Watch Backdraft 2

Backdraft 2, a 2019 action thriller that serves as a sequel to the original movie, is a thrilling ride that manages to build upon the original while remaining faithful to its roots. Directed by Gonzalo López-Gallego and starring Joe Anderson, William Baldwin, Donald Sutherland, and Alisha Bailey, the movie is a high-energy firefighting thriller that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

The story takes place several years after the events of the first movie, with the focus shifting to Sean McCaffrey (Joe Anderson), the son of the original film's protagonist. Sean follows in his father's footsteps and becomes a firefighter, using his knowledge of arson investigation and firefighting techniques to track down a dangerous pyromaniac who is setting fires all over the city.

William Baldwin reprises his role as Brian McCaffrey, Sean's uncle who is now a high-ranking fire department official. Baldwin brings the same intensity and gravitas to the role that he did in the original movie, and his dynamic with Joe Anderson's Sean is one of the highlights of the film.

Donald Sutherland is a welcome addition to the Backdraft universe, playing Ronald Bartel, a retired firefighter who has written a book about his experiences on the job. Bartel becomes a mentor to Sean, providing him with valuable insights and guidance as he investigates the arsonist.

Alisha Bailey rounds out the main cast as Maggie Rening, a young firefighter who joins Sean and his team as they try to stop the arsonist. Bailey does a great job of bringing a sense of vulnerability and determination to the role, and her chemistry with Anderson's Sean is palpable.

One of the things that sets Backdraft 2 apart from other action movies is its focus on the technical aspects of firefighting. The movie goes into great detail about the various tools and techniques used by firefighters, and the scenes showing the team battling blazes are both thrilling and informative.

At the same time, the movie doesn't skimp on the action, with several pulse-pounding set pieces that will have viewers on the edge of their seats. The final act is especially intense, as Sean and his team race against the clock to stop the arsonist before he can set off a catastrophic explosion.

Despite its impressive action sequences, Backdraft 2 also has a strong emotional core. The relationship between Sean and his uncle Brian is one of the film's most engaging elements, with the two men navigating their complicated family history while trying to put their skills to use in the face of danger.

Ultimately, Backdraft 2 succeeds because it stays true to the spirit of the original movie while also forging its own path. It's a thrilling action movie that will satisfy fans of the genre, but it's also a touching story about family and the sacrifices that firefighters make every day to keep their communities safe.

Backdraft 2 is a 2019 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.