The fight scenes elevate "Best of the Best 2" to above average territory. Chris Penn is his usual macho self and puts on a good show until he runs into the behemoth, Ralph Moeller (Brakus). Eric Roberts and Phillip Rhee avenge the death of their friend with some spectacular fighting. Special mention must be made of Wayne Newton's smarmy performance as the Coliseum's pompous announcer, someone you'll love to hate. As pure entertainment the film succeeds, because of the enthusiastic performances, and well staged gladiator style battles. Give this one a try if you enjoy martial arts, you will not be disappointed - MERK
49 Reviews
Solid Action Movie
bobafett5016 December 2006
I enjoyed this film because it was not only an action movie with some pretty good fight scenes, but also because it spent a bit of time on character development. Having the son of the main character be a martial arts student who demonstrates discipline and a bit of fighting courage made the movie a bit more dynamic in storyline than some early 90's action films. The character of James played by "Predator" star Sonny Landham was kind of a good family conflict and climax within the movie thus adding some depth. I found the movie fairly basic in terms of predictability, but it did have some spice within the plot. The fighting scenes were overall better than many other action films with animated injury sound effects and some good breaking clips. Overall the movie was enjoyable.
Good, bad, and ugly
pmacattack8415 June 2005
If you want to talk about a movie that's a black hole for careers, let's talk about Best of the Best 2. Director Robert Radler wound up working on Power Rangers episodes, Eric Roberts usually appears in magazines making jealous comments about his much more successful sister, and Philip Rhee...well, the less said about Best of the Best 3 and 4, the better. Ralf Moeller, the chief bad guy, usually winds up playing the big sidekick, most visibly in Gladiator. Ironically, he's probably made out better than anyone else involved, save for the invincible Wayne Newton.
Judged by the standards of its genre, the movie isn't entirely terrible. Judging action movies on the same scale as more respectable fare is like expecting your 59 cent hamburger to taste like steak, and Best of the Best 2 is better than a lot of comparable movies I've seen. The fight scenes are refreshingly high-impact and plentiful, Newton is as deliciously slimy as Richard Dawson in The Running Man, and Moeller makes for a formidable bad guy in the ring. In these respects and others, this movie compares well with better-known movies like Bloodsport or the terrible Kickboxer.
The bad parts are definitely bad, however. The script, as is usual for the genre, consists of the standard tough-guy posturing, but is not even particularly clever at that. Roberts looks like he's being directed to think about his paycheck whenever he's supposed to act happy. Rhee (the real star) does a good job in the ring, but his transformation from calm martial artist to brutal vengeance artist is not really played at all. The bad guys, other than Moeller and to some extent Newton, are completely devoid of menace. The worst part of all - and one of the most cringe-inducing scenes I've ever witnessed - is the first scene with James, where a pathetic drunk's tragic fall is played for laughs. This scene will and should offend almost anyone who understands it.
On the ugly side, the movie's production design definitely reflects its budget. Best of the Best 2 looks and sounds at least 10 years older than it actually is. In style, form, and substance, it's well behind the curve. Some of the violence is really painful to watch, namely two close-ups of Rhee breaking limbs in hapkido arm locks. This is a cheap shot, but Roberts' girlfriend looks like she's about 70. All told, it is not a study in economy. Shot for about the same budget as a Star Trek: The Next Generation 2-part episode, this movie looks way worse.
Is it completely terrible? Well, don't be looking for The Godfather. If some cheesy fighting is your bag, however, you're looking at the right movie. Recommended for genre diehards and 12-year-olds, but not really for anyone else.
Judged by the standards of its genre, the movie isn't entirely terrible. Judging action movies on the same scale as more respectable fare is like expecting your 59 cent hamburger to taste like steak, and Best of the Best 2 is better than a lot of comparable movies I've seen. The fight scenes are refreshingly high-impact and plentiful, Newton is as deliciously slimy as Richard Dawson in The Running Man, and Moeller makes for a formidable bad guy in the ring. In these respects and others, this movie compares well with better-known movies like Bloodsport or the terrible Kickboxer.
The bad parts are definitely bad, however. The script, as is usual for the genre, consists of the standard tough-guy posturing, but is not even particularly clever at that. Roberts looks like he's being directed to think about his paycheck whenever he's supposed to act happy. Rhee (the real star) does a good job in the ring, but his transformation from calm martial artist to brutal vengeance artist is not really played at all. The bad guys, other than Moeller and to some extent Newton, are completely devoid of menace. The worst part of all - and one of the most cringe-inducing scenes I've ever witnessed - is the first scene with James, where a pathetic drunk's tragic fall is played for laughs. This scene will and should offend almost anyone who understands it.
On the ugly side, the movie's production design definitely reflects its budget. Best of the Best 2 looks and sounds at least 10 years older than it actually is. In style, form, and substance, it's well behind the curve. Some of the violence is really painful to watch, namely two close-ups of Rhee breaking limbs in hapkido arm locks. This is a cheap shot, but Roberts' girlfriend looks like she's about 70. All told, it is not a study in economy. Shot for about the same budget as a Star Trek: The Next Generation 2-part episode, this movie looks way worse.
