Backdraft 2

I grew up in the 90s so the original Backdraft was a staple in my childhood film viewings. When I saw they were making a direct to dvd/digital sequel I groaned and couldn't believe it. But I gave this one a chance and it's not that bad if you do exactly that. Obviously the cast in this one doesn't have the same chemistry from the original film but if you nitpick and compare every detail you are going to hate it no matter what. Donald Sutherland essentially caries this film with his role. Joe Anderson and William Baldwin are both clearly putting effort in and I give them credit. Right now this is on Netflix in the US so I say give it a shot.

Chicago Fire Department arson investigator Sean McCaffrey (Joe Anderson) is the son of the late Lieutenant Stephen "Bull" McCaffrey (Kurt Russell in the first movie). His uncle Brian McCaffrey (William Baldwin) is the Deputy District Chief of the Office of Fire Investigation. Lone wolf Sean is assigned new partner Maggie Rening (Alisha Bailey). Ronald Bartel (Donald Sutherland) is an old arsonist in prison.

The fire special effects are a big part of the first movie. In this one, they are using bad CGI with the fire scenes. Some scenes are bad. One is good. Obviously, this is a cheaper production and they can't afford top of the line special effects. As for the actors, Joe Anderson seems to be a fine second tier actor. I don't know why Billy Baldwin isn't the lead. He could be the grizzled old veteran which suits the premise of getting stuck with a newbie. Donald Sutherland has limited screen time. The investigation is just too slow. They do need a mystery figure for Sean to chase. I'm not really following the fire stuff. This is not good.

This film is interesting to me because it's the first time I watch a film about arson investigation. I think it is suspenseful. I enjoyed it.

I didn't have high expectations for this sequel but the fact that William Baldwin and Donald Sutherland played a role gave me some hope. It didn't take more than a few scenes to dash it.

The story is overly predictable and most characters are so flat that you only notice them because they fill some space. Dialogues sound a copy and paste from a sub-par police procedural show.

The acting of the main character(s) is decent and the camerawork is probably the best this movie has to offer.

There is worse but when all is said and done, this is nothing more than a low-budget, boring sequel to a decent 1990s movie!

Well it's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick but just barely. First I want to acknowledge the reviewer who complained about jacking a round in the chamber, I'm with ya bro ticks me off too. I'm not a LEO but I am ex military and a combat vet and if you're carrying a weapon one thing you don't want is to be jacking around jacking a round you better be locked cocked and ready to rock. The original Backdraft was a classic this one is not, it's not painful to watch but you won't leave praising it either.