After his accidental trip to 1955, Marty McFly returns to his own time only to find himself travelling once again with his friend Doc Brown to the year 2015 to straighten out a family problem. However, when the two return home to 1985, they soon discover someone has tampered with time to produce a nightmarish Hill Valley. Their only chance to restore their original time is to return to 1955 to set things right. Following the immediate events of Back to the Future (1985) we pick up during the literal final moments with the iconic 'cliffhanger' sequence. Originally meant as a joke scene to end the film, it soon became the plot for the sequel, continuing the adventure with a journey into the future. Naturally, this was quite the selling point and an intrigue factor for the movie, which was for many of us, an exciting premise. Seeing what the makers imagined a future 2015 could be like from the 80's perspective was fascinating. Of course, we have now long since passed that 'futuristic' year, so it's now equally fun to point out all sorts of details, like what did and didn't come true. My favourite additions from the future setting were the new instalments to the DeLorean like its ability to fly when the wheels turn out under the vehicle. It is still one of the coolest features of the car that complements its science fiction apparel. Equally making an impressive introduction was the hoverboard, which was a superb feature, especially during the chase scenes that showed off some impressively realistic effects. I still can't believe we haven't acquired such technology yet. For the sequel most of the cast reprised their roles although we notably see the recast of Jennifer, now played by Elisabeth Shue. She was perfectly fine in the role despite having little to do for the remainder of the film following the opening. Also, Crispin Glover didn't return as George McFly, so changes were made that I ultimately feel made the plot stronger, though still a shame he couldn't appear. Otherwise, the returning cast continued to excel in their respective roles, further developing their characters and in many cases, getting the chance to explore their range as multiple variations of their characters as well as others. Both Marty and Doc remain the stand-out highlights in this picture and it was terrific getting to see them both go on their first mission together through time. As a kid, Part II was my absolute favourite. Whilst I loved the whole future opening, what captivated me most was the later events when the team return to 1985. It was here the tone shifts much darker with the realisation of being in an alternate timeline. Something about the hellhole Hill Valley storyline had younger me hooked, seeing the consequences of time travel in the wrong hands and just how scarily things could drastically change was gripping. Of course, having Biff as the main villain was fitting, but it was certainly crazy, although not unexpected, seeing him go from the comedically stupid bully into a malicious killer, becoming one of the scariest villains in movie history (a real testament to Tom Wilson's range). Realising the only way to save Hill Valley is to undo the damage by Biff from the future by going back into the past to fix the problem. It was here the movie took its time travel escapades to the extreme, sending us back to the events of the first film in 1955, where our duo had to avoid their previous selves. Whilst one could see it as a cheap move, the execution was brilliant. I'll never get tired of Marty avoiding his other self continuously at the dance, like having to sneak overhead amidst his playing 'Johnny B. Goode' on stage. There are plenty of phenomenal moments the pair share on their secretive mercy mission full of intense high-stakes moments. Overall, Part II takes the adventure to new heights, continuing the story, showing us new destinations and mixing in with the prior film. Everyone involved continued to bring their A-game across the board and delivered a sensational sequel. I sure adored this entry and have fond memories of it, loving the exploration of a darker tone for the middle act, plus the ending was truly astonishing. For the exciting conclusion, check out Back to the Future Part III (1990) with a journey into the Old West.
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