It’s disappointing to see a film so reliant on the success of its earlier counterpart, lacking much value on its own. Daniel Petrie chose to revisit a well-received and beloved movie and produced something considerably less impressive. It’s generally understood that sequels rarely measure up to their originals—perhaps it's a tired idea, but it remains an unfortunately frequent occurrence in the film industry. Studios often see them as a straightforward path to profit, requiring minimal investment or risk. Essentially, this film provides a familiar experience, devoid of any real appeal. It seems content to coast on the reputation of the previous movie, presuming audiences will embrace it simply because they enjoyed the first one. That wasn’t my experience. The only redeeming quality is that it brings back most of the original cast. Seeing Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley, Maureen Stapleton, and Jack Gilford at work is a pleasant enough reason to watch, as it's clear they are enjoying themselves and getting to revisit roles they appreciated. This aspect helps the film function adequately, almost creating its own little storyline within the larger narrative, but the script ultimately holds it back. Steve Guttenberg, for instance, seems even less engaging than he did in the first movie—a significant shortcoming. The production itself is technically sound; there are no glaring errors or weaknesses, though it’s far from exceptional.

Source on TMDB