Police Story 2 is the second film in a series directed by, and starring Jackie Chan. It follows goofy Hong Kong ubercop Chan Ka Kui as he continues his policing career. In this film, a group of deranged bombers targets a large corporation for ransom, or else the bombers will commit act of terror on populated buildings they own. Chan, however, has been relegated to traffic cop, after his expensive and dangerous antics from the last film. He also has to contend with thugs hired by a drug-kingpin he has thrown in jail. To complicate manners, he has a falling out with his "charming" girlfriend. How can he solve all of these problems?? This film is a bit of a let down, after the incredible first instalment in the series. The action in Police Story 2 feels much less real and gritty than the first film. Action scenes even feel like they have punches and kicks sped up in post processing. The film also over-emphasizes the goofy comedy that the first film had. Although still charming at times, it feels forced in this instalment. For example, one character always has his glasses broken. Very high brow comedy, right? Chan's girlfriend May, played by Maggie Cheung, once again has a falling out with Chan over his over-zealousness at work. Again, this plot line feels as forced as some of the humour in the film, however it does lead to a few touching scenes as May and Chan grapple with their feelings as the terrorist threat heats up.
Was this a great film? No, not really. It suffers from forced humour and drama, and some quite incomprehensible issues, like Wa-Wa man, for example. Some of the action feels artificial as well, which for me is the biggest let down. Even so, the film is fun and the action is often quite good. Although there is no "jumping from the top floor of a mall and sliding down Christmas lights" scene like in the first film, there are some great falls, fights and stunts that are worth watching. Jackie Chan is charismatic, funny and frighteningly loose with his stunts, which is he is so great on screen. All in all, a fun but flawed increment in the Police Story series of films.
Was this a great film? No, not really. It suffers from forced humour and drama, and some quite incomprehensible issues, like Wa-Wa man, for example. Some of the action feels artificial as well, which for me is the biggest let down. Even so, the film is fun and the action is often quite good. Although there is no "jumping from the top floor of a mall and sliding down Christmas lights" scene like in the first film, there are some great falls, fights and stunts that are worth watching. Jackie Chan is charismatic, funny and frighteningly loose with his stunts, which is he is so great on screen. All in all, a fun but flawed increment in the Police Story series of films.