The
Raid 2 (2014/Sony
DVD)
Picture:
B Sound: B Extras: B Film: A
The
Raid 2
is a sequel that is almost as thrilling as its predecessor.
Following immediately after the events of The
Raid
(2012, reviewed elsewhere on this site), Rama (Iko Uwais) is forced
to reinvent himself as an undercover cop in order to provide
protection for his wife and child. Working for the anti-corruption
task force led by the only person he has left to trust, Bunawar, he
is given a mission to engage himself as an enforcer for a local mob
boss, Bangun. Finding a way in through Bangun's son Uco, Rama must
hunt for information linking Bangun with police force corruption.
All the while, he harbors a dangerous and personal vendetta for
revenge and justice that threaten to consume him - and bring both
this mission and the organized crime syndicates down.
The
fight choreography and action sequences are absolutely breathtaking.
Director Gareth Huw Evans has really stepped it up a notch with this
one, whilst at the same time making a film that is miles better than
other recent action films like The
Expendables.
Hopefully he will do a film here in the U.S. because I'm sure he
could do a genre property justice. If you are a fan of action, then
this isn't one to miss!
This
review pertains to the DVD version of the film which captures the
original 2:40.1 anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio in standard
definition and lossy 5.1 Dolby Digital track with English dubs,
Indonesian/Bahas, and Spanish (Latin) language tracks. Subtitles are
also on the disc in English and Spanish. Total runtime for the
feature is 150 mins. I'm sure the Blu-ray version of the film is
gorgeous and can't wait to pick it up.
Special
features on the disc include Director's
Commentary, Q and A with Gareth Evans, Iko Uwais, and Joe Trapanese,
and The
Next Chapter: Shooting a Sequel.
-
James Harland Lockhart V
www.vimeo.com/jamielockhart
