**Better than the first!** This action packed sequel moves like a runaway train! William Friedkin's film was excellent - yet contained too many scenes of people sitting in cars watching other people go in and out of buildings - the stakeout scenes bring the film to a halt. The scenes were integral, yes, but they are a damn drag to sit through. Frankenheimer's _French Connection II_ is a superbly acted and taut thriller that contains a substantial amount of humour too! The perfect movie. Hackman's finest performance can be found here and his harrowing withdrawal from heroin is a wonder to behold. Yes, this is an action packed masterpiece and I thoroughly recommend it to fans of gritty 70's cinema.