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 Mars…

The follow-up delivers thrills at a breakneck pace! While William Friedkin’s initial film was very good, it suffered from too many sequences where characters simply observed others from vehicles – those stakeout scenes really slow things down. They were necessary to the story, certainly, but they're tedious to watch. _French Connection II_ is a gripping thriller with strong performances and unexpected moments of l…