Is it completely terrible? Well, don't be looking for The Godfather. If some cheesy fighting is your bag, however, you're looking at the right movie. Recommended for genre diehards and 12-year-olds, but not really for anyone else.
Overused storyline, but done very well.
dragonvii14 June 2000
I saw this movie for sale at a local store and decided to check it out, and I have to say, I was impressed. Briefly summarized, this movie is about three good friends who were once champions in a karate tournament, two of them teach karate to young children, and the other fights for money. In a typical turn of events, the third is killed (big surprise) and the two others decide to get revenge. The action is nonstop, and even though this is a reused storyline, the acting is incredible, Eric Roberts is an amazing actor, and he never comes across as fake or overacting, and Philip Rhee is an amazing martial artist. This is a must-see.
Pure Martial Arts Trash
ricardovs273 October 2006
Just sad. That is all I have to say about this flick. Coming from a promising yet common beginning, the "Best of The Best" series had a major lump in this sequence. The guys went free falling and delivered a stupid plot, like thousands of B martial arts movies that we can see everyday. The Three Amigos - Tommy, Alex and Travis - are now living in Vegas and have to face the mortal reign of Brakus, a humongous minion that owns the Coliseum, along with Weldon, his forefront ally. Eric Roberts performance is embarrassing, he really shows that the age is weighing on his shoulders; Sonny Landham is embarrassing, with his camp laughs and wood-faced expressions; Ralf Moeller is embarrassing, mumbling dumb dialogues all over the place and totally clueless; and Wayne Newton did not have to be so cheesy, he has more talent that that. Not even the fights are cool, they look like sub-Van Damme type, with poor choreography and even poorer players. The only good thing about this movie is his length, short enough to not be completely boring, the tremendous effort by the director Robert Radler to save something and the excellent skills of Phillip Rhee, really fantastic. Run away if you can, and try the other two installments, much better that this crap...
Awesome action with a trite plot...
sds529 November 1999
This was a great movie with a lot of great fight scenes. Brakus is depicted as the ultimate evil. It is pretty violent, but if that doesn't bother you then you will like it. All in all a good movie with intense action.
Dropkicking zone...
fmarkland3214 June 2006
This time Eric Roberts and Phillip Rhee return to avenge the death of their former teammate and friend, Travis(Played by the late Chris Penn) seems Travis enjoyed fighting the late night circuits of to the death matches and Travis met his match in the form of Brackus(Rolf Muller, Arnold Schwarzenegger look-a-like) however all bets are off (As is credibility) when Roberts and Rhee scar Brackus' perfection and let him know the son saw everything, naturally this marks them for death. The original was a dopey martial arts time killer that found an audience among those who really like the genre, the sequel though will probably disappoint even them. The movie has too many stupid elements such as Roberts telling the bad guys "My son saw you do it!" which is stupid when you think about it. Also the gladiator arena takes place supposedly underground in a hot disco club. Also one more dash of credibility is that Penn would actually bring a kid to a match where he could get killed. Ridiculous sequel is a lot like Rocky IV in how stupid and terrible it is. Some of it is funny but a lot more of it is boring. Although I must admit Wayne Newton as a fight promoter is ridiculous enough to almost skyrocket this one into camp classic badness.
*1/2 out of 4-(Poor)
*1/2 out of 4-(Poor)
A watchable sequel...
swedzin3 December 2012
Well, this was not a bad sequel, with solid budget and all
it is really watchable. The story continues after five best fighters won a competition against Korea, 3-4 years later. The three fighters Grady (Roberts), Tommy (Rhee) and Travis (Chris Penn) are now good friend and they are enjoying their retirement after championship, but the infamous troublemaker Travis is participating in underground fights in so called "Colosseum", and dies after he challenged a champion called Bracus. And now
as usual
just like in many martial arts films, the two remaining fighters Grady and Tommy are seeking revenge against Bracus and his manager Weldon. This film is strictly for those who love martial arts film, especially for those who are trained in Taekwondo, Hapkino, Karate, or Kung Fu
So don't pay attention to other things like script, or make-up
because there isn't anything special about it. The acting crew is pretty interesting here. We have Eric Roberts, Phillip Rhee and Chris Penn from the first film. Eric Roberts, with his usual performance, trying to look cool, but stiff in tense scenes. He was slightly, a little bit important here, because the real star was Phillip Rhee. Rhee was no longer to show his acting abilities, in this film, he was in his own terrain, to show really cool skills in spectacular fighting scenes. He really showed some good techniques from Taekwondo, Kung Fu, Hapkido and even some Aikido. Chris Penn was there
well we all knew that something bad was gonna happen to him. Not much from him, except that I didn't quite expect him here
I like him more in some serious films with his intense performance. Now, we have Dae Han (played by Simon Rhee) who returns to help Grady and Tommy in vengeance. Our bad guy champion is Bracus, played by Ralf Moeller, best know for playing Conan in "Conan the Adventurer" TV series
well.. they needed someone who is big, strong and imposing
but for heaven's sake
this guy can't talk right
he is like Arnie, even worse. He couldn't even hide his German accent. He wasn't even charismatic or evil
he was only a egoistic, angry tank who is strong and that's it. The real leading villain here was his manager and owner of the Colosseum, Weldon, played by Wayne Newton
who would knew it? A famous Vegas performer and entertainer who nearly played himself in this film, although he didn't sing, but he was OK, really cool. And he has an exceptional high voice. Other supporting actors
we have lovely Meg Foster, oh those eyes
so feminine
and for the real surprise, we have Sonny Landham
Billy from "Predator", love that guy. He was cool. As I said before
this is for martial arts fans and I highly recommend this film to them. Enjoy it.
