Reviewing "Basic Instinct 2"

Like most people at the time, I was fascinated with the original "Basic Instinct." The famous leg-crossing scene with Sharon Stone was reason enough to see the movie. Most of us really couldn't believe that it took place as it did way back in 1992; some 14 years ago. Therefore, I admit to being curious about the long awaited sequel "Basic Instinct 2." I wondered if the movie would be as provocative. I wondered if the story could be as evasive. And, of course, I wondered if Sharon Stone could recreate the steamy, sultry, raunchy Catherine Tramell after so many years had past. As it turns out, the answer to some of my "wondering" was yes and some were a definitive NO; but not necessarily in that order.

In the sequel, American author Tramell (Stone) is now living in London, continuing her decadent lifestyle. She, of course, manages to get herself into trouble once again. This time she is involved in a car accident that leads to the death of a famous British athlete. Need I explain that drugs and sex are the predominant reasons behind the accident? I won't go into detail here except to say that it is a worthy sequel to Stone's last turn in this role.

Remaining true to form, Tramell remains evasive when the police question her, so they decide to bring in a therapist - - Dr. Michael Glass (played by David Morrissey) to evaluate her for trial. The doctor is, himself, in a bit of a delima, coming out of a divorce and facing the resurrection of an old situation that could effectively ruin his career. Although he fights against it, Glass gets sucked into Tramell's web of lies and deceit. Each time that he thinks he has her figured out, she diverts suspicion in another direction.