SPL 2: A Time For Consequences

Supposedly, Sha Po Lang: A Time For Consequences (Kill Zone 2), the sequel to the 2005's Sha Po Lang though the recurring cast of characters are rearranged like musical chairs and the story is an exercise in melodramatic cinematic hyperbole gone awry.  Director Wilson Yip seems to be using the SPL vehicle as an excuse for bringing back an updated mix of actors and action stars. Returning in different roles are veterans Simon Yam and Wu Jing, but now with the addition of Tony Jaa (Ong Baak film series) and Zhang Jin (The Grandmaster). I must admit that is an exciting mix of folks, for sure.  For the most part, their respective talents do standout in the action sequences, especially as one would expect from martial artist Tony Jaa, Zhang Jin, and Wu Jing. It's Hong Kong meets Thai action, though action director and co-star Ken Lo certainly could have left out some of the fucked up wirework.  The story itself, strives to live up more to the mantra of Sha Po Lang in the story of a dying protagonist in Jaa's daughter and antagonist in gangster Louis Koo, both in need of medical transplants under the most extraordinary and ironic circumstances.   This is where it starts off murky in figuring out what the hell was going on in the first place.  So by the time there is some semblance of understanding amidst the action, I hardly cared anymore about the unbelievable nature in plot and character.  Just get to the action and finale. There is brilliance in SPL 2: A Time For Consequences somewhere because it is entertaining in the diverse combination of cast.  It has the right ingredients in that and even story arch.  However, it feels more like an unfinished sculptor lacking much refinement and direction.  Wilson could have thrown us a better bone after a decade.