Plot: What’s it about?
The Hong Kong police force is proud of it’s officers, especially those who elevate themselves to the reputation of “supercop,” a title achieved by hard work, dedication, and honor. These agents are the best their country has, and are often used to infiltrate crime organizations and also distributed abroad to help other agencies. The latest member of the force to rise through the ranks is Jessica Yang (Michelle Yeoh), a female police officer with intense dedication to her job. So naturally, when a crime wave is crippling Hong Kong, the police force asks Jessica to step up and target the criminal organization at fault. Of course, she agrees, but there is more than meets the eye to her mission. What Jessica does not know is that her current boyfriend, who recently was released from the police force, is the mastermind behind the crime wave. Can Jessica overcome her feelings and put an end to reign of criminal activity?
Supercop 2 was not at all what I was expecting when I put the disc in the player. I was very excited about the movie, as I enjoy most fast action martial arts movies. I was aware that Jackie Chan had only a small role, and that Michelle Yeoh was the star, but I was still hoping for a fun ride. Alas, I was left wondering what the hell I was thinking, as the movie disappointed me in the action area. Regardless of what the case says, Yeoh is not the female Jackie Chan, not even close. I thought she was great in Tomorrow Never Dies, and her acting is fine in this movie, but the action scenes are lacking, to be kind. She is fast, but lacks the timing and humor Chan offers. Now, the action aside, I liked the movie. The story has a few returning characters from the first Supercop, including Chan, and the director knows the genre well. The story is decent, and the dialogue is so/so. If the action would have been top notch, this movie would have rocked my ass like a masochist. But alas, the action left me wanting to watch the original, so I am stuck giving this movie a thumbs down.
As I said, the action is lackluster and infrequent, but I liked the acting and the storyline. As such, I feel the need to discuss the cast and director a little. First of all, I expected no continuation from the first film, but Supercop 2 brings back both characters and plot, but only memories as far as plot. Even so, continuity is a great thing, and it bumped the movie up a tad in my eyes. Returning from the first Supercop are Michelle Yeoh (of course), Jackie Chan (Rumble In The Bronx, Twin Dragons), and Bill Tung (First Strike, Police Story 1&2). Director Stanley Tong is an excellent action/adventure director, and his experience shows here, with superb camera work and scenery. Tong also helmed Rumble In The Bronx and the original Supercop film. I might be too harsh on the movie, but I was expecting a fun action movie, and I didn’t get it. Supercop 2 is a decent movie, and I think it would make a good rental for a night with the guys, but I recommend against a purchase, unless you’ve seen and liked the film.
Video: How does it look?
Supercop 2 looks very good, with a clean print presented in 1.85:1 widescreen. Aside from not being 16X9 enhanced, there’s not much wrong with the image. Color levels look natural, not overly bright, with little bleeding or oversaturation. There is some fantastic scenery shown which looks out of this world in this transfer. Black levels are strong, no detail loss to be found.
Audio: How does it sound?
Aside from the occasional techno song, no audio found here will stimulate your system. Dialogue is clear, although some drops in volume occur from time to time. A decent mix, but the movie doesn’t need anything better. The effects and music sound the best, and the 5.1 mix does the best it can with this material.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Yeah right, not even a trailer.