Not bad, but could be better
Jsimpson520 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
May contain spoilers! This is the next installment of the Best of the Best series. Some of the actors return (Robert, Rhee, Penn, and Gross) along with a new cast of characters.
Alex (Robert), Tommy (Rhee), and Travis (Penn) open a marital arts school in Las Vegas. Travis fights in an underground fighting arena called the Coliseum, for money. After a friend gets killed by Brakus, in the Coliseum, Alex and Tommy going on a mission to stop Brakus.
The violence is turned up in this film, which makes it some what better. The lines are cheesy one liners, like most martial arts films, and give a darker tone to the series.
The fight scenes are done very well, and can be quite brutal at times.
The acting could be better, but like most martial arts films, acting is not the number one concern.
If you like good fight scenes watch this movie, you will not be disappointed.
Alex (Robert), Tommy (Rhee), and Travis (Penn) open a marital arts school in Las Vegas. Travis fights in an underground fighting arena called the Coliseum, for money. After a friend gets killed by Brakus, in the Coliseum, Alex and Tommy going on a mission to stop Brakus.
The violence is turned up in this film, which makes it some what better. The lines are cheesy one liners, like most martial arts films, and give a darker tone to the series.
The fight scenes are done very well, and can be quite brutal at times.
The acting could be better, but like most martial arts films, acting is not the number one concern.
If you like good fight scenes watch this movie, you will not be disappointed.
Better than the first & not too bad at all.
poolandrews30 July 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Best of the Best 2 (the title on the version I saw said Best of the Best II) starts in Las Vegas where US Karate team champion Travis Brickley (Christopher Penn) has been participating in illegal underground fighting, a tournament called & held in The Colleseum under a casino called the Stock Exchange has both great dangers & great rewards for any fighter brave enough to enter. Get past three hand picked Gladiators & the final fight will be with the undefeated Brakus (Ralf Moeller) who kills all those he defeats. Brickly makes it to Brakus but is killed in the ring, witnessed by Walter Grady (Edan Gross) the young son of fellow US Karate champ Alex Grady (Eric Roberts) he tells his father who along with friend Tommy Lee (co-producer Phillip Rhee) want to avenge Brickley's death. However Brakus & his people play unfair & force Tommy to fight in the Colleseum while his armed men set out to hunt down & kill Alex & his son Walter...
Directed by Robert Radler this was the sequel to the somewhat successful original martial arts film Best of the Best (1989) which was also directed by Radler & also starred Roberts, Rhee & Penn as martial artists. While the original was full of itself, wanted to preach a moral message & actually featured very little fighting Best of the Best 2 is an improvement in every way on it's predecessor. The script is far more balanced & far more like what I would call a proper martial arts action film rather than a lesson in how to get on & band as a team. While the original Best of the Best featured only a few very tame officiated fights Best of the best 2 has far more varied action scenes including car chases, shoot-outs, no holds barred fights & even the odd explosion. It's just a far more enjoyable film to watch & has much more action. The switching from an official tournament with fair play to a self proclaimed one where 'the only rule is there are no rules' is a wise move & makes for much more brutal & dramatic combat that includes weapons as well like staffs, silver nunchucks & even a bloke's ponytail. Sitting besides the martial arts fighting is a fairly basic but appreciated thriller as Alex & his kid Walter are hunted down by armed bad guy's, it's nothing amazing but it breaks the film up a little bit. Again the script tries to throw in all sorts of moral messages, from using ones inner strength, realising the importance of family & friendship to if at first you fail to keep trying. The whole script makes allusion's & references to ancient Roman gladiatorial battles from the name of the arena to the fighters themselves being called gladiator's to ancient stone style fighting ring to the costumes. It's not all perfect though, it's fairly predictable, at over 100 minutes it's too long & apparently by some bizarre coincidence Tommy Lee's brother is only one of three people in the entire world who can train someone to beat Brakus, gee that was lucky wasn't it?
The fight scenes are very good here with no CGI computer effects, no machine gun editing & no shaky hand-held camcorder crap. The fights look impressive & look like proper fights where people get hurt, there's none of that ever so slightly embarrassing hugging & becoming best friends like at the end of the original Best of the Best. Having watched the original Best of the Best a couple of days ago I feel I am qualified to talk about series continuity, US Karate team member's Alex, Tommy Lee & Travis return while the other two don't. The villain from the original Dae Han also returns & helps out. Alex is now living in a nice big house rather than with his mom. Travis still likes to wear big Cowboy hats that make him look like a knob. Footage from the original is used during the opening credits. The rating has gone from a PG to an R (here in the UK the original was a 15 while this was an 18) which mean the violence levels have increased, from bloody gunshot wounds to blown off fingers to bloodied fighters Best of the Best 2 is far more brutal than the original. While the original had something like six musical training montages Best of the Best 2 thankfully features about three minus the awful 'Best of the Best' theme tune.
