Although this sequel was released 8 years after the original 1970 'tear jerker', I presume that as far as the story goes it's only 2 or 3 years or so along, eight years would be too long. Despite the fact that Ryan O'Neal was pushing 40 his boyish looks and good shape allow him to pull it off as the grieving widower whose just graduated from Harvard law school.
Oliver Barrett not only is guilt ridden about the fact that he is alive and his sweetheart is dead, but following on from the original he resents his privileged up bringing and the family wealth. However, despite regular visits to the Doctor to straighten out his head he finally grows up when he learns that his ever suffering father who he resents is not perhaps the rotter that he thought he was. Junior Barrett learns that his dad kept poring money into the mill despite it losing money much to adulation and respect from the employees. Loyalty and the need to continue the family tradition are more important than liquidating the mill and swindling the workers out of their hard earned retirement savings!
It's not the worst movie in world but it's not that good either. With the original although there was sadness at the end there never the less was a sense of youthful optimism and happiness that probably reflected the free spirited days of the late 60's and early 70's. Olivers story perhaps only epitomized the malaise that gripped the late 1970's as the movie seemed to lack spirit and purpose. Made too long after the original to make any real impact, OK to watch on a dull Sunday afternoon if there is nothing else to do!
Oliver Barrett not only is guilt ridden about the fact that he is alive and his sweetheart is dead, but following on from the original he resents his privileged up bringing and the family wealth. However, despite regular visits to the Doctor to straighten out his head he finally grows up when he learns that his ever suffering father who he resents is not perhaps the rotter that he thought he was. Junior Barrett learns that his dad kept poring money into the mill despite it losing money much to adulation and respect from the employees. Loyalty and the need to continue the family tradition are more important than liquidating the mill and swindling the workers out of their hard earned retirement savings!
It's not the worst movie in world but it's not that good either. With the original although there was sadness at the end there never the less was a sense of youthful optimism and happiness that probably reflected the free spirited days of the late 60's and early 70's. Olivers story perhaps only epitomized the malaise that gripped the late 1970's as the movie seemed to lack spirit and purpose. Made too long after the original to make any real impact, OK to watch on a dull Sunday afternoon if there is nothing else to do!