Escape Plan 2: Hades

Escape Plan 2: Hades fails to capture the magic of the original film, leaving much to be desired. While I was excited to see a continuation of the story, the film ultimately falls flat due to its lack of focus on the beloved character of Ray Breslin, played by Sylvester Stallone. With Stallone's role significantly diminished, he feels more like a background character than the formidable lead we came to appreciate in the first installment.

The film shifts its focus to a new group of characters and their struggles within the titular Hades, a high-tech prison that feels less compelling than the previous setting. While there are moments of action, the narrative lacks the intricate plotting and tension that made the first Escape Plan so engaging. Instead of the clever heists and psychological maneuvers that defined the original, this sequel relies more on generic action tropes that fail to hold the audience's attention.

The absence of Stallone as a central figure detracts from the overall experience, and the character dynamics feel underdeveloped as a result. The film does not capitalize on the chemistry and camaraderie that made the first film memorable, leading to a disjointed viewing experience.

In summary, Escape Plan 2: Hades is a disappointing sequel that lacks the heart and intrigue of its predecessor. For fans of the original, it may be hard to overlook these shortcomings, making it a less-than-satisfying addition to the franchise.

5/10, however it doesn't deserve a rating under 5. Some good actors, and some bad. The script - decent, with flaws. But the movie wasn't boring!

Let's be brief. All of the fighting / action scenes are shaky cam nonsense. 95% of the dialogue is expositional. The direction seems very basic. This feels and looks more like an episode of an American broadcast network crime drama television program, than film. I didn't go in expecting anything and I was left with less.

I was a little bit worried when I learned that it will skip a theatrical release, but still looked forward to it. I really liked the first one and thought that the cast in this one was decent. Sadly, almost nothing about it works.

The script is disastrously bad. The plot and pace are all over the place, making an 85 minute movie feel long. The cinematography is horrendous. The movie is filled with neon lights that are almost headache inducing. The fight scenes are banal and are there just for the sake of it. There are Sci-Fi elements that serve little purpose and don't really fit. Oh, and Stallone and Batista are secondary characters. This would not be a problem if the main characters were interesting, charismatic or well written, but they unfortunately are none of those things.

I enjoy B movies. For me, everything can be forgiven if the movie is fun. But this is just boring.

Whereas the first "Escape Plan" movie was no stroke of brilliance it actually might just have been in comparison to the rubbish that is "Escape Plan 2: Hades".

Wow, talk about a ridiculous storyline if there ever was one! This is the sort of sequel that should never have seen the light of day and it is unfathomable of how something as abysmal such as this came into existence.

Poorly written storyline and script, and the acting performances in the movie, despite there being some well enough action stars here, was just questionable. It was as if the actors themselves didn't even buy into the storyline. This was definitely not one of the brightest moments in Sylvester Stallone's acting career.

There is a lot of action and fighting in the movie which is the one and only thing the movie has working for it.

If you are going to watch an "Escape Plan" movie, stick with the first one and give the sequel a wide berth...