Filmed on a bigger budget than the original Best of the Best this has good production values & looks decent enough, a lot of the cast return from the original with Wayne Newton, Patrick Kilpatrick, Meg Foster & Sonny Landham appearing. Kane Hodder plays a different character but pretty much the same role as he gets beaten up by Alex. It's not surprising that the notable absentee is James Earl Jones who does not appear.
Best of the Best 2 is far more enjoyable than the slushy original, there's more action & it's more brutal, there are proper bad guy's who actually speak English & there aren't as many musical training montages. It's all good & it's all an improvement over the original while being quite enjoyable for what it is in it's own right. Followed by Best of the Best 3: No Turning Back (1995) & Best of the Best: Without Warning (1998).
Directed by Robert Radler this was the sequel to the somewhat successful original martial arts film Best of the Best (1989) which was also directed by Radler & also starred Roberts, Rhee & Penn as martial artists. While the original was full of itself, wanted to preach a moral message & actually featured very little fighting Best of the Best 2 is an improvement in every way on it's predecessor. The script is far more balanced & far more like what I would call a proper martial arts action film rather than a lesson in how to get on & band as a team. While the original Best of the Best featured only a few very tame officiated fights Best of the best 2 has far more varied action scenes including car chases, shoot-outs, no holds barred fights & even the odd explosion. It's just a far more enjoyable film to watch & has much more action. The switching from an official tournament with fair play to a self proclaimed one where 'the only rule is there are no rules' is a wise move & makes for much more brutal & dramatic combat that includes weapons as well like staffs, silver nunchucks & even a bloke's ponytail. Sitting besides the martial arts fighting is a fairly basic but appreciated thriller as Alex & his kid Walter are hunted down by armed bad guy's, it's nothing amazing but it breaks the film up a little bit. Again the script tries to throw in all sorts of moral messages, from using ones inner strength, realising the importance of family & friendship to if at first you fail to keep trying. The whole script makes allusion's & references to ancient Roman gladiatorial battles from the name of the arena to the fighters themselves being called gladiator's to ancient stone style fighting ring to the costumes. It's not all perfect though, it's fairly predictable, at over 100 minutes it's too long & apparently by some bizarre coincidence Tommy Lee's brother is only one of three people in the entire world who can train someone to beat Brakus, gee that was lucky wasn't it?
The fight scenes are very good here with no CGI computer effects, no machine gun editing & no shaky hand-held camcorder crap. The fights look impressive & look like proper fights where people get hurt, there's none of that ever so slightly embarrassing hugging & becoming best friends like at the end of the original Best of the Best. Having watched the original Best of the Best a couple of days ago I feel I am qualified to talk about series continuity, US Karate team member's Alex, Tommy Lee & Travis return while the other two don't. The villain from the original Dae Han also returns & helps out. Alex is now living in a nice big house rather than with his mom. Travis still likes to wear big Cowboy hats that make him look like a knob. Footage from the original is used during the opening credits. The rating has gone from a PG to an R (here in the UK the original was a 15 while this was an 18) which mean the violence levels have increased, from bloody gunshot wounds to blown off fingers to bloodied fighters Best of the Best 2 is far more brutal than the original. While the original had something like six musical training montages Best of the Best 2 thankfully features about three minus the awful 'Best of the Best' theme tune.
Filmed on a bigger budget than the original Best of the Best this has good production values & looks decent enough, a lot of the cast return from the original with Wayne Newton, Patrick Kilpatrick, Meg Foster & Sonny Landham appearing. Kane Hodder plays a different character but pretty much the same role as he gets beaten up by Alex. It's not surprising that the notable absentee is James Earl Jones who does not appear.
Best of the Best 2 is far more enjoyable than the slushy original, there's more action & it's more brutal, there are proper bad guy's who actually speak English & there aren't as many musical training montages. It's all good & it's all an improvement over the original while being quite enjoyable for what it is in it's own right. Followed by Best of the Best 3: No Turning Back (1995) & Best of the Best: Without Warning (1998).
The brain-dead might like it
Nikos726 June 2003
Warning: Spoilers
SPOILERS contained in the 2nd paragraph. This movie is so horrible that it borders on the comic. Actually, it doesn't border, it crosses it. The plot is worse than predictable: It is downright absurd and childishly unreal. All sorts of outrageous things happen for no apparent reason and the director / script-writer do not even attempt to explain them. [My advice for those who don't want to read on is to avoid it at all costs. If someone at home has rented the video, pay them to have the tape immediately returned to the video-store. You'll thank me!]
Hell, why bother to explain why the police, the D.A or any other authority do nothing to solve an apparent murder? "Justice" has to be brought by Tommy Lee and his buddy Alex. Why bother explaining how a chronic alcoholic gets back to being a master fighter in half a day? Why bother explaining how an Olympic (wrestling) champion gets involved in fights in an underground, life-and-death fight-ring? And the list goes on... The usually decent Eric Roberts gets completely lost here, just like all the other actors. Sad!
