Released: 2009 Reviewed: 11.8.09
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Jason Statham (Chev Chelios), Amy Smart (Eve), Dwight Yoakam (Doc Miles), Efren Ramirez (Venus), Corey Haim (Randy), Geri Halliwell (Karen), Art Hsu (Johnny Vang).
After surviving the assault by an Asian gang in the first film Chev is back in this sequel to track down an Asian mobster who has stolen his heart. Literally. With an artifical heart implant and a battery pack, Chev must constantly recharge the device to stay alive while searching for the man who has been implanted with his heart.
This one kicks off with a bit of plot history while jumping right into the action and plot development at the same time without taking a breath in between. After that the movie becomes a wild and crazy ride of adrenalin pumping action with plenty of nudity, violence and sex. Throughout the film we are treated to overlaid text windows telling Chev what he can do with himself. Add in a bit of cheeky humor, forget the laws of physics or human physical limitations, try not to think while sitting back an enjoying this one. The plot is really just a basic reason for everything that happens, not something to be resolved or followed. This is about action, sex, and violence pure and simple.
Acting was a minor inconvenience in this one. Statham was seriously underused while Smart was her usual self, Yoakam delivered as usual, and the remainder of the supporting cast was mediocre. There just isn't much to say about the acting here.
Camera work was painful throughout the film. If you are the least bit epileptic don't watch this as it may cause seizures. Actually, it may cause them anyway. The jerky, quick change action made the film quite difficult to watch though it supported the adrenalin rage of the film quite nicely. Sets and backgrounds were well done. Special effects, both mechanical and physical, were nicely done. Gore and violence were also nicely done. No doubt this film had a budget, I'm just not sure what it was used for at this point. Dialogue was mediocre while the soundtrack was nice with a good variety of well known tracks.
Overall this just didn't feel like a quality film. It felt more like a disjointed attempt by a group of meth-addicts who never saw the first film, didn't realize the possibilities of the script, and decided to use their budget on more drugs instead of the film. This is a love it or hate it film but you will have to watch it to figure out which it is for you. Plenty of violence, gore, nudity, graphic sexual content, and strong foul language so save this for adults and above.
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