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Eddie and the Cruisers II:
Eddie Lives! (1989)

Rate: 8
Viewed: 7/19

7/19: Eddie and the Cruisers II: Eddie Lives! is better than the original.

It goes further to make the first part special by highlighting the important parts to bring more meaning to them. The nice thing is it explains why Eddie Wilson disappeared and what his motivations were. With the exception of Michael Paré and Matthew Laurance, most of the original cast don't return which is good news because Tom Berenger's character is the most miscast of them all.

Always lip-syncing, Michael Paré's acting is much better this time. His character's explosive temper reminds me of the British kitchen sink dramas with Richard Burton and Richard Harris. It's simple: Eddie Wilson is a perfectionist who aims for the impossible although his music sounds a lot like Bruce Springsteen's.

Granted, Eddie and the Cruisers II: Eddie Lives! is no longer a Southern New Jersey picture, but it succeeds in moving on from the past by entering new territory to set up Eddie Wilson as a man without ties with a hardened musical talent to rely on. It's noticeable when Eddie is well-received by his new band members, most especially Hilton Overstreet, when it comes to singing which lends credence to his ability to bring them into the fold despite his heavy-handed criticism.

All in all, Eddie and the Cruisers and Eddie and the Cruisers II: Eddie Lives!, although different in nature, work well together.

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