Hell, why bother to explain why the police, the D.A or any other authority do nothing to solve an apparent murder? "Justice" has to be brought by Tommy Lee and his buddy Alex. Why bother explaining how a chronic alcoholic gets back to being a master fighter in half a day? Why bother explaining how an Olympic (wrestling) champion gets involved in fights in an underground, life-and-death fight-ring? And the list goes on... The usually decent Eric Roberts gets completely lost here, just like all the other actors. Sad!
Disgusting, Violent, Awesome!!
javaAZ29 January 2001
Not quite Jean Claude Van Damme, but still excellent karate action. This is Eric Roberts at his best for sure!! My kids use it to psyche up for football and my girl uses it to get pumped for her judo competitions. If I could find this on DVD I'd play it around the clock!!
Not As Best As Part One
damianphelps9 August 2023
Best of the Best II or B O B as my family calls the series falls dramatically from its lofty origins but still ticks most of the boxes of, lets call it a sports film rather than a fight film.
The did what a lot of sequels fail to do, they kept the band together and its those established relationships that are the core of B O B 2's success.
There are some good fights and some funny moments.
Down side is Walter. He is an annoying character that grates on you after a while and he has a fair bit screen time in this one.
Covers some familiar ground but still works where it needs to work.
A nice follow up effort :)
The did what a lot of sequels fail to do, they kept the band together and its those established relationships that are the core of B O B 2's success.
There are some good fights and some funny moments.
Down side is Walter. He is an annoying character that grates on you after a while and he has a fair bit screen time in this one.
Covers some familiar ground but still works where it needs to work.
A nice follow up effort :)
Decent but not nearly as good as the first one.
elvylanda16 December 2019
Best of The Best 2 is the sequel to the very likeable and cool Best of The Best that came out in 1989.
The big difference with this sequel is that it looks like it had a bigger budget than the first one and it didn't really help in my opinion. While the first one was a charming film with a storyline that everyone can relate to, the sequel struggles to explain the storyline.
Another big weakness for BoTB 2 is the top villains are terrible. Wayne Newton as a crooked promoter? And the actor playing Brakus was a stiff with no charisma. In a perfect world, those two roles would have and should have been given to Billy Drago and Bolo Yeung.
So, check it out if you can find it. Worth a look but nothing good comparable to first movie.
The big difference with this sequel is that it looks like it had a bigger budget than the first one and it didn't really help in my opinion. While the first one was a charming film with a storyline that everyone can relate to, the sequel struggles to explain the storyline.
Another big weakness for BoTB 2 is the top villains are terrible. Wayne Newton as a crooked promoter? And the actor playing Brakus was a stiff with no charisma. In a perfect world, those two roles would have and should have been given to Billy Drago and Bolo Yeung.
So, check it out if you can find it. Worth a look but nothing good comparable to first movie.
Not as good as the first one,but good in an other way.
martymaster14 September 2001
Not as good as the original. In this second movie of Best of the Best,we only see a few of the people from the original.
This movie does not take place in a karate tournement,but instead in the coloseum which is a place where it is arranged illegal fights to the death. This movie has much more hardcore fighting and explicit violence than the original,but it misses those important moments that the original had.
Even though this movie does not show friendship and feelings like the original,it still is very entertaining.
So I advice all fans of the genre to go see this one,because it has some really impressing fighting scenes.
This movie does not take place in a karate tournement,but instead in the coloseum which is a place where it is arranged illegal fights to the death. This movie has much more hardcore fighting and explicit violence than the original,but it misses those important moments that the original had.
Even though this movie does not show friendship and feelings like the original,it still is very entertaining.
So I advice all fans of the genre to go see this one,because it has some really impressing fighting scenes.
Fight time
ctomvelu12 May 2011
Ah, the 1990s and the halcyon days of STV. Phil Rhee returns as Tommy Lee in BOTB2 along with Eric Roberts. They are buddies who must avenge the death of their friend Travis (Chris Penn), who dies at the hands of Brakus, a Dolph Lundgren lookalike who talks like Ah-nuld. There is only one reason for the movie's existence, and that is the almost-constant kung fu fighting. There are a couple of decent firefights as well, especially one staged in the Arizona desert. Rhee is as impressive as ever, and Roberts fakes kung fu reasonably well. The big Native American actor from PREDATOR plays Rhee's blood brother. You understandably will have to suspend your sense of disbelief, as at any moment, our heroes could have been dispatched with a single bullet to the brain.
It Was Good.
Movie-ManDan7 February 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Although not better than the original, Best of the Best 2 has more action and blood. Like the original, it is an inferior copycat of Rocky IV and Bloodsport. Does not mean it sucks, just means it is cheesier and not as good.
