grit, mettle, and G-U-T-S, GUTS!.

This crazy dialogue is not easy to deliver. Luckily, many of the actors from the original film return to reprise their roles and take another stab at the goofy lines. Once again, Robert Hayes and Julie Hagerty are excellent as the star-crossed lovers Ted and Elaine. Peter Graves and Lloyd Bridges also return to take on their same roles as Capt. Oveur and McCroskey respectively. Bridges is exceptionally good in his role and really understands the tone of the film. He is able to perform with a “wink and a nod” yet still in a believable fashion.

Several new actors step up to the plate in Airplane II:The Sequel. Some succeed and others fail to grasp the concept. William Shatner is great as Cdr. Murdock. He flew with Striker in the war (Over Macho Grande? No. I don't think I'll ever get over Macho Grande) and still has quite a bit of resentment toward him. He runs the airbase on the moon and has to help Striker land the shuttle. Shatner has some of the best lines in the film, including one of my favorites:

Ted Striker? Never heard of him. That’s _NOT_ exactly true. We were like brothers.

Chuck Connors also has a small yet funny role as “The Sarge.” He believes in Striker and doesn’t think the shuttle should launch. He, along with McCroskey and Murdock are instrumental in helping Striker land the Mayflower. He also understands the film and performs accordingly. Unfortunately, one of the stars doesn’t seem to “get it.” Chad Everett plays Simon Kurtz who is one of the shuttle pilots and love interest of Elaine. He is only adequate in the role and plays it extremely stiff and serious. Perhaps the intent was for him to portray the Leslie Nielsen role of “serious guy” from the original, but he just doesn’t have the presence nor skill to pull it off. Also, be on the lookout for some quick cameos from Raymond Burr, Herve Villechaize and Sonny Bono and early performances from Pat Sajak and George Wendt.

Sure, the dialogue is wacky, but so are many of the scenes. The courtroom scene is probably the best of the film with all of the people that are called upon to testify. Some of the passengers from the original film return to give their impression of Ted. Of course, the psychiatrist doesn’t do impressions, but he does give his opinion on Ted’s mental state. There are too many funny lines and crazy things that take place there, so be ready to check them out. The scenes on the moon with William Shatner are also hilarious. There are some wonderful sight gags and non-sequtar jokes that are great.

One of the unfortunate things about Airplane II:The Sequel is the poor DVD release. Sure, the picture is dramatically improved and the film is presented in wide screen. The sound has also been touched up somewhat as well. However, that’s all you’ll find. There are no special features. Please don’t buy this DVD if you are expecting anything extra because you’ll be sadly disappointed.

Airplane II: The Sequel is a very funny film. Sure, it’s not up to the quality and the uniqueness of the original, but it still offers plenty of laughs. The DVD release also allows for a much clearer viewing experience compared to VHS. Although it doesn’t offer any extras, the film can stand quite nicely on it’s own. If you liked the original, the sequel is a welcome addition to your collection. If you didn’t, well, then you’ll want to stay far, far away.


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older