On E List of Movie Reviews
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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 around. 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 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 two different films, work well together.