Grind-it-out sequel: just something to keep Eddie Murphy busy. The opening action sequence is well assembled, though it sets up a pattern of schizoid alternation between comedy and drama that persists throughout: immediately after the hero's boss expires in his lap, we plunge onward to airbag gags in the ensuing chase. (Then it's on the funeral, "Amazing Grace," and a tear spilling down the hero's cheek. ) The central locale of the WonderWorld theme park provides material for a pale imitation of the Carl Hiaasen satirical crime novel, Native Tongue: the movie remains sentimental over the beloved founder, Uncle Dave (Alan Young), and over a couple of imperilled children on a haywire ride called the Spider. The level of satire -- and of logic -- sinks to bringing back Bronson Pinchot, no longer as an art-gallery assistant, but as a supplier of firearms to the "upper-income survivalist" -- and subsequently as supplier of James Bondian gadgets to our hero. The director, John Landis, bestows his "personal" touch -- which is to say, bumbling thugs and filmmaker cameos (George Lucas, Ray Harryhausen, Arthur Hiller, Martha Coolidge, Barbet Schroeder, et al.). With Judge Reinhold, Hector Elizondo, Theresa Randle. (1994) — Duncan Shepherd
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