Maybe I'm crazy, but I think this THIN MAN is actually
better than the original. The characters are already established, the
mystery is more straightforward and it's much funnier. The story takes off with
Nick and Nora getting off the train they were on at the end of the last movie.
They've arrived in San Francisco and want nothing more than to relax from their
"vacation" in NYC, but when they get home to their mansion they discover that
it's filled with party-goer who are there to welcome them home, plus it's New
Years. There's so many party crashers in the house that none of them even know
what Nick or Nora look like!About then, they are asked to visit Nora's family. They are very high society and stuffy. While there, they discover the real reason they were invited: Nora's cousin has been dating a playboy who is only after the family money. He's purposely disappeared and is hanging out with a dancer who is after the money that he's extorting from Nora's cousin's ex-boyfriend!!! Anyway, Nick and Nora end up at the nightclub the playboy is hanging out at and there's a murder. Nick, only wants to get drunk and celebrate the New Year, but once again he's force to solve a mystery.
Not only is the story on this one much better, the supporting cast is amazing. You'll be especially delighted to see a very young and talented Jimmy Stewart! Even though he's only in his 20's you can tell he's bubbling over with star power. Even among an impressive cast like this he stands out.
If you only have time to see one THIN MAN movie, I'd recommend this one. The original is good and 3 and 4 are great, but for my money Part 2 is the best of the entire series. My favorite line is when Nick is standing in the kitchen in the middle of the night and somebody throws a rock through the window. Nick yells "Hey...don't forget to shut the gate!" Hahahaha! Jesus Christ, William Powell in his prime was the best. You could've given that line to a thousand actors and none of them would have came close to Powell's perfect delivery.
Part 1 - The Thin Man (1934)
Part 3- Another Thin Man (1939)
Part 4 - Shadow of the Thin Man (1941)
Part 5 - The Thin Man Goes Home (1945)
Part 6 - Song of the Thin Man (1947)
