Crimson Rivers 2 was better than CR 1

Because it didn't take itself as seriously. The stories adapted for the films (I can't comment on the books as I've not read them and have no intention to either) were both ridiculous but in CR1 there was a belief in the story that failed whereas with CR2 it got played for fun. Jean Reno was better in 2 as he seemed more relaxed and acccepting of his role. Vincent Cassel was superb in CR1, as was his cop character and the investigation he's engaged with that segues with Reno's. The cop in CR2 was not quite as charismatic as Cassel's from CR1 but is played by an equally good and hot French actor, Benoit Magimel, so it's win-win all the way.

I'm a fountain of blood
In the shape of a girl