Les chroniques de San Francisco II

Well first off compared to the first Tales, this sequel isn't awful, but certainly cannot compare. The main problem lies in the fact that it was made five years after the original, and many of the people who played the roles in the original were not available so they had to be replaced with different actors who just are not as good. However, Linney, Dukakis, and Campbell all return and they are well worth seeing. The plot itself is a little silly with a cruise, amnesia, rekindled romance, family reunions, and older women getting together at a sex club. Overall though, it is an enjoyable series, not up to par with the first, but still very watchable.

After watching with great pleasure the original Tales of the City, i delved with excitement into this continuation story of the 28 Barbary residents. However with some disappointment i discovered that a less adventurous director and some unfortunate cast replacements has stolen some of the magic.

Now don't get me wrong, it is still a fun and well written metro-sexual adventure in the heart of Sanfrancisco, and with exceptional performers Dukakis and Linney returning it keeps the spark burning bright. The new addition of Paul Hopkins as Michael 'Mouse' Tolliver is an interesting new slant on a wonderful character and he pulls the transition of well, retaining Marcus D'Amico's youthful hopefulness, whilst adding a new cheeky side to mouse. Paul however is the only new cast member to manage this, Nina Siemaszko is given the impossible task of replacing the magnificent Chloe Webb and Mona suffers terribly for this, not only does she now look 10 years younger, she has lost the kooky charm that gave the character so much punch and spunk, she seams permanently depressed and miserable. The other disappointment is the departure of Paul Gross who's slimy male chauvinist pig Brian was a joy and torture to watch in the original as he carried on with his self destructive behaviour and loathing of women. Whip Hubley (who this time looks 10 years older) simply seams like to much of a nice guy to pull of this role and Brian's character seams to have had a personality transplant within the space of a few months.

With this massive moan over and done with, it is still an enjoyable romp and worth watching for Dukakis's Mrs Madrigal's empathic presence, and Linney's heart and warmth.

If anyone has ever seen the first series then More Tales of the City is an absolute must see. I had only watched the first series once before, but one of my very best friends and I decided to split the cost and order the sequel on DVD and neither of us was disappointed. While there are less startling revelations going on throughout as there was in the first series it is still highly addictive to watch. The progression of Laura Linney's Mary Anne character is startling, she's turned into a man hunting pot fiend, a far cry from her days as the prude at 28 Barbary Lane. Mona's journey into the desert is the most entertaining part of the whole movie, although true fans will be able to decipher who Mother Mucca is in a matter of minutes.

The new actors fill their roles well, with the new Brian being the only exception but it's good to see his role "fleshed out" more than it was in the first one. You have to see it to believe it!

a pale shadow of the original Tales. the replacement actors are really lifeless. its really impossible to feel anything for Michael as he's repugnant. the new Mona is vapid and uninspiring. the new Brian is so uninteresting its almost offensive. and in the original series it was really Mona and Michael who held it all together...they both had energy and vitality. in this round it feels like Nina Siemaszko (Mona) is being forced to do the role...shes totally uninterested and robotic. Paul Hopkins, the new Michael, basically smirks and wiseasses before getting (thankfully) crippled and left speechless for most of the show.

beyond the horrible casting, the story is sordid and so over the top that its difficult to get involved. the first Tales series had spunk...it felt fresh and alive. this version is just a pathetic soap opera knockoff. (wow its cable...we can show ass and say bad words, who needs a decent director?) the story line revolving around Brian and his binocular-driven lust affair is weak and frankly gross.

pathetic...

Far better casting than the original TV series. Looks like the cable aspect of the production (as opposed to American public TV) opened up the writing and performances. Paul Hopkins is a far superior choice to play Michael! That Marcus Whoever was way too nineties for the 70s look and sensibility of Maupin's gay San Francisco.