Ah, 1988. Sequels were hitting their stride, and after the absolute global phenomenon that was Crocodile Dundee just two years prior, the pressure was immense for a follow-up. Could lightning strike twice Down Under (and in New York)? While Crocodile Dundee II might not have captured the sheer, unexpected magic of the original, stepping back into Mick Dundee’s well-worn boots felt like catching up with an old mate – familiar, comfortable, and still packing a few charming surprises.
Directed by John Cornell, who produced the first film, and penned by star Paul Hogan alongside his son Brett Hogan, this sequel flips the script, bringing the danger to Mick instead of just watching him navigate ours. It was a smart move, acknowledging that the pure "fish out of water" novelty might wear thin if simply repeated.
### Trouble Finds Mick in the Concrete Jungle
We rejoin Mick Dundee (Paul Hogan) and Sue Charlton (Linda Kozlowski) living together in New York City. Mick’s still charmingly bewildered by some aspects of city life (though perhaps a bit more acclimatized), while Sue is thriving. Their relatively peaceful existence is shattered when Sue's ex-husband, working undercover, sends her crucial evidence against a ruthless Colombian drug cartel led by the menacing Rico (played with suitable slime by Hechter Ubarry). Suddenly, Sue is kidnapped, and Mick, employing his unique blend of Outback survival skills and disarming naivete, has to rescue her from the heavily guarded Long Island mansion.
This first act in New York provides some solid action beats and reminds us why we liked Mick in the first place. His unconventional methods – using decoys, befriending street gangs with surprising ease, that iconic walk across the high-rise construction beams – are still delightful. Paul Hogan slips back into the role effortlessly; the twinkle in his eye, the laconic delivery, the innate likability are all present and correct. Linda Kozlowski remains a capable and engaging counterpart, though the plot necessitates her being the damsel in distress for a significant portion early on. Seeing them together again, their chemistry palpable (no surprise, given their real-life romance blossomed around this time), is a definite plus.
### Welcome to My Office
The real shift happens when Mick, realizing Sue is still in danger, decides the best defense is a good offense… on his home turf. "I'm going to take 'em somewhere I know," he declares, whisking Sue off to the familiar, rugged expanse of Walkabout Creek in the Northern Territory. This is where Crocodile Dundee II finds its groove, reversing the dynamic. Now, the villains are the fish out of water, completely unprepared for the dangers of the Outback and Mick’s intimate knowledge of it.
It’s here we reunite with beloved characters like Walter Reilly, played by the wonderful John Meillon in what was sadly one of his final roles. His presence adds that essential layer of Aussie charm and camaraderie. The film cleverly uses the landscape as a weapon and a playground. Mick leads the pursuing cartel members on a wild goose chase, utilizing traps, animal psychology (those bats!), and the help of his local friends, including the imposing Neville Bell (Ernie Dingo). The climax isn't a massive shootout, but rather a series of clever, almost playful takedowns, perfectly in keeping with Mick's character – he’d rather outsmart than overpower.
### Retro Fun Facts & Sequel Pressure
Following the original's staggering success (grossing over $328 million worldwide on a budget under $10 million), the sequel had enormous expectations. While Crocodile Dundee II didn't quite replicate that meteoric financial performance, it was still a significant hit, pulling in a very respectable $239 million globally against a slightly larger, but still modest, budget of around $14 million. It proved the character had legs, even if critics were a bit more reserved this time around, often noting the shift towards more conventional action tropes.
Interestingly, the filming required juggling the vastly different environments of bustling New York City and the remote, challenging terrain of Northern Australia. The contrast is visually striking and central to the film's structure. Paul Hogan's creative control was substantial, co-writing the script and ensuring Mick stayed true to his established persona, even amidst more heightened action scenarios. One memorable bit of trivia: the cave location used in the film's finale is part of the sacred Jawoyn Aboriginal land; the production gained special permission to film there, highlighting a respect for the culture Mick himself embodies.
### Still Got That Dundee Spark?
Crocodile Dundee II might lean more heavily into action-adventure territory than the original's culture-clash comedy, and some might argue it loses a little of the first film's unique spark in the process. The plot is more conventional, the villains more stereotypical drug lords than quirky New Yorkers. However, it compensates with Mick being firmly in his element in the second half, showcasing his skills in a way the first film only hinted at.
The charm is still there, largely thanks to Hogan's undeniable charisma and the enduring appeal of the Mick Dundee character. It’s a film that feels comfortable, like a well-worn Akubra hat. It delivers laughs, some decent 80s-style action sequences (mostly non-lethal, in true Dundee fashion), and that satisfying feeling of the resourceful underdog coming out on top. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it offers a thoroughly enjoyable return trip.
VHS Heaven Rating: 7/10
Justification: While not quite reaching the iconic heights or pure comedic originality of the first film, Crocodile Dundee II is a highly entertaining and well-crafted sequel. It smartly shifts the dynamic by bringing the conflict to Mick's turf, offers solid action beats, retains the core charm of its leads (especially Paul Hogan), and provides a satisfying adventure. It might be more formulaic, but it's a formula executed with warmth and skill, making it a worthy entry in the 80s action-comedy canon and a fun trip down memory lane.
Final Thought: He came, he saw, he charmed us again... and proved that sometimes, the best way to deal with city slicker villains is to invite them home for a real walkabout. Good on ya, Mick!