The Raid 2

Synopsis: The Raid 2

Let me start by saying that I saw "The Raid: Redemption" in theaters on its very limited run after people talked about it as though it was the best martial arts movie ever. I left the theater that day a little disappointed. It was good, cool fighting, great action, but gave me a similar feeling to "Ong-Bak" because of the pointless story. This is why I think I loved "Dredd" so much. The exact premise as The "Raid" but a more fleshed out story, better characters and really cool action. All of this brings me to the "The Raid 2". I felt the reviews for this movie were mostly negative, but the trailer looked really good. I was shocked at how much I loved this movie. The action was intense and the story interesting. I sat there glued to the screen during all filler story parts and found myself yelling and cheering at the fight scenes. The movie was amazing!!




Best:
I will have to give two bests... and a third smaller best. The story was really good. Not the most creative story ever, but really entertaining and kept me drawn in. The absolute best of this movie was the balls to the wall action. My GOD... the action was plentiful and awesome. Some of the scenes were super long and others shorter, but it was constantly awesome. A third smaller recognition goes out to some of the camera shots. There were a couple camera shots that were absolutely mind blowing, from a long single shot to a small single second choice that really made a big difference.

Worst:
I am by no means weak stomached and I can get behind some gore. My wife and I have seen plenty of horror and slasher flicks and have sat through some seriously gorey films, but this movie took it to a whole new level. I found myself wincing often. Broken bones are pretty rough, but then there is ripping a mans head open at the mouth. I easily feel the worst of this movie is the over the top gore and pure brutality.

Overall:
The movie was a perfect example of a great action/martial arts flick. I can count out a multitude of martial arts movies that have amazing action but are damn near unwatchable because of the story. This did not do that. The story was great, the characters were fun (hammer chick, bat guy, claw knife guy), and the action was amazing. I would say the one big negative was the gore and brutality of this movie but it is forgivable. I will say I would never let a kid under... I dont know 14 watch this because it was rough. Its better then the first and better than most action movies on the market today.