1988 Crocodile Dundee II

This sequel to the surprise hit of '86 came quick, just two years between them. Perhaps in hindsight that was a good thing as this would mark the end of the franchises success.

Paul Hogan once again returned, as did his wife, Linda Kozlowski, in another take on his character, this time up against gangsters who have kidnapped his girl. He takes them from their native New York, to his native Australian outback, and dishes out his revenge.

Action comedies were all the thing in the 80's; we had hits like Beverly Hills cop; critically acclaimed films like Midnight Run, and low-budget video successes like Running Scared. There were the misses too, and plenty of them; such as Michael J. Fox in The Hard Way. Their life was brief but for the most part successful. Paul Hogan does well here to change the story and not give us another helping of a fish-out-of-water story in New York.

The budget was increased for this movie, owing to the huge amount the original took. As a sequel to a loved film it works, and the cast seem to enjoy themselves. The formula, such as it is, was feeling a little jaded and the character created by Hogan clearly does not have far to go. Another sequel, set in Los Angeles and released in 2001, put Mick Dundee to bed.

The movie did gross more than Stallone's Rambo III, who was a character in serious trouble the more it went on. Yet it was up against Coming to America, with |Eddie Murphy at his peak, tough act to compete against.

In total CDII was a hit and audiences lapped it up; it made $239m at the box office. Less than its predecessor, but really very good for a sequel.