November 6: Aliens Make Sad Attempt at 'Second Arrival' in 'Arrival II'

Many times (and I do mean many) a sequel is made to a film for no good reason at all. It just feels like the director of the original said everything he wanted and needed to in that one stand-alone film. Unfortunately, studios and producers don't necessarily agree. Especially when they can smell an opportunity to release a straight-to-DVD movie or lower budget theatrical follow-up and make more money. "Arrival II: The Second Arrival" very much feels like there was no other motivation to the making of the film than to exploit an opportunity to make more money off the original concept.

Much like its rather redundant title, 1998's "Arrival II: The Second Arrival" is just more of the same without any of the big-name actors from the first film. There are no stars in the film to carry it like Charlie Sheen, Ron Silver, or even Teri Polo did with "The Arrival." On top of that handicap, the budget for the film was one-fourth that of the first film. So much for trying to excel in the special effects department to distract from the lack of an exciting cast.

As far as actors are concerned, we got soap star Patrick Muldoon ("Days of Our Lives") filling in for Charlie Sheen as his stepbrother. Jane Sibbett of "Herman's Head" and "Santa Barbara" portraying reporter Bridget Riordan, who attempts to help Muldoon's character expose the alien conspiracy. Canadian actor Michael Sarrazin ("They Shoot Horses, Don't They?") took the role of Professor Nelson Zarcoff.

In "Arrival II," it's been two years since the events in the first movie. Sheen's character is found dead from an apparent heart attack, but we all know the aliens caused it. Three scientists, a reporter, and Sheen's stepbrother all receive letters exposing the alien conspiracy to take over the Earth. It's their job to find a way to stop the attack before it's too late. Who are aliens disguised as humans and who can be trusted?

Kevin S. Tenney directed "Arrival II: The Second Arrival." Tenney had already made a small name for himself helming such cult classic genre films as "Night of the Demons," the "Witchboard" movies, and "Pinocchio's Revenge." He also directed Corey Haim and Ami Dolenz in "Demolition University."

None of the major filmmakers from the first movie returned to make "The Second Arrival." There were new producers, new distributors, a new writer, and even a new composer for the movie's score. It really does beg the question why the film was ever made in the first place if not one single person involved in the original wanted to come back.

"Arrival II: The Second Arrival" came out 13 years ago today. It was ill-received by most critics and moviegoers when it was released. All the film really does is serve as a reminder to watch David Twohy's ("Pitch Black") original "Arrival."

For more articles by Eric Shirey, check out:

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Eric Shirey is the founder and former editor of Rondo Award nominated movie news websites MovieGeekFeed.com and TheSpectralRealm.com. His work has been featured on Yahoo!, DC Comics, StarWars.com, and other entertainment websites. Eric has interviewed and worked with actors like Harrison Ford, Brooke Shields, Gerard Butler, Brendan Fraser, Selena Gomez, and many more.