Neither Wall Streets have a terrific trama; they're both held by the pseudo glamour and egotistic personalities of the world of Wall Street. This one still had the connection of the heart-broken daughther with the character of Shia LaBeouf that added some extra swirls to a basic story. However, on the first one I don't remember Gekko having a daughter, just a son. I liked watching Michael Douglas and thought he delivered good acting, and ironically or not, he mentions the cancer in the Wall Street system twice.
Although I haven't read the book, based on the preview I was expecting a much better story. The effects are not impressive in such a weak story, and the fights look like choreographies from old, naive movies. The best part of it is Uma Thurman's head.