Balle perdue 2

Couldn't ask for more from a sequel to a great action movie. This trims out all the fat from the original and just focuses on a revenge story that works incredibly well. Not exactly great when it comes to the story department, but that's not the point, the performances are believable and entrancing, and where the fun lies in the fantastic action sequences. You have the usual fistfights that are incredibly well done, but with the original having that amazing long fistfight sequence in the police station, this goes in the complete opposite direction and goes over the top with the car chase sequences. You have the main character putting electric spikes on his car and putting those spikes under the bumper of other cars, and sending them exploding into the air, all done with mostly practical effects. The pacing is excellent and it is non-stop and captivating, these movies aren't gonna set the world on fire (pun intended) but they are necessary for today's cinematic landscape, practically done action movies with simple plots that are around 90 minutes, what more could you ask for?

In this intriguing sequel, we witness a dramatic shift in the life of our protagonist Lino, who transitions from being a mechanic in the first film to now a cop. The movie cleverly plays with the audience's expectations by presenting a disconnect between the ending of the first movie and the beginning of the second, adding an element of mystery and suspense. Lino's evolution from a blue-collar worker to a law enforcement officer brings a fresh perspective to the character, as he navigates a world where the lines between good and bad are constantly blurred. The film wastes no time plunging into the action, with Lino finding himself in a complex web of corruption and deceit, where the true villains may not be who they seem. What sets this movie apart is Lino's unconventional approach to justice, as he finds himself in situations where he must confront and even take down corrupt cops to uphold his own sense of morality. With a high-stakes plot, intense action sequences, and a standout performance by the lead actor, this movie delivers a thrilling and thought-provoking experience that challenges traditional notions of heroism and villainy. Brace yourself for a wild ride filled with twists, turns, and a riveting exploration of justice and crazy 40 minute finish that made little sense.

There was certainly a lot more happening with the action and suspense, but I found the story had too many inconsistencies and kept bouncing between pot holes and ridiculousness in the narrative. It's like the writers couldn't decide if Lino should be the antagonist or protagonist. Plus the entire narrative was really unfocused and didn't build much from the first film, and it seemed they were aiming for a more Fast and Furious ridiculousness feel; the action was a little too phony and overboard. Nevertheless, the action was choreographed well, all casting and performances spot-on, and the great pacing made the 98 min runtime fly by. Hopefully if there's a third installment, we'll get the continuation that will actually include Areski for more than a few minutes.

Holy moly, what INSANE CAR CHASES, especially the one towards the end of the movie is truly SPECTACULAR.

The action photography and the REAL LIFE STUNTS are to die for! With TERRIFIC DRONE camera footage trailing the cars during the car chases, delivering some eyewatering, mindblowing action car chase scenes.

MORE GOOD: this movie is not simply another formula action cop flick, it has got a lot more goodies, like excellent acting performances by great actors, who get to star in a story that is credible and COOL and THRILLING.

The story is quite simple, hardcore bad cop versus good cop. And although this is the sequel and I didnt even see the original, I am still blown away by it!

In essence the story is about a honest good French cop, who is being targetted by a bunch of bad French cops, who want to kill an eyewitness who knows too much.

Shootouts, streetfights (bare knockle) and LOTS of terrific car chases. All a grown boy needs!

Highly recommended for the fans of action packed dirty cop flicks.

The best the French have to offer.

MERCI BEAUCOUP!

THE LOST BULLET 2 (C+) is the follow-up to a underrated French action film about French cops using souped up cars to interrupt a drug smuggling ring using fast cars on the highway. This one re-writes the ending of the first film a bit and picks up on the corruption conflicts that drove the first film. When I say "picks up", I mean it uses the same conflicts from the first film as the entire plot for this one. It almost feels like this is just DLC for the first film, extra action scenes based on the skeleton of the first film. Nearly the entire second half of the film follows the lead character Lino trying to get a witness smuggled into Spain but running into trouble. The initial chase scene to get out of France and near the border is a really strong one, but it feels like the film only takes a couple of breathes before it gets back to the car action. The action isn't bad, it just peaks early on and becomes "pretty good" the rest of the way. It kinda gets old without more story as the main players all kind of just go back and forth on their motivations at the turn of a hat. Strong action here, horrible plot that feels thread bare and lacking.