Making their returns are Alex Grady, Tommy Lee, and Travis Brickley (Roberts, Rhee, Penn) who now run a karate studio. Funny how they are taekwondo guys in the first and are now karate guys. Travis thirsts more money and enters an illegal fight tournament in Las Vegas where death can happen. Wayne Newton (as a different character) is the sponsor and the audience are rich high rollers that love to see death. That is sickening. Why would people like that want to see people beat each other to death? Who wants to see death in general? All the Las Vegas hotshots love to see it! I know this is just a cheesy movie, but I did not buy it. When Alex's young song, Walter, sneaks in and witnesses the undefeated Brackus (Ralph Moeller) beats Travis to death, he is scarred and tells his father and Tommy right away. Sounds like Rocky IV when Apoolo was killed by Drago eh? The angry duo crash a fancy dinner and tear up the joint, then go on the run. Brackus wants Tommy, and Tommy must fight to the death in order to live another day. All the fights scenes are spectacular and the gunfights are cool too. The subplots are no as good as the ones from the first, but good enough.
3/4
Making their returns are Alex Grady, Tommy Lee, and Travis Brickley (Roberts, Rhee, Penn) who now run a karate studio. Funny how they are taekwondo guys in the first and are now karate guys. Travis thirsts more money and enters an illegal fight tournament in Las Vegas where death can happen. Wayne Newton (as a different character) is the sponsor and the audience are rich high rollers that love to see death. That is sickening. Why would people like that want to see people beat each other to death? Who wants to see death in general? All the Las Vegas hotshots love to see it! I know this is just a cheesy movie, but I did not buy it. When Alex's young song, Walter, sneaks in and witnesses the undefeated Brackus (Ralph Moeller) beats Travis to death, he is scarred and tells his father and Tommy right away. Sounds like Rocky IV when Apoolo was killed by Drago eh? The angry duo crash a fancy dinner and tear up the joint, then go on the run. Brackus wants Tommy, and Tommy must fight to the death in order to live another day. All the fights scenes are spectacular and the gunfights are cool too. The subplots are no as good as the ones from the first, but good enough.
3/4
Action packed sequel that deserves its own merit !!
DeuceWild_779 May 2019
Improved action oriented sequel to the sleeper hit "Best of the Best" ('89), bringing back most of its cast & crew, including director Bob Radler and stars Eric Roberts, Phillip & Simon Rhee, Edan Gross and Chris Penn with Rhee reprising his duties as the main actor and co-producer.
After the events of the first film, the American 'champions' (by heart), Alexander Grady (Roberts), Tommy Lee (Rhee) & Travis Brickley (Chris Penn) set up a martial arts Dojo in Vegas. Troublemaker Travis is secretly fighting at "The Coliseum", a bloody underground full contact competition ruled by the undefeated champion, Brakus (Ralf Moeller) and his ruthless partner Weldon (Wayne Newton). When Travis is merciless killed by Brakus in the arena and Alexander's son, Walter (Edan Gross) witness it, he became a target and the survivors must fight back to protect themselves and revenge their friend...
"Best of the Best 2" offers a change of pace from the previous film, it's less drama oriented and more focused on the action and the displaying of skilled martial arts choreography, once again courtesy of the brothers Rhee. Phillip Rhee looks even in a better shape here and his moves and techniques are a joy to watch.
Eric Roberts' role, besides the top billing over the title, is less prominent than the first, he's merely a sidekick to Rhee, and in the 4 years gap between the two movies he forgot how to move (and the writers forgot his shoulder injury...), but he was still in great shape to a 37 years' old when this movie was made.
The late Chris Penn was in just for the extended cameo and the new addition to the cast, James (played by the late great Sonny Landham from "48 Hrs.", "Predator" & "Firewalker") is one of the best things about this sequel, he stole all the scenes he was in.
The villains are excellent in their wickedness: an impressive debut movie for the former German competitive bodybuilder. Ralf Moeller ("Universal Soldier" and later became Russell Crowe's protector in "Gladiator"); the always sleazy Patrick Kilpatrick; Nicholas Worth and the actor, singer and entertainer, Wayne Newton in a similar role that he played in "The Adventures of Ford Fairlane" ('90).
Meg Foster plays Eric Roberts' love interest, but her role is as much important to the plot as Louise Fletcher's playing Roberts' mother in the original, almost non-existent. Simon Rhee appears briefly, and more towards the end, but this time as an allied to our protagonists.
"Best of the Best 2" moves at a nice pace and keeps the viewer fan of this genre entertained, it's much more 90-ish in tone, attitude, atmosphere and fashion than the original, in the course of 4 years the world changed and the 80's started to disappear (even Roberts sports a short hair in this one). I give it a 7,5, because it lost the 'freshness' of the original film and the absence of some of the main cast (they aren't even mentioned like they didn't exist), but the producers compensate the lack of James Earl Jones, Sally Kirkland and Louise Fletcher with a roll of new characters played by some charismatic 'bad ass' actors.
Followed by two 'direct-to-video' sequels with Phillip Rhee returning as Tommy Lee and serving as the producer and director.
After the events of the first film, the American 'champions' (by heart), Alexander Grady (Roberts), Tommy Lee (Rhee) & Travis Brickley (Chris Penn) set up a martial arts Dojo in Vegas. Troublemaker Travis is secretly fighting at "The Coliseum", a bloody underground full contact competition ruled by the undefeated champion, Brakus (Ralf Moeller) and his ruthless partner Weldon (Wayne Newton). When Travis is merciless killed by Brakus in the arena and Alexander's son, Walter (Edan Gross) witness it, he became a target and the survivors must fight back to protect themselves and revenge their friend...
