Arthur 2: On the Rocks

Arthur 2: On The Rocks, released in 1988, brings back the beloved characters from the first Arthur film. Dudley Moore returns as the eponymous character Arthur Bach, an eccentric and perpetually inebriated millionaire who navigates his way through life with the assistance of his dryly humorous butler Hobson, played posthumously by Sir John Gielgud. Liza Minnelli reprises her role from the first film as Arthur's love interest, the stalwart and charming Linda Marolla.

The film begins with Arthur and Linda now happily married and living the high life due to Arthur's immense inherited wealth. Then, trouble arrives in the form of the malicious billionaire Bert Johnson, played to perfection by Stephen Elliott. Johnson, Arthur's former rival for Linda's affection, decides to take revenge on Arthur by concocting a devious scheme. He buys out Arthur's entire sumptuously affluent lifestyle, leaving Arthur penniless and facing a starkly new world of challenges.

Despite this sudden and drastic downturn in fortune, Arthur remains in high spirits, maintaining his trademark goofiness and drunken charm with over-the-top elegance. However, the harsh realities of a world without money soon hit him, forcing Arthur to grapple with and grow from these new circumstances. Underscored by a theme of love over wealth, the film uses the comedic scenario to explore the complexity of relationships and the life lessons that come with adversity.

Liza Minnelli's Linda, meanwhile, is a solid rock in the stormy sea of Arthur's dilemma. Her character brings a stable, strong, and loving presence, providing emotional support and thoughtful advice to Arthur. The on-screen chemistry between Minnelli and Moore is downright enhancing, taking the audience through a gamut of emotions from laughter to tears and back again.

Despite his lack of physical presence due to the character's demise in the original movie, Gielgud's Hobson remains a central figure in Arthur 2, appearing to Arthur in dreams and flashbacks. The character's classic dry wit and wisdom serve as Arthur's moral compass, an imaginary guide that keeps him grounded — and adds comedic relief even in the most challenging moments.

The movie stands firm on the comedic base provided by the original Arthur, but it is not just a mere successor riding on the charm of the original. Arthur 2: On the Rocks directs the narrative arc towards more emotional depth, revealing more sensitive, sincere, and genuine aspects of the characters, and exploring their personal growth, relationships and hardships with greater nuance.

Moreover, the film's New York settings are stunning, effectively capturing the glory days of the 1980s. It has a sharp and fresh screenplay with dialogues that are sometimes emotionally profound and often hilarious. Director Bud Yorkin crafts the film skillfully, balancing comedic scenes with weighty moments of character-driven drama. The movie doesn't lean excessively on cheap gags and unsophisticated humor but carves out an original and entertaining depiction of life presented through its titular character.

The movie is peppered with cameo appearances including those by Jack Gilford, who earns his laughs as Arthur’s driver, and veteran actor Barney Martin. The original music score by Burt Bacharach adds charm to the film with its mix of jaunty and sentimental tunes.

While Arthur 2: On the Rocks primarily revolves around foibles and miscalculations of its lead character Arthur, it's more than just a slapstick comedy. The film also deals with mature themes like facing adversity, personal growth, true love, and understanding what matters the most in life.

In conclusion, Arthur 2: On the Rocks takes its audience on a drunken roller coaster ride of fun, sentiment, love, and life lessons. The performances, especially those of Dudley Moore and Liza Minnelli, make it an enjoyable experience, with the film managing to impart valuable messages amid the laughs. It may not have the same classic status as its predecessor, but Arthur 2: On the Rocks carries forward the legacy in a style all its own, bringing fun and frolic along with an undeniable emotional resonance to the screen.