This bigger budgeted sequel to Philip Rhee's surprise hit action-drama, caries a storyline that is one of the main reasons I hated 90's American martial arts films. A good looking, rich guy, who is the champion and creator of an underground Bloodsport style tournament, invites only the rich to attend, who dress in their finest and cheer for more violence, as half naked showgirls lie around with the legs hanging open with fireworks going off. It's a over-used, cliched and dated plot that has never looked good. Taking part in that tournament is Chris Penn, which of course, is going to be the thorn in his team mates sides as the story rolls on. I must also add that every time he comes out into the ring, I can't help but laugh uncontrollably, as he looks utterly ridiculous and unconvincing as a fighter warming up!
Director Rob Radler returns with a better grip on things, with the team back in action except for John Dye. Roberts son has now grown and has also taken a big interest in the martial arts, keeping the family drama side of things going as he jumps between all 3 father-figures for guidance. And although it keeps that drama strong, Best Of The Best 2 flows a little more natural this time laying off the cheese and darkening its tale with violence and in tone. While it didn't fare well on release, it comes across as a much better made movie than the first, and screams Van Damme in its style.
Ralf Moeller, who ironically stared with Van Damme in Cyborg and Universal Soldier, stars as the villain of the piece, Brakus who incidentally, kills Penn in a tournament fight. Of course, his pals and team mates Roberts and Rhee, are going to take revenge for his murder, now that they are action heroes instead of sports fighters...
While Roberts has lost that ghastly hair-do from part one, we get to enjoy the harsh 90's fashion that looks dreadful on everyone. Luckily, the baggy, bright coloured clothes don't distract from the better fight scenes, harder stunts and violence on offer that give the first films 2 best fighters, a chance to showcase more moves!
This style would continue into the following sequels, although Rhee would be the only star appearing in those. Halfway through the film, the heroes go to stay and train with a family of Native Americans to hone their skills and prepare mentally to beat Brakus. For me, it kinda dips here, stepping for too long out of the darker tone it ran with and filling it with some nice desert training - something that may have been great to see in the first. Alas, trouble isn't too far behind and soon, the violence and action kick back in. From here, the last 40 minutes is pretty much non-stop with plenty of fighting, action and stunt work to please the fans.
Best Of The Best 2 isn't the greatest martial arts action film ever made, but it does entertain. Yes it has some cheesy lines, but I find this series a bit more palatable than say, the American Ninja series. With the film being a box office flop on release, the next 2 sequels would go straight to video focusing on Rhee as the leading man. I only wish we could have got to see more of him as an action hero as I enjoy him more-so, and think he is a much better actor and mover than the likes of Don 'The Dragon' Wilson, who has done pretty well...
Overall: Except for its dated plot-line and a few silly moments, Best Of The Best 2 is an improvement on part one for action fans and great entertainment!
Director Rob Radler returns with a better grip on things, with the team back in action except for John Dye. Roberts son has now grown and has also taken a big interest in the martial arts, keeping the family drama side of things going as he jumps between all 3 father-figures for guidance. And although it keeps that drama strong, Best Of The Best 2 flows a little more natural this time laying off the cheese and darkening its tale with violence and in tone. While it didn't fare well on release, it comes across as a much better made movie than the first, and screams Van Damme in its style.
Ralf Moeller, who ironically stared with Van Damme in Cyborg and Universal Soldier, stars as the villain of the piece, Brakus who incidentally, kills Penn in a tournament fight. Of course, his pals and team mates Roberts and Rhee, are going to take revenge for his murder, now that they are action heroes instead of sports fighters...
While Roberts has lost that ghastly hair-do from part one, we get to enjoy the harsh 90's fashion that looks dreadful on everyone. Luckily, the baggy, bright coloured clothes don't distract from the better fight scenes, harder stunts and violence on offer that give the first films 2 best fighters, a chance to showcase more moves!
This style would continue into the following sequels, although Rhee would be the only star appearing in those. Halfway through the film, the heroes go to stay and train with a family of Native Americans to hone their skills and prepare mentally to beat Brakus. For me, it kinda dips here, stepping for too long out of the darker tone it ran with and filling it with some nice desert training - something that may have been great to see in the first. Alas, trouble isn't too far behind and soon, the violence and action kick back in. From here, the last 40 minutes is pretty much non-stop with plenty of fighting, action and stunt work to please the fans.
Best Of The Best 2 isn't the greatest martial arts action film ever made, but it does entertain. Yes it has some cheesy lines, but I find this series a bit more palatable than say, the American Ninja series. With the film being a box office flop on release, the next 2 sequels would go straight to video focusing on Rhee as the leading man. I only wish we could have got to see more of him as an action hero as I enjoy him more-so, and think he is a much better actor and mover than the likes of Don 'The Dragon' Wilson, who has done pretty well...
Overall: Except for its dated plot-line and a few silly moments, Best Of The Best 2 is an improvement on part one for action fans and great entertainment!