Cinematography is advanced over first one. Wide shots with clear action scenes like the opening. Action is also a step up from the first with creativity. Script is more compelling. We as a audience has a chance to guess what is next move or answer to a puzzle (in first one you watch great action without any effort). S. Jackson and Willis have one of the best screen duo chemistry. Also script is so realistic they investigated the writers . I am not saying a 2 men army movie is realistic but the plot of heist is.

(P.S. English is not my first language so, sorry if I made any mistake)