"Best of the Best 2" offers a change of pace from the previous film, it's less drama oriented and more focused on the action and the displaying of skilled martial arts choreography, once again courtesy of the brothers Rhee. Phillip Rhee looks even in a better shape here and his moves and techniques are a joy to watch.
Eric Roberts' role, besides the top billing over the title, is less prominent than the first, he's merely a sidekick to Rhee, and in the 4 years gap between the two movies he forgot how to move (and the writers forgot his shoulder injury...), but he was still in great shape to a 37 years' old when this movie was made.
The late Chris Penn was in just for the extended cameo and the new addition to the cast, James (played by the late great Sonny Landham from "48 Hrs.", "Predator" & "Firewalker") is one of the best things about this sequel, he stole all the scenes he was in.
The villains are excellent in their wickedness: an impressive debut movie for the former German competitive bodybuilder. Ralf Moeller ("Universal Soldier" and later became Russell Crowe's protector in "Gladiator"); the always sleazy Patrick Kilpatrick; Nicholas Worth and the actor, singer and entertainer, Wayne Newton in a similar role that he played in "The Adventures of Ford Fairlane" ('90).
Meg Foster plays Eric Roberts' love interest, but her role is as much important to the plot as Louise Fletcher's playing Roberts' mother in the original, almost non-existent. Simon Rhee appears briefly, and more towards the end, but this time as an allied to our protagonists.
"Best of the Best 2" moves at a nice pace and keeps the viewer fan of this genre entertained, it's much more 90-ish in tone, attitude, atmosphere and fashion than the original, in the course of 4 years the world changed and the 80's started to disappear (even Roberts sports a short hair in this one). I give it a 7,5, because it lost the 'freshness' of the original film and the absence of some of the main cast (they aren't even mentioned like they didn't exist), but the producers compensate the lack of James Earl Jones, Sally Kirkland and Louise Fletcher with a roll of new characters played by some charismatic 'bad ass' actors.
Followed by two 'direct-to-video' sequels with Phillip Rhee returning as Tommy Lee and serving as the producer and director.
The best of the Best of the Best movies
danielv198919 December 2010
This movie was awesome! I don't remember the last time I enjoyed a martial arts movie as much as I enjoyed this. The fighting is sensational and the performances of the actors are very convincing and even touching in parts, rare for a B martial arts film. I can honestly say I enjoyed this more than the first and consider it the best of the first two. I cannot comment on the other sequels since I haven't seen them but I will definitely check them out. If you are looking for a great authentic action and martial arts film that is chock full of mindless and brutal violence, then look no further. As I was watching the movie, all I could think was how did this film managed to slip through my fingers? Anyway, if you are into this type of thing and see it at your local video store, give it a rent. You'll be glad you did. Bottom line: this movie rocks!
A Big Step Up
refinedsugar25 September 2023
What does a sequel do to keep the juices running? Easy. You kill off a character. It's the quickest way to establish the story, the revenge in the grand finale and the big bad guy. That's the road 'Best of the Best 2' chooses to go down. I wasn't a fan of the cliche original, but this first of three sequels knows what is it and doesn't try to fight it.
Alex (Eric Roberts), Tommy (Phillip Rhee) and Travis (Chris Penn) returned home champs and set up a martial arts school. When a shady underground Vegas fight promoter Weldon (Wayne Newton) and his champion Brakus (Ralf Moeller) kill someone close to them, it's the boys duty to set things right. The top of the Korean team Dae-han (Simon Rhee) returns as a friend. Tommy turns to his grandma (Betty Calvalho) who raised him for a place to lie low and his estranged alcoholic ex-fighter uncle James (Sonny Latham) helps prepare the men for revenge.
Alex's son Walter now older provides the continued family element. Still training montages. Bonding. Redemption. 'BotB2' does the b-movie formula right. Solid editing, direction. The pacing is good. It doesn't drag. The action delivers both martial arts and gunplay with a good explosion. Patrick Kilpatrick shows up as a hired gun, Kane Hodder is a security guard in a cast full of fun faces. It's weird when a sequel turns out better than the original, but that's exactly the case here.
Alex (Eric Roberts), Tommy (Phillip Rhee) and Travis (Chris Penn) returned home champs and set up a martial arts school. When a shady underground Vegas fight promoter Weldon (Wayne Newton) and his champion Brakus (Ralf Moeller) kill someone close to them, it's the boys duty to set things right. The top of the Korean team Dae-han (Simon Rhee) returns as a friend. Tommy turns to his grandma (Betty Calvalho) who raised him for a place to lie low and his estranged alcoholic ex-fighter uncle James (Sonny Latham) helps prepare the men for revenge.
Alex's son Walter now older provides the continued family element. Still training montages. Bonding. Redemption. 'BotB2' does the b-movie formula right. Solid editing, direction. The pacing is good. It doesn't drag. The action delivers both martial arts and gunplay with a good explosion. Patrick Kilpatrick shows up as a hired gun, Kane Hodder is a security guard in a cast full of fun faces. It's weird when a sequel turns out better than the original, but that's exactly the case here.
It was great!
