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I just got done finishing the first one. I watched the trailer for this and thought it looked like fun. It's a bit more in depth on the idea of the "game" that was in the first one. So besides not having any of the characters/actors from the first one I respect that similarity. It's not really an original idea of course. I'm not watching this for story though of course. I mean the main cast is actually surprisingly cool given that this is a direct to DVD sequel to a film that came out over 20 years ago. Roel Reiné isn't as well known for making original films as he is known for making terrible to somewhat decent sequels to varying film series. Death Race 2, Death Race 3, and 12 Rounds 2 are probably his best sequel work. His worst though is Scorpion King 3 and Man With the Iron Fists 2. The rest are somewhere in between. This is the only film writing credit for both Matt Harvey and Dominic Morgan. George Huang has written a few other films of which I have never heard of though. I want this to be enjoyable, but well it's time to just watch it. Okay that opening wasn't as cheesy as the original, but they still managed to do the close up shot of the arrow. A small thing that I liked from the first that I didn't expect to see here. Those rounds seemed a little short. I'm pretty sure it was just meant to showcase his martial arts skills once again. Oh damn that was completely unexpected. I thought they were just rivals, but the fact they were friends added so much depth to that fatal blow. These fight scenes are a little brief, but they are still quite fun. It looks like Robert Knepper and Temuera Morrison are the Lance Henriksen and Arnold Vosloo of this one. That is an interesting mixture of people. I mean what the hell is a bullfighter doing in this scenario. Well it's definitely different. I will give them that. The set up is much different than the first one which I thought was interesting. Is that guy serious?! I'm surprised that didn't backfire on him. That reminds me of "Cool Guys Don't Look at Explosions". These motorcycles are insane. Oh damn that was brutal and unexpected. Wow they added the single shot in this as well! I was wondering when they would come in. That scene during the credits was useless. Also there was no cameo from Van Damme anywhere to be seen. Despite that I actually preferred this over the first one. The action was excellent which I think is a given when you have Scott Adkins. I thought everyone pulled their weight here even the actors I have never seen before. The bullfighter character surprised me for sure. It's definitely one of Roel Reiné's best films in my opinion. I guess I went in not knowing what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. Just don't go looking for Van Damme and take this sequel for what it is. It's fun and action packed. I'd say check it out for sure.
