City under Fire - Die Bombe tickt

Finally got to see this. The sequel to 2017's fun action thriller again stars Andy Lau, but the two films' stories are unrelated. That doesn't mean you're not gonna see Lau defusing bombs again, because that's exactly what's up in the first portion of the film. He and Sean Lau are both bomb squad experts and personal friends, as we get to know very early on. But events happen that force them to be separated and Andy becomes a wanted man.

What transpires from this basic setup is an entertaining action film that's fast paced and almost gripping at times. There is a quick succession of shootouts and chases that doesn't let up until the film's 50 minute mark. It's somewhere in those minutes that the film's flaws become more apparent and the film less involving. You realize that the plot is as generic as they come, with some barely believable twists and turns taking place. And the action grows a bit stale with little inspiration from more successful Asian action thrillers, especially in regard to distracting special effects (so much CGI blood).

Still, there are individual moments here that make up for the film's shortcomings. The ever present threat of nuclear doom hangs over the proceedings, lending SW2 a darker feel than its predecessor. Pulse-quickening bomb defusing sequences offer some of the film's highlights, but that doesn't mean there aren't enough spectacular explosions here to satisfy everyone's destructive spirit.

Having said that, you still remain kind of underwhelmed after it's over. Just a sense that more could have been done with the plot and the film's intensity should have been more frequently on a higher level, given that the runtime sometimes feels stretched out. However, it's a good way to spend 2 hours of undemanding fun if you're up for it, just don't expect a great HK action thriller like we used to get until a few years ago.

Has become one of the best Chinese actors from H.K. He matured perfectly and finally evolved into a completely believable and convincing actor who likes all the great famous actors with house known faces, but the characters he or she played, their images would evolve into those roles they played, no matter their faces so familiar to us, the characters they played became the virtually believable persons on the screen. Andy Lau finally became such actor, he aged well and matured perfectly.

This movie is perhaps one of the very best suspenseful cop thrillers I've ever seen so far. Screenplay, directing, cast, editing, CGI effects, stunt, choreography, montage...and best of all, the voices in Mandarin are so good, almost in impeccable level. The romance between the two main characters was so well performed and profound. No unnecessary sexual scenes, only embraces and one last kiss.

The female leading actor, a truly talented natural performer I rarely found in Chinese movies, a great future star ensured.

If I have to find a flaw, it would be the make-up of the terrorist leader, bleached snow white long hairs, white jacket...Jesus, no terrorists, especially the leader would dress and look so outstandingly and so ridiculously obvious; a very bad cartoon character that you don't find he's evil enough.

This movie is like ride on a roller coaster, not even one moment dull or lax, from the very beginning to the final climax. Absolutely well done! A milestone and the highest standard that might not be easy to transcend in the coming years for movie production.

Highly recommended. So why still scored 9/10? Nothing is perfect, but this one is a near perfect one.

Bigger and better - this is the general motto when it comes to sequels, it seems. But is it always better to go this route?

Sometimes sticking to a formula that worked, is better. The first 'Shock Wave' had a simple premise and it was high profile entertainment. It was realistic and therefore more suspenseful. With 'Shock Wave 2' they attempted Hollywood style action sequences with lots of CGI. Although the action sequences are fast paced and well done, they are not necessarily better than its predecessor. Having said that, it is also not bad. It is thrilling and exciting and the stunts are incredible. There is no suspense here, though, and the film is not as intense as 'Shock Wave' was, and doesn't have the same emotional impact of the first film.

Andy Lau is back, but as a different character. His character, Poon Shing Fung, reminds us of Bourne in the original Bourne film, where he can't remember much and trying to unravel his past - trying to determine whether he is a good guy, or the bad guy. For most parts, it works well. Andy Lau is a great actor and the action sequences more than compensated where the plot lacked credibility. There's also an exciting 20-minute finale.

Would I watch it again? Maybe, but I do prefer 'Shock Wave'.

I love it! You will not regret watching this movie. Just one thing, I do wish to see the alternate ending though, that scene will be bomb! Just imagine the CG effect, it may even be comparable to 2012.

Director Herman Yau presented one heck of an outstanding production with excellent directing and cinematography. The writing had a few plot and technical issues, and for the most part was predictable. I feel some filler scenes could've been cut down or out to make the 120 min runtime closer to 100, based on the amount of substance in the storyline. The performances were all on point and convincing, and the fights scenes were perfectly choreographed. The V/SFX were actually quite impressive for the most part, with just a few sloppy CGI scenes. I found the score to be a little cheesy and overbearing, especially in the beginning. Otherwise, it was a fun thrill ride, worth seeing if you're into this type of action films. A well deserved 8/10 from me.