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Thu Jul 29 11:38:42 2004:
by special guest hipshaker, Roger Ebert
When word of a sequel to a wonderful film first begins to circulate, just about everyone has the same
thought: "Why can't Hollywood just leave good enough alone?" City Slickers 2, Analayze That, Police Academy
2-8 — these are movies just about everyone agrees are not worth the light shone through the film to
project them.
So when rumors of Hiptop 2 began circulating at the usual Beverly Hills parties and hiptop-fan message
boards, there was a certain sense of trepidation - why mess with a classic? Could the original possibly be
improved upon? "Let's not destroy our pleasant memories of the hiptop with a watered-down sequel designed
only to bring in the bucks from rentals and overseas releases," one person wrote.
And yet, there was also a sense of excitement. Could they beat the odds and retain the popular features of
the first hiptop, while still mixing in enough new stuff to keep it fresh and original? Based on a early
screening at Danger Studios in Palo Alto, I think they have pulled it off - successfully extending the spirit
of the original franchise into this new work, and quite possibly setting the stage for a sweeping trilogy.
You'd be forgiven if at first you expected the worst as the film opens - the role of hiptop is definitely a
skinnier, some would say sexier, model of her former self. Yet quickly the worry of a typical Hollywood
makeover are dispelled - this model immediately shows herself to carry herself a bit more gracefully and move
even more effortlessly than the original hiptop. She radiates with brightness and clarity, and sounds off
with increased clarity (and when necessary, amplitude). Before the plot even develops, you get the feeling
that the sequel is already worth it.
But then, you do find this sequel is more than just a physical makeover. As the story unfolds (no spoilers
here), hiptop connects with other characters more easily, and has polished some rough edges to become a truly
deep character. She has a surprising new range of abilities, suggesting extensive off-screen experience
between this movie and the original. This does create some tension early on - familiar characters have to
learn to interact with her in slightly different ways - but in the it's obvious that these small challenges
are easily offset by improved relations.
Depending on your expectations entering the film, you might be let down a bit - hiptop shares no scenes with
the in-demand Bluetooth character (as had been rumored/demanded by rabid cross-over fans and slash writers),
and the popular Camera character has been eliminated (his characteristics and abilities incorporated
directly into hiptop herself). But if you're looking for a solid piece of work that delivers good looks plus
excitement on the inside, you'll find your ticket to hiptop 2 money well-spent.
Movie Review: Hiptop 2
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