City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly's Gold
Alright, dust off that VCR head cleaner and pop this one in. Remember finding City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly's Gold on the 'New Releases' shelf at Blockbuster? It landed three years after the original charmed the boots off everyone, promising more mid-life crises under the big sky and, tantalizingly, the return of the seemingly departed Curly. But this wasn't just any sequel; it dared to hinge its plot on a treasure map found in the lining of the legendary trail boss's hat. A bold move, or maybe just a slightly desperate one? Let's rewind the tape.
### Back in the Saddle, Sort Of
We find Mitch Robbins (Billy Crystal, pulling double duty as star and co-writer alongside the original scribes Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel) turning 40 and, naturally, falling into another existential funk. His job's okay, his family life is stable, but something's missing. That 'something' conveniently materializes as a cryptic map belonging to Curly Washburn, hinting at a fortune in hidden gold bars. Phil Berquist (Daniel Stern) is facing his own marital woes, making him an easy recruit for another round of adventure therapy. The setup feels familiar, a comfortable return to these characters we genuinely liked, even if the catalyst feels a bit more... Hollywood treasure hunt than heartfelt journey this time around.
### The New Guy and a Ghost from the Past
Noticeably absent is Ed Furillo. Scheduling conflicts? Creative differences? Reports vary, but Bruno Kirby's sharp-edged presence is missed. Instead, we get Mitch's ne'er-do-well younger brother, Glen (Jon Lovitz), crashing the party. Lovitz brings his signature smarmy, slightly pathetic energy, which is funny in bursts but fundamentally changes the group dynamic. Glen is less a relatable friend finding himself and more of a comic foil, a catalyst for chaos rather than camaraderie. It shifts the tone, making things broader, sillier. And then there's the Jack Palance factor. Fresh off his iconic, Oscar-winning turn (and those legendary one-handed push-ups at the ceremony!), bringing him back felt almost mandatory. The solution? He plays Duke, Curly's estranged twin brother, who becomes their reluctant guide. Palance is, as always, magnetic – that leathery grin, the gravelly voice – but playing Curly's twin stretches credulity right to its breaking point, even for a comedy. Still, seeing him back on screen, chewing scenery under the desert sun, was undeniably a thrill back in '94.
### Chasing the Mirage: Adventure on Location
Where the film does recapture some of the original's spirit is in its sense of place. Shot amidst the stunning, rugged landscapes around Moab, Utah (a popular spot for Westerns old and new), the film feels tangible. You see the dust, the heat haze shimmering off the rocks. The horse riding, the river crossings, the clambering over boulders – it’s all practical. Remember how real those arduous journeys felt on tape, before CGI could smooth over every rough edge? Director Paul Weiland, taking over from Ron Underwood (Tremors, City Slickers), leans into the adventure aspect. While Underwood captured more of the emotional heart, Weiland, known then mostly for British TV comedy like Mr. Bean, delivers some decent physical comedy and keeps the treasure hunt moving at a brisk pace. The quest itself involves deciphering clues, facing minor perils, and plenty of bickering – standard adventure fare, elevated slightly by the actors' chemistry, even with the lineup change.
### The Shine Wears Off: Sequel Struggles
Let's be honest, though. City Slickers II didn't quite strike gold like its predecessor. The original blended humour and genuine pathos about aging, friendship, and finding meaning. This sequel leans much heavier on the comedy, often sacrificing emotional resonance for gags and a fairly predictable treasure hunt plot. The central theme feels muddled – is it about brotherhood? Greed? Facing your fears again? It never quite lands with the same impact. It's a testament to the enduring charm of Billy Crystal and Daniel Stern, and the sheer screen presence of Jack Palance, that the film remains watchable and often quite funny. Marc Shaiman also returned to provide the score, lending some welcome musical continuity.
Critically, it was met with a shrug compared to the original's acclaim, and audiences didn't flock to it in the same numbers. While the first film was a surprise smash hit, raking in nearly $180 million worldwide on a modest budget, The Legend of Curly's Gold cost significantly more (reports hover around $45 million) and barely recouped that investment at the domestic box office, pulling in about $43 million. It became more of a reliable weekend rental than a cinematic event – a common fate for many 90s comedy sequels.
### Rating and Final Thought
VHS Heaven Rating: 6/10
Justification: City Slickers II is undeniably a lesser film than the original. The emotional core is weaker, the plot is more contrived, and the absence of Bruno Kirby is felt. However, Jon Lovitz offers some genuine laughs, Jack Palance's return (however improbable) is a joy, and the practical adventure elements shot on stunning locations provide solid entertainment. It captures that specific mid-90s sequel vibe – trying hard, occasionally succeeding, but ultimately living in the shadow of what came before.
It's like finding fool's gold – looks shiny and promising from a distance, and it's fun to hunt for, but it doesn't quite hold the same value as the real thing. Still, for a nostalgic Friday night viewing, you could do a lot worse than revisiting Mitch, Phil, and... well, Glen and Duke.