Death Wish II

Charles Bronson reunites with director Michael Winner in this highly controversial sequel that sees poor Paul Kersey in Los Angeles and, once again, the target of degenerate muggers/gangsters, who viciously attack his housekeeper and daughter Carol leading to their deaths.

Enraged, Paul Kersey returns to his vigilante ways, bringing on the attentions of New York cop Frank O'Choa (Vincent Gardenia) who is sent to stop Kersey, but ends up helping him instead. Jill Ireland plays Kersey's new girlfriend.

This sequel pulls no punches in the violence and assaults (too much that it could be difficult to watch for some) yet otherwise delivers the expected vigilante retribution in effective and stylish fashion, depicting the stark nature of the streets memorably. Rarely will a film deliver to its core audience exactly what it wants. Bronson killing criminals with no remorse or soul-searching.

Powerfully presented, the film is not quite as well made as the first, but remains a guilty pleasure for those who want to see satisfying vigilante drama with their favourite actor delivering it without mercy. The ending is marvellous, and a perfect coda for the mission/fate of Paul Kersey.