NyQuil
Big F$&*in Q
Would one recommend watching the first movie before watching this one?
Some of the plot elements won't seem as significant if you don't.
From my perspective, some sequences that are taken directly from the original have an additional gravitas that I think is borne from nostalgia. I'm not sure if it's something that will have the same impact if you watch both films immediately back to back.
I've found that about sequels in general.
I feel differently about sequels that I've seen in rapid succession (for the first time) as opposed to the enduring film experience that includes the time spent in between the films.
In this case, it's an awful long time between sequels. People tend to gloss over the imperfections as it is gradually canonized.
It's a pretty tall task to try and meet the standard of the original film as well as its enduring legacy on the medium.
It would be interesting to hear what you think.