How an Iconic ’80s Movie Spawned an All-Time Worst ’90s Sequel in English
The 1985 film "Back to the Future" was a cinematic masterpiece that captivated audiences worldwide with its groundbreaking special effects, captivating plot, and lovable characters. The movie’s success was unprecedented, grossing over $389 million at the box office and cementing its place as a cult classic. It’s hard to believe that a mere 6 years later, a sequel would be released that would be considered one of the all-time worst sequels in Hollywood history – "Back to the Future Part II" (1990).
Directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, and Courtney Burrell, "Back to the Future Part II" seemed to have it all going for it. It was a natural extension of the original’s success, with many of the same characters and creative team behind the wheel. Unfortunately, what should have been a worthy follow-up turned out to be a mess of catastrophic proportions.
The central problem with "Back to the Future II" lies in its convoluted, disjointed plot. The movie tries to crowbar in too many new characters, plot twists, and scientific concepts, resulting in a narrative that’s difficult to follow, let alone enjoy. The film’s attempt to explore the consequences of the first movie’s events, including a futuristic 2015, feels forced and lacking in genuine tension or emotional resonance.
One of the most egregious examples of the sequel’s failures is its notorious " plot twist." In a misguided attempt to subvert expectations, the film reveals that Biff Tannen, the main antagonist of the original, has been traveling through time, altering events to benefit himself. The problem is, this twist is poorly executed, feeling like a lazy shortcut to add "depth" to the story. It comes across as a cheap, unearned plot device that only serve to confuse and alienate audiences.
Another significant issue is the film’s tone, which veers wildly between slapstick humor and sincere emotional moments. The humor, in particular, falls flat, with most of the comedic relief feeling forced and teenage-heavy. The infamous hoverboard sequence, which was so pivotal to the franchise’s marketing, is a perfect example of how the tone goes awry, descending into bean-filled ridiculousness.
The cast, too, seems to struggle with the material. While Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd are still enjoyable as Marty McFly and Doc Brown, their talents are wasted on the weak script. Courtney Burrell, who takes over the role of Jennifer Parker, McFly’s girlfriend, receives little to no character development, making her a paper-thin addition to the story.
In the end, "Back to the Future Part II" was met with lukewarm reception and venir allocation, grossing significantly less than its predecessor. The franchise’s final installment, "Back to the Future Part III" (1990), would fare better, but even it wasn’t enough to redeem the damage inflicted by the second installment.
The sequel’s poor performance and critical drubbing serve as a cautionary tale for franchises looking to cash in on their initial success. Rushed production, convoluted plots, and tone-deaf direction can easily turn a beloved film into a laughingstock, as "Back to the Future Part II" so tragically demonstrates. Despite this, the franchise still maintains a loyal fan base, and the original film remains an iconic classic, but the memories of its terrible sequel are a painful reminder of what could have been.
