Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger

What more could you want. Good film based on true story in UK how one man helped change the UKs policies on the corrupt money lending business of credit loan sharks. Follows on from Bank of Dave which again was based on true story. Easy to watch with a true happy ending and involves the famous rock band Def Leppard. Always been a fan and listen to them today, was great seeing them do something like this one and the first one too and why not they are people after all.

Very enjoyable, nice that it was based on true story and that the actual Bank of Dave is still going strong today. Oh and it's got Def Leppard in it too if you missed that.

"Bank of Dave 2" continues the themes of challenging big banks on behalf of the little guy, but it struggles to match the charm and freshness of the first film. The story remains engaging, though the courtroom scenes and action-heavy moments feel less impactful and somewhat forced. Rory Kinnear and Jo Hartley deliver as Dave and Nicky, but the absence of beloved characters from Part 1 is noticeable. Forced subplots, including a bland love story, drag down the film's emotional impact. While Burnley's small-town setting adds authenticity, pacing issues and a weaker supporting cast make this sequel less memorable. A decent follow-up worth watching for fans of the original, but it doesn't quite live up to its predecessor.

After his crusade against The Banks, Dave begins his latest project, taking on the pay day loan companies, to do this, Dave calls on the help of an American journalist, named Jessica.

So, we had Gladiator 2, that was the ultimate remake that wasn't needed, and now we have Bank of Dave 2, another remake that didn't need to be made, but whereas Gladiator 2 is awful, Bank of Dave 2 was at least fun, flawed, but fun.

So, it's cobbled together, the romance is a bit daft, and the thought of Dave the crusader battling some sort of crimelord from the other side of the world is for the birds, but who cares, it's fun, and you can't help but adore Rory Kinnear, back as Dave.

It makes you think, adverts for those pay day loans used to be everywhere, now you don't see them, thankfully.

I absolutely loved Chrissy Metz's performance, I thought she was great, she's very charismatic, and has one lovely voice. Amit Shah as always, I really like this guy, seems able to do anything.

A few minor quibbles, firstly, the courtroom scene, which should have been the crowning moment, the big moment of drama, turned into a sixty second, blink and you miss it scene, it was such a shame.

The first one had a streak of reality, this one felt like a work of fiction.

Flawed, but fun.

6.5/10.

Bank of Dave 2: The Lone Ranger is an unexpected sequel that actually finds a worthwhile story to tell and its greatest strength lies in putting the best aspect mostly front and centre this time. It's hindered by an extremely cliché romantic subplot and it seriously jumps the shark towards the end but it always remains entertaining, enhanced by the continued celebration of a genuinely kind and thoughtful person.

Rory Kinnear is easily the best thing about these thanks to his endlessly loveable presence and the increased screen time only improves his performance by giving him more to work with and his accent is faultless yet again. Chrissy Metz and Amit Shah do a good job making the weakest element work as well as it can since their budding romance is cute enough to almost warrant every diversion taken for it.

Returning director Chris Foggin brings a workmanlike quality to proceedings so it's all solidly constructed without anything in particular standing out. Generally, it's very blunt in what it's doing and a lot of the dialogue really lacks subtlety as it makes grand statements in the broadest and most generic fashion possible, especially when it comes to the songs implemented through karaoke.

While Bank of Dave 2 delivers some enjoyable moments, it unfortunately lacks the heartfelt charm that made the original so special. The first movie resonated with its authenticity and underdog spirit, but this sequel falls short in capturing the same emotional depth.

The script feels overly simplistic, with dialogue that often comes across as contrived and far from believable. Key plot points feel rushed, and the characters-who were so relatable in the first installment-now seem one-dimensional, as if the writers relied on clichés rather than meaningful development.

It's an ok watch if you're already invested in the story, but if you're expecting the same heartfelt narrative and genuine spirit of the first Bank of Dave, you might find yourself a bit disappointed.