A massive improvement when compared to its forgettable predecessor, Wolf Warrior 2 brings essential upgrades to almost all aspects and makes for an action-packed & thoroughly entertaining sequel. All the jingoistic touches & national glory is still there but this time, it goes international as the story lets the Chinese military step out of its own borders and play the role of global peacekeepers, something that USA loves to portray itself as.
Co-written & directed by Wu Jing, the film makes a solid impression in the opening scene itself - a masterly shot & brilliantly choreographed underwater fight segment filmed in a single take and it only elevates from there on. The plot exhibits a better structure, focuses mainly on the lone wolf than the wolf pack and is more balanced in its narrative approach. Wu also ups the action, destruction & body counts with a dynamic display of violent gunfights & athletic prowess.
The setting moves from mainland China to Africa and its depiction is no different from how Hollywood perceives the Africans to be: people without nationality and smeared in blood, sickness & poverty. Nevertheless, the enhancements in other aspects helps keep the interest alive and it never runs out of action, thanks to its never-ending set pieces. Adding fuel to fire is its kinetic camerawork & improved pacing. The gweilo cast overacts as usual but Frank Grillo plays the baddie with finesse.
Overall, Wolf Warrior 2 is bigger, better & bolder than the first entry in all the ways imaginable, and is an explosive extravaganza that's going to appease most genre enthusiasts if not all. Some issues from the previous chapter are still around such as lame dialogues, dodgy CGI, mediocre acting & more. But the advancements in so many departments at once, plus its consistent delivery of intense action makes this sequel a winning material. It isn't without its flaws but after the bore its original was, it sure is a welcome delight.
