ANOTHER 48HRS. (1990)

Directed by: Walter Hill Written By: Larry Gross, Jeb Stuart & John Fasano Based on characters created by: Roger Spottiswoode, Walter Hill, Larry Gross & Steven E. De Souza  Story By: Eddie Murphy  Cinematography: Matthew F. Leonetti  Editor: Donn Aron, Carmel Davies, Freeman Davies, Tim Ryder 

Cast: Eddie Murphy, Nick Nolte, Andrew Divoff, Brion James, Kevin Tighe, Brent Jennings, Ed O’Ross, David Anthony Marshall, Bernie Casey, Tisha Campbell

With a pending old debt from the past and the genuine threat of losing his badge for good, the tough and gruff San Francisco police officer, Inspector Jack Cates, pushes his luck and turns to his reluctant former partner, Reggie Hammond. Having spent seven long years in jail after the events of 48 Hrs, Reggie is about to taste the air of freedom, when an attempt on his life drags him into a new circle of violence, as Jack is almost obsessively trying to prove that the elusive criminal mastermind known as the "Iceman" exists. But, this time, the odds are against the mismatched duo. Will Cates clear his name?

A sequel that seems on autopilot. As everyone including behind the scenes seems less engaged. Even as most of the original team returns.

This film feels more comedic but also more like a chore. Even as the film has more action and the same level of violence. Though it still ends up feeling less hard-hitting. 

The film seems to hit the same beats as some scenes feel repeated. Though this film has virtually no thriller elements. It just feels like a retread of the original only with some Different faces. Which makes it feel familiar and adds nothing as there are no surprises. 

The villains are related to the main villain from the first film seeking a kind of revenge. So again it seems hell-bent on reminding us of the first better film

Nick Nolte seems more here only for the paycheck as he comes off on autopilot. While Eddie Murphy has fewer places to go with his character though at least his character has a kind of side mission that ties into the film minorly. 

The screenwriters think they are smart by having the main villain who is behind all the menace of the first film And second is not only a dirty cop but a supporting character from the first film. Who somehow Murphy’s character recognizes immediately at first sight. 

Figuring this works because they shared no scenes in the first film but it still feels illogical and a kind of a cop-out. Yet once again ties itself to the first film. 

Even another scene where they go to a cowboy redneck bar and Eddie Murphy takes control. Only to less effective as we have seen it before.

Again at least Eddie Murphy tried but is more on cruise control. He still is at least fun there but this film reeks of a kind of desperation. A disappointing reunion. Where they try to look like they are having fun. But the longer you spend with them you can feel the low energy 

It just feels like the film is missing things. As it feels like there are plenty of things cut out. As it was rumored there was a longer cut of the film up to a week before the film was released and then the studio decided to cut it down. So that it could play more times a day in theaters in the summer. 

The film is loud and tries to hit like a sledgehammer but is unfortunately instantly forgettable 

GRADE: C