It was unrealistic to expect this film to match the quality of the initial installment, yet considering it's a sequel – particularly one made in the nineteen seventies – it’s not terrible. Gene Hackman portrays "Popeye Doyle" as being under the influence of heroin and left to fend for himself on the streets. He is subsequently found, endures withdrawal, and then begins his pursuit of "Charnier" (Fernando Rey) in Marseille. It's within this setting that he must collaborate with French law enforcement—who are wary of him just as much as he is of them—to make an arrest! The city of Marseille consistently proves to be a fitting backdrop for movies like this, possessing a gritty and worldly atmosphere that enhances the dramatic elements. While the storyline doesn't possess the same level of urgency as the 1971 original, "Doyle" occasionally appears rather overbearing and self-important, but the film maintains a decent tempo, and there’s sufficient action—including car chases and gun battles—to keep things engaging for about two hours.

Source on TMDB