Inspector Gadget 2 (sometimes called Inspector 2 Gadget and IG2) is a 2003 American superherocomedy film released direct-to-video on VHS and DVD on March 11, 2003 as a standalone sequel to the 1999 film Inspector Gadget. Based on the 1983 cartoon series created by DIC Entertainment, it was made three years after Disney lost the rights to DIC Entertainment, as Disney currently owns the live-action film rights to Inspector Gadget.
Unlike the first film (which has a serious and darker tone and received a PG rating), Inspector Gadget 2 received a G rating and is considered a more faithful adaptation of the original animated series; the characters' personalities were altered to more closely match those of their cartoon counterparts and Doctor Claw's face is never shown in full. Additionally, Gadget and Claw are never referred to as "John Brown" and "Sanford Scolex", their respective civilian names from the first film (though Claw's communicator is still labeled as "Scolex Industries"; Claw also reveals to his minions that all his assets, including his "multi-million-dollar high-rise evil headquarters", were confiscated by the police following his arrest in the previous film). Critics praised the cast and faithfulness to the source material but criticized the visual effects, writing, and humor. Some critics considered the film to be slightly better than the first.
None of the actors from the 1999 film reprised their roles, except for D. L. Hughley, who returned as the voice of the Gadgetmobile.
Plot
Inspector Gadget and his Gadgetmobile are having problems in their line of work, mostly because Gadget is overreacting to minor crimes. Chief Quimby angrily puts Gadget on probation after Quimby's mother is charged for going slightly above the speed limit on a mostly-deserted highway. At this time, Dr. Claw escapes from prison, seeking to exact revenge on Gadget for putting him in prison and to restart his multi-million-dollar empire. Mayor Wilson takes this opportunity to create and unveil an upgraded female Gadget-type robot, Gadget Model #2 (G2 for short), believing that the malfunctioning Gadget will soon be undone. Gadget begins to fall in love with G2, though she does not reciprocate as she prefers to work alone, viewing him as a nuisance but simultaneously appreciating his determination to fight crime.
Dr. Claw hatches a new plan to steal 5 trillion dollars worth of gold from the Federal Reserve. Gadget repeatedly attempts to stop him, but is continually foiled by his own bumbling and gadgetry glitches, which allow Claw's henchmen, Brick and McKibble, and their three additional recruits (Squint, Jungle Bob, and The Ninja) to steal components for the scheme unnoticed; his antics also prevent G2 from stopping Claw. Increasingly frustrated, Quimby eventually fires Gadget after Claw's men install a circuit override chip on Gadget at a science convention, allowing Claw to control him like a puppet and cause significant damage. Penny offers to help, but is warned against getting involved due to her age.
Following several unsuccessful jobs, Gadget is hired as a parking valet. Claw infiltrates a fundraiser hosted by Wilson and activates a bowling pin containing laughing gas to distract the guests as he steals a 50,000-karat ruby on loan from the Rajah of India, before trapping G2, who is immune to the gas, with a magnet. Afterwards, Claw and his minions escape, but Gadget fails to recognize them. Wilson orders Quimby to deactivate G2 and terminate the Gadget program in order to distract the public from the police's incompetence in stopping Claw.
Deciding to investigate by herself, Penny eventually finds and infiltrates Claw's hideout at the abandoned Bowl-Rite factory outside the city. However, she is captured by Claw and his minions. Gadget ventures to the laboratory of his scientist friend Baxter to reactivate G2, who realizes that Gadget truly cares for her. Brain, having escaped Claw's men, tells them through Baxter's bark translating device that Claw has kidnapped Penny and has used the three stolen supplies (ionic fuel cells, a protoid laser, and a ruby) to build a super-weapon. Upon realizing that Claw is based in the Bowl-Rite factory, Gadget finally connects the evidence Penny previously presented to him, and G2 agrees to help him save her and foil Claw's scheme.
The next day, Claw activates his machine: a laser that freezes time in Riverton, allowing Claw and his henchmen to easily rob the Federal Reserve. The Gadgets manage to avoid the weapon's blast, and confront the group there. Claw orders his other minions to attack the pair so he, Brick, and McKibble can proceed to ultimately use the laser on the entire world so that he can rob other valuables, but the pair decide to switch chips so that Gadget can function perfectly; despite glitches, G2 successfully captures Claw's hired goons. Gadget pursues Claw, who drops Penny off the truck in a go-kart loaded with explosives. After he rescues her, both reunite with G2 and the Gadgetmobile. At a bridge, Gadget stops Claw's truck with a puddle of bubble gum. Brick and McKibble attempt escape, but get stuck in the puddle and are arrested. After Claw escapes in a rocket-like pod, Penny and the Gadgets reverse the effects of the lazer and unfreeze Riverton.
Wilson and Quimby congratulate the Gadgets for their heroic efforts, with Gadget, having been happily reinstated by Quimby, also giving credit to Penny, admitting he is proud to have her as a partner and awarding her a Junior Inspector Medal for her meritorious conduct. As Gadget and G2 share a kiss outside the city hall, fireworks emerge from Gadget's hat. A firecracker lands right near Quimby and Wilson and explodes shortly afterwards, causing both of them to angrily yell out to Gadget.
Inspector Gadget 2 was released on DVD and VHS on March 11, 2003, four years after its predecessor was released.[2]
Reception
Inspector Gadget 2 received mixed reviews, although more favorable than its predecessor. Rotten Tomatoes reported that 40% of critics have given the film a positive review based on five reviews, with an average rating of 4.4/10.[3]
Joe Leydon of Variety gave the film a negative review.[4]Radio Times gave the film a two out of five stars.[5]Common Sense Media gave the film a three out of five stars, writing that the film has cartoonish violence.[6]
