About Hot Shots! Part Deux

Hot Shots! Part Deux is a 1993 parody film directed by Jim Abrahams. This movie, a sequel to the 1991 film 'Hot Shots', is a satirical take on war films, particularly referencing popular movies like 'Rambo'. The film humorously continues the adventures of former fighter pilot Topper Harley, who is called out of retirement to rescue hostages in the Middle East.

Making / Production

Jim Abrahams returned to direct the sequel after having huge success with the first installment. Produced by Bill Badalato, the film was released under the banner of 20th Century Fox. The screenplay, written by Abrahams and Pat Proft, masterfully blends comedy with high-octane action.

Actors

• Charlie Sheen as Topper Harley: Sheen returns as Topper Harley, playing the character with his signature comedic brilliance and making the action scenes hilariously over the top.
• Lloyd Bridges as Tug Benson: Bridges plays the U.S. President, bringing his comedic timing to a role that satirizes the typical portrayal of politicians in cinema.
• Valeria Golino as Ramada Thompson: Golino plays the love interest of Topper, offering a perfect comedic counterpart to Sheen's antics.
• Richard Crenna as Col. Denton Walters: Crenna parodies his own role from the Rambo series with a self-aware humor that adds to the overall charm of the film.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film's title, "Part Deux", is a joke about how sequels are usually labeled with numbers in roman numerals.
• Although it's a sequel, the movie self-deprecatingly opens with the title 'Hot Shots 2' crossed out and replaced with 'Part Deux'.
• Richard Crenna's character in this film, Col. Denton Walters, is meant to be a parody of his own character (Col. Sam Trautman) from the Rambo series.

Quotes

• "War... it's fantastic!" - President Tug Benson
• "I could never find time for love. It's too heavy. It's an anchor that drowns a man. Besides, I got the sky, the smell of jet exhaust, my bike." - Topper Harley
• "I'm not saying I don't trust you, and I'm not saying I do. But I don't." - Ramada Thompson

Music, Soundtrack

• The official soundtrack was composed by Basil Poledouris, best known for his work on hit action films like 'Conan the Barbarian' and 'RoboCop'.
• It includes songs like "Only You (And You Alone)" by The Platters and "I'm So Excited" by The Pointer Sisters, used to hilarious effect in the movie.