"French Connection II," though generally less exciting than its famous progenitor, has the happy distinction of being a sequel which isn't a letdown.

The new "Connection" is a knocked-out blockbuster of a movie.

The central character, Popeye Doyle, is again played by Gene Hackman and seems to be a man to root for, but there is really nothing to home but ignobility and biceps.

Hackman's superb performance makes Doyle's ordeal honestly cathartic.