The authors of the inevitable sequel to Oscar-winning 1971 French Connection try different approach by changing the scenery and general tone of the film. Gene Hackman returns as New York police detective James "Popeye" Doyle, determined to bring international heroin smuggler Charnier (played by Fernando Rey) to justice. In order to do so, he uses opportunity to travel to Marseille and challenge Charnier on his native soil. He can't speak any French and his efforts at first fail, but Charnier is annoyed enough to order Doyle's elimination. Directed by John Frankenheimer, French Connection II uses plot elements and characters that would later become popular in many 1980s police films, especially those laced with comedy – protagonist who acts like fish out the water, criminal supervillain and initially hostile local policeman (this time played by Bernard Fresson) who only gradually begins to respect and help his colleague. Unfortunately, this film tries to play it as a straight drama, which includes plenty of Hackman scene-chewing scenes of getting drunk, doing stupid things, and, later being hooked on heroin and trying to kick the habit. All those scenes make French Connection II look unpleasant and overly melodramatic, far from the high standards set by its award-winning predecessor.
RATING: 5/10
