Running Out of Time II

This movie is about a cop (Ching Wan Lau) trying to catch a super-clever thief (Ekin Cheng) who blackmails an insurance company headed by a Kelly Lin. Basically, whatever plans the cop tries the thief somehow knows them beforehand. This movie, covered by handsome lead actors, beautiful lead actress and good camera shots of Hong Kong scenes, really has no substance at all. It's all flash, and the flash quickly becomes dull too. I lost all interests a third of the way into the movie, and there is no redeeming quality after that, except for the cinematography, which looks good. Only consider seeing this movie if you can do so for free. Also, consider stopping watching the movie 20 minutes into the movie because it's all the same to the end: BORING. 6/10

RUNNING OUT OF TIME 2 is essentially a remake of the original, only this time Ekin Cheng steps into the role left by Andy Lau (whose character, supposedly, died at the end of the first). As Lau did, Cheng manuevers the same clever cop into his game. Also getting involved is Kelly Lin as a straight laced businesswoman whose important merger is threatened by the thief's games.

Not as good as the original, as expected, but still clever. Although the whole cleverness does seem awfully familiar this time around.

6 out of 10

(go to www.nixflix.com for a more detailed review of this movie or full-length reviews of other foreign films)

I'm sure many people are going to say that this film is not as good as the first one, and they would be right. Many people are going to say that Ekin Cheng is not as good as Andy Lau, and they would be right.....

However, if for nothing else, watch this film for Lau Ching-wan's wonderful performance. He is truly one of the greatest actors in the world. In the last 6 months, he has portrayed a bra designer (La Brassiere), a hip-hop mahjong conman (Fat Choi Spirit, which I have not yet seen), and an ace police negotiator (Running out of Time 2). His performances, including this one, are always a joy. In this film, he is funny, edgy, exasperated, tough, and cool. I thoroughly enjoyed him.

Regarding the film itself, the plot revolves around a Robin Hood-style thief who steals precious art for a ransom, and then challenges a police negotiator to a game of "catch me if you can." The plot is simply an excuse to set up some "cool" scenes between Ekin and Lau, and most of these scenes worked for me. I particularly enjoyed scenes revolving around a smoke bomb in a police station and an extended chase scene which culminated with both participants on bicycles. I was also surprisingly touched by the resolution of a small subplot involving Lam Suet's gambling addicted character and Ekin. This subplot was important to me as it finally allowed me to feel some sympathy for Ekin's character. Some elements of the film didn't work as well for me. The inexplicable speaking of English in various scenes, the ever-present eagle, and the stupidity of Lau's boss immediately come to mind. Those annoyances aside, I enjoyed this film. Lau Ching-wan was wonderful and director Johnnie To included some signature style. Finally, regarding Ekin Cheng, I thought he was quite good in the film even though his character was not as interesting as Andy's in the original. While you're giving this sequel a chance, give Ekin a chance too.

I watched the first "Running Out of Time" years ago, but I can't say that I really remember it. But now having sat down to watch the sequel - which I happened to find by sheer luck in my search for Asian movies on Amazon - then I think I will sit down to watch part 1 again soon. Why? Well, because part two was quite enjoyable.

It was a nice change of pace for a Hong Kong movie, to have a police movie that didn't include over-the-top action sequences or shoot-out scenes. "Running Out of Time 2" is cleverly put together with great acting and good dialogue. Plus the storyline was compelling and always managed to keep me interested in seeing what was lurking around the next corner.

The story in "Running Out of Time 2" is about a thief who has stolen some valuable items from an insurance company and is demanding a rather high ransom for the return of these items. The thief (played by Ekin Cheng) seems to always be one step ahead of the police department. The clever detective Ho Sheung Sang (played by Ching Wan Lau) is put on the case and has more than his hands full trying to catch up with the brilliant and slippery thief.

"Running Out of Time 2" is a cat-and-mouse story, that is clever and well thought through. Great entertainment and loads of good scenes throughout the movie. Normally I am not much fan of Ekin Cheng's work in movies, but I will say that he actually did a rather good job in this movie.

If you enjoy Asian cinema and Hong Kong cinema in particular, then you owe it to yourself to sit down and watch "Running Out of Time 2" - it is a police movie unlike many others. Well worth the time and effort to sit down and watch.

RUNNING OUT OF TIME 2 is less a sequel and more a straight remake of the first film, with Johnnie To employing a co-director to share some of the duties this time around. Andy Lau's out - his character's terminal illness put paid to his presence - but Lau Ching Wan and his colleagues are back, this time hunting down a mysterious con man with links to a shady insurance company. Ekin Cheng takes over from Lau and is I think better in the part, more naturalistic and relaxed. As with the first film, the plotting is lacklustre but the quirky comedy works better, the bicycle race a highlight. I also really enjoyed Lam Suet's random subplot for some reason.