Back to the Future Part II (1989)

the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast

Step into the DeLorean with hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell as they revisit the mind-bending 1989 sequel Back to the Future Part II. This zany time-traveling adventure pushes Marty McFly and Doc Brown to their limits as they navigate multiple timelines, alternate realities, and a dystopian version of Hill Valley ruled by the villainous Biff Tannen.

The hosts dive deep into how Back to the Future Part II differs from its predecessor, noting its darker tone and more complex narrative structure. They explore how the film effectively splits into three distinct sections: the retro-futuristic 2015 sequence, the nightmarish alternate 1985, and the return to 1955 that cleverly interweaves with events from the first film. Nathan shares his initial disappointment with the sequel upon its 1989 release, while Krissy maintains her longtime love for its imaginative storytelling.

Special praise is given to the performances, particularly Thomas F. Wilson's versatility in playing multiple versions of Biff Tannen and Lea Thompson's range as various incarnations of Lorraine. The hosts also discuss how the film introduced many viewers to concepts like the multiverse and alternate timelines through Doc Brown's simple yet effective explanation of the space-time continuum.

Other topics covered:

• The film's prescient portrayal of Biff as a Trump-like figure in the alternate 1985
• The extensive merchandising campaign, including Pizza Hut's promotional sunglasses
• Christopher Lloyd's ageless performance as Doc Brown
• How the film serves as part one of a larger story concluding in Back to the Future Part III
• The practical effects and set design used to transform Hill Valley across different time periods
• The controversial addition of Marty's "chicken" character flaw
• The enduring appeal of the film's retro-futuristic 2015 aesthetic
• The Universal Studios clock tower set and its various iterations

While rating the film, Nathan gives it a 7.5 out of 10 sports almanacs, noting how his appreciation has grown over time, while Krissy awards it a solid 9, placing it just below the perfect 10s she gives to parts one and three. The hosts conclude that while Part II may be the most divisive entry in the trilogy, its ambitious storytelling and creative world-building have helped it age into a unique and essential chapter in the Back to the Future saga.

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