Stav1320 April 1999
This movie was great! I believe that the violence went with the story. Excellent script, great sound effects editing and best of all a character in the movie was named Stavros! If you are unemployed and have lots of free time, then for pete's sake, watch this film!
Enjoyed it More Than the Original
actionstar-8962527 June 2021
Sequel that I enjoyed more than original due in my opinion a better and beefy script from Max Strom and John Allen Nelson that spins this series in a different direction than adds more tension and excitement to the series. Robert Radler returns to direct and I must say it even seems more competently made by the director.
Mega wealthy moneybags named Weldon (played by Wayne Newton) runs an underground fighting club that at times its fighters fight to the death. Travis Brickley (Chris Penn) ends up fighting the big cheese Brackus (Ralf Moeller). He ends up dying in the fight and his two buddies Alex Grady (Eric Roberts) and Tommy Lee (Phillip Rhee) end up looking for him after Alex's son Walter (Edan Gross) witnesses his murder. The two end up getting trained by Tommy's drunk brother James (Sonny Landham) to be able to beat Brackus.
The story involving Roberts and his son I found was way better than the original and is much needed to the story. It plays out like a ROCKY movie at times and is way more violent than the original due to multiple limbs getting broken, but if you enjoy some martial arts give this one a watch. It might end up being worth a watch. Also starring Meg Foster.
Mega wealthy moneybags named Weldon (played by Wayne Newton) runs an underground fighting club that at times its fighters fight to the death. Travis Brickley (Chris Penn) ends up fighting the big cheese Brackus (Ralf Moeller). He ends up dying in the fight and his two buddies Alex Grady (Eric Roberts) and Tommy Lee (Phillip Rhee) end up looking for him after Alex's son Walter (Edan Gross) witnesses his murder. The two end up getting trained by Tommy's drunk brother James (Sonny Landham) to be able to beat Brackus.
The story involving Roberts and his son I found was way better than the original and is much needed to the story. It plays out like a ROCKY movie at times and is way more violent than the original due to multiple limbs getting broken, but if you enjoy some martial arts give this one a watch. It might end up being worth a watch. Also starring Meg Foster.
A superior, hard-hitting sequel
Leofwine_draca1 November 2015
I wasn't really a huge fan of the original BEST OF THE BEST. It came across as an adult version (but nonetheless family friendly) version of THE KARATE KID, complete with a team of adults competing in a karate championship. The stakes were low and there wasn't a whole lot of excitement to be had. What would I make of the sequel? The good news is that this is a VAST improvement. BEST OF THE BEST 2 jettisons the family-orientated nature of the first film to provide a bloodthirsty, hard-hitting sequel which plays out as a riff on Van Damme's KICKBOXER. There's an illegal fight tournament, death at the hands of a monstrous opponent, and revenge in mind. There's even some '90s-style B-movie action outside of the ring, complete with bloody shoot-outs and the like. It's a heck of a lot of fun.
Eric Roberts, Phillip Rhee, and Chris Penn all return from the first film, although Roberts and Penn have relatively limited screen time. Rhee is the real star here and he holds his own in a series of brutally violent fight scenes. I love the over the top sound effects and explicit violence of these '90s fight flicks and BEST OF THE BEST 2 doesn't disappointment. The German Ralf Moeller (UNIVERSAL SOLDIER) makes for a convincingly tough opponent and the film as a whole is replete with violence and beatdowns.
The supporting cast contains appearances from a number of familiar faces, not least the unmissable Meg Foster (THEY LIVE) who contributes a cameo. Sonny Landham (PREDATOR) has a small but violent role as the man who trains the team. Simon Rhee, Phillip's real-life brother, also returns from the original, and Wayne Newton (LICENCE TO KILL) plays a weaselly fight promoter. Personally, I was more than happy to see Patrick Kilpatrick (ERASER) and Nicholas Worth (GABRIEL KNIGHT 2: THE BEAST WITHIN) in minor roles as thugs.
Eric Roberts, Phillip Rhee, and Chris Penn all return from the first film, although Roberts and Penn have relatively limited screen time. Rhee is the real star here and he holds his own in a series of brutally violent fight scenes. I love the over the top sound effects and explicit violence of these '90s fight flicks and BEST OF THE BEST 2 doesn't disappointment. The German Ralf Moeller (UNIVERSAL SOLDIER) makes for a convincingly tough opponent and the film as a whole is replete with violence and beatdowns.
The supporting cast contains appearances from a number of familiar faces, not least the unmissable Meg Foster (THEY LIVE) who contributes a cameo. Sonny Landham (PREDATOR) has a small but violent role as the man who trains the team. Simon Rhee, Phillip's real-life brother, also returns from the original, and Wayne Newton (LICENCE TO KILL) plays a weaselly fight promoter. Personally, I was more than happy to see Patrick Kilpatrick (ERASER) and Nicholas Worth (GABRIEL KNIGHT 2: THE BEAST WITHIN) in minor roles as thugs.
Better Sequel, Darker Tones!
Movie-Misfit17 June 2020
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!
Excellent Movie
bctxcoll30 May 2000
I saw this movie when I was fourteen, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was an action packed movie, with a great plot and great action scenes. This movie was a rival with any other Oscar Caliber movies! I recommend this movie to anyone who likes martial arts!
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