Backdraft 2 isn’t great but at least I found it to be a serviceable enough of a direct-to-video sequel that I’m not sure many were exactly clamoring for, especially when you’ve got Chicago Fire that can quench the thirst for the fire-mystery subgenre.
Backdraft 2
(2019)
Genre(s): Action, Drama, Crime
Universal Pictures | R – 102 min. – $22.98 | May 14, 2019
Date Published: 05/04/2019 | Author: The Movieman
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Universal Pictures Home Entertainment provided me with a free copy of the Blu-ray I reviewed in this Blog Post.
The opinions I share are my own.
THE MOVIE — 3.0/5 |
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Plot Synopsis: Fire investigator Sean McCaffrey (JOE ANDERSON), son of the late Steven “Bull” McCaffrey, is now working at the same Chicago firehouse along with his uncle Brian (WILLIAM BALDWIN). When Sean is assigned to investigate a deadly fire, he and newly assigned partner Maggie Rening (ALISHA BAILEY) soon realize that they are dealing with something much more than a routine fire. The clues they discover lead them down a treacherous path of arson, murder, and international terrorism. Sean must use his intuition, along with the help of infamous jailed arsonist Ronald Bartel (DONALD SUTHERLAND), in a race to find out who is behind the fire and stop them from accomplishing their devious plans.
Review: Backdraft, released back in 1991, was a modest success raking in $77M ($166M adjusted for ticket inflation) and since has garnered an almost cult following. So it’s not really a big surprise that Universal, who also released three direct-to-video sequels to the Death Race remake, would make Backdraft 2, which is a genuine sequel bringing back two characters from the original. Now, I’m not exactly a massive fan of the first but recall enjoying it, I’m saying that because I don’t hold it in the highest regard and thus don’t really mind there being a follow-up. With that being said, Backdraft 2 was a perfectly fine movie but also nothing particularly memorable though based on my limited viewing of Chicago Fire, also produced by Universal, the story really could’ve been some extended episode of the hit NBC television series (and to note, this movie is also set in Chicago); wouldn’t surprise me if some sets and props were perhaps re-used to cut down on costs.
Most of the movie is pretty pedestrian and could’ve been made for television. The direction, from Gonzalo López-Gallego who previously helmed Apollo 18 (which I thoroughly disliked), Open Grave and The Hollow Point, but considering the possible budgetary constraints did a half-decent job I suppose. Acting wise, Joe Anderson was fine in the lead while William Baldwin and Donald Sutherland probably got an okay paycheck to reprise their roles. But nothing really special about any of them, although Sutherland probably had a nice time as his 10-minutes of screen time was comprised of him sitting in a wheelchair. Perhaps it’s a low bar, but I actually thought Backdraft 2 did have its moments but I still don’t know the purpose when you’ve got a hit series like Chicago P.D. on the air for fans to get their fire-mystery fix in with probably the same level of acting involved. Still, worth a rental. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 0/5 |
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This release does come with a glossy slip cover and redemption code for the Digital HD, but nothing else. |
VIDEO – 4.5/5 |
| Backdraft 2 is presented with a 2.00 widescreen aspect ratio and given a 1080p high-definition transfer. The picture is sharp and nicely defined throughout and even with some of the darker elements of the story, colors are still bright and there were no signs of artifacting, aliasing or other flaws. All in all, this is a great looking transfer. |
AUDIO – 4.5/5 |
| The included DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track was rather impressive. There was a good amount of depth via the front and rear channels especially during the fire roaring sequences while dialogue levels come through the center speaker with good clarity. |
OVERALL – 2.5/5 |
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Overall, Backdraft 2 isn’t great but at least I found it to be a serviceable enough of a direct-to-video sequel that I’m not sure many were exactly clamoring for, especially when you’ve got Chicago Fire that can quench the thirst for the fire-mystery subgenre. |
Check out some more 1080p screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.