“Running Out of Time 2” DVD Cover
Director: Johnnie To
Co-director: Law Wing Cheong
Cast: Lau Ching-Wan, Ekin Cheng, Kelly Lin Hsi-Lei, Hui Siu-Hung, Lam Suet, Ruby Wong
Running Time: 95 min.
By Ben Poppel
About ten minutes into this film you realize. Wait, a minute, I have witnessed this scenario before. Then you recognize you are watching the follow-up to the blockbuster film Running Out of Time. And what about the sequel? Does it live up to the hype? Is it as good as the first one? Well, Yes and No. It is hard to replace Andy Lau, he was just so good. But Lau Ching Wan returns with astonishing brilliance as always. And it is kind of nice to see Ekin in a role where he doesn’t rely on his quasar fighting skills to sell tickets.
Gripes: The story is definitely nothing we haven’t seen before. Man steals objects and wants ransom. The comedic mood is nice at times but can quickly get annoying (especially all the idiotness coming from the dumb nut chief, give it up will yea) And the somber music (basically a little different rendition of the first one, doesn’t mix well with the humor). Is this supposed to be a intriguing thriller or a comedy? At times it can’t make up its mind. But the most annoying thing of the whole movie was the damn eagle. This was the lamest excuse for CGI (even though the scene towards the end gives it a run for its money, you will see, all I will say is tightrope). The scenes with the eagle were ridiculous, stupid, lame, and just should not of been in this film. I hate that eagle. It was so fake looking, kick ass retarded and just bizarre for this movie. I can’t believe there was a whole chase scene involving the lovable eagle. Okay, enough about the charming bird.
Oh yeah, this film also had pretty Kelly Lin. Was she falling for Lau Ching Wan? He must be ten years older. But what do I know. Well, maybe I could see why she looked like she added ten years to her life with that terrible hair do at the end of the film (you will see what I mean if you watch the movie.)
Anyway, this movie entertained. In my opinion wasn’t near as good as the first one. The action-suspense scenes were just not as good, original or gripping, (I did like the chase scene on the bikes though). The comedy mix was good up to a point and the cast was pretty well rounded. A worthy sequel, but not spectacular.
Ben Peppel’s Rating: 8/10 (this is being a little generous)
