67 reviews
First of all, anyone expecting ties or similarities to Hard Target will be disappointed from this so called sequel.There are inexplicable doves flying in slow motion and some daredevil action sequences, that's about the only sequel touch we get here.
This just is a no-frills human hunt movie capitalizing on the title of the 90's hit film. On the story part there isn't anything interesting but it moves at a rapid clip and the action never really slows down.
We have to accept the fact that it is a low budget action flick meant to be enjoyed for its combative nature. Like most 'B' movies the acting is a little uneven,Although It delivers a good amount of action and Adkins does a sterling job at being the hunted hero. The film is fun once the hunt gets going, which takes a good half hour. Adkins is in top form here, getting in lots of those crazy slow motion kicks and shows us a little bit of acting.
I am not saying that its a good sequel to the JCVD film but still you can give it a try if you like to see some action and some slow motion kicks, the film won't disappoint you in that.
This just is a no-frills human hunt movie capitalizing on the title of the 90's hit film. On the story part there isn't anything interesting but it moves at a rapid clip and the action never really slows down.
We have to accept the fact that it is a low budget action flick meant to be enjoyed for its combative nature. Like most 'B' movies the acting is a little uneven,Although It delivers a good amount of action and Adkins does a sterling job at being the hunted hero. The film is fun once the hunt gets going, which takes a good half hour. Adkins is in top form here, getting in lots of those crazy slow motion kicks and shows us a little bit of acting.
I am not saying that its a good sequel to the JCVD film but still you can give it a try if you like to see some action and some slow motion kicks, the film won't disappoint you in that.
- AthulRamesh
- Sep 17, 2016
- Permalink
Yours truly is a Belgian, and was a teenager during the 1990s, so as a matter of course I went through a fanatic Jean-Claude Van Damme phase. "Hard Target" was definitely my favorite! The premise of hunting humans for sport is one of the oldest in action/thriller cinema history, and "Hard Target" is by no means a classic, but the combination of a long-haired Van Damme and excessive violence worked effectively; for sure. I never even realized there existed a sequel, even if it was a cheap and direct-to-video one. Luckily, I have a good buddy who specializes in lousy and obscure sequels, and he assured me that "Hard Target 2" was fun, straightforward, unpretentious, ... and worth a look.
My pal's judgement is reliable, as always. I enjoyed this film, although I'm likely to completely forget about it again in just a few days. I never heard about lead actor Scott Adkins, but he seems to be a regular in the field of meaningless action guff. Some of the people hunting down Scott in the Myanmar jungle are more known, like Rhona Mithra ("Doomsday") and Temuara Morrison ("Once Were Warriors"). The background story of Wes - the prey - Baylor is hilariously dumb. During an ultimate fighting battle, Wes killed his best friend and feels traumatized ever since. How could he not realize that his endless kicks and punches were going to cause irreparable damage? Please, don't go sobbing and mourning that you "accidentally" killed your buddy after you hit him repeatedly in the brains. Anyway, it's not the type of movie where you expect logic or intelligence, merely fast-paced actions, nasty killings and ingenious death traps. "Hard Target 2" does deliver in this particular department.
Could the film have been even more enjoyable? Well, yes, I think so! They should have lobbied to have JCVD appear in a small cameo. He's at a point in his career where he probably had accepted if the paycheck was worthwhile. How cool it would have been if Van Damme starred as an arrogant and eccentric hunter, for instance?
My pal's judgement is reliable, as always. I enjoyed this film, although I'm likely to completely forget about it again in just a few days. I never heard about lead actor Scott Adkins, but he seems to be a regular in the field of meaningless action guff. Some of the people hunting down Scott in the Myanmar jungle are more known, like Rhona Mithra ("Doomsday") and Temuara Morrison ("Once Were Warriors"). The background story of Wes - the prey - Baylor is hilariously dumb. During an ultimate fighting battle, Wes killed his best friend and feels traumatized ever since. How could he not realize that his endless kicks and punches were going to cause irreparable damage? Please, don't go sobbing and mourning that you "accidentally" killed your buddy after you hit him repeatedly in the brains. Anyway, it's not the type of movie where you expect logic or intelligence, merely fast-paced actions, nasty killings and ingenious death traps. "Hard Target 2" does deliver in this particular department.
Could the film have been even more enjoyable? Well, yes, I think so! They should have lobbied to have JCVD appear in a small cameo. He's at a point in his career where he probably had accepted if the paycheck was worthwhile. How cool it would have been if Van Damme starred as an arrogant and eccentric hunter, for instance?
When I herd that Hard Target 2 was going to be on Netflix, I was all set to jump at the chance to see it, but I must admit that I was a little upset to see the film starred Scott Adkins and not Jean Claude Van Damme.
Not that I don't love Scott Adkins, I do. He's this generations' marshal arts action star, but possibly because I'm such a huge fan of Van Damme and the idea that he can still do the high flying kicks that made him worth loving is the reason why it took me so long to see it.
The wait was well worth it. Of course it's not as good as the first one. Like I said the 1st one had Van Damme and was directed by John Woo in his first American picture, Just before Hollywood thought enough of him to temper with his genius. Not to mention that Lance Henriksen and Arnold Vosloo played possibly the first gay villains I ever seen on the big screen.
But like I said, Scott Adkins is this generations answer to Van Damme. In Hard Target 2, Adkins plays a Mixed Marshal Arts fighter (stretch), who accidentally kills his best friend in the ring. Filled with depression, he accidentally signs up to be hunted in Indonesia by a group of rich bastards, but of course "They picked the wrong man to hunt'"
It's interesting that happens though. When you play a game like Hard Target, eventually you will pick the wrong man to hunt, and man, you do not want to be on the team when that happens. There was at least two characters: A billionaire game developer and the son of some rich gun totting type who were hoping to start off with something a little simpler. Rounding out the variety of the hunters was a women with daddy issues and some famous Spanish guy looking for a thrill.
It's an action packed sequel. Not the best fighting Adkins has done in a picture (That I think was Undisputed 2 and 3), but I think Hard target 2 will work on those guys who never herd or don't really know who Adkins is. It's a great way to introduce him to the audience with a group of people wondering why Van Damme is not in it, but will not be disappointed with Adkins.
http://cinemagardens.com
Not that I don't love Scott Adkins, I do. He's this generations' marshal arts action star, but possibly because I'm such a huge fan of Van Damme and the idea that he can still do the high flying kicks that made him worth loving is the reason why it took me so long to see it.
The wait was well worth it. Of course it's not as good as the first one. Like I said the 1st one had Van Damme and was directed by John Woo in his first American picture, Just before Hollywood thought enough of him to temper with his genius. Not to mention that Lance Henriksen and Arnold Vosloo played possibly the first gay villains I ever seen on the big screen.
But like I said, Scott Adkins is this generations answer to Van Damme. In Hard Target 2, Adkins plays a Mixed Marshal Arts fighter (stretch), who accidentally kills his best friend in the ring. Filled with depression, he accidentally signs up to be hunted in Indonesia by a group of rich bastards, but of course "They picked the wrong man to hunt'"
It's interesting that happens though. When you play a game like Hard Target, eventually you will pick the wrong man to hunt, and man, you do not want to be on the team when that happens. There was at least two characters: A billionaire game developer and the son of some rich gun totting type who were hoping to start off with something a little simpler. Rounding out the variety of the hunters was a women with daddy issues and some famous Spanish guy looking for a thrill.
It's an action packed sequel. Not the best fighting Adkins has done in a picture (That I think was Undisputed 2 and 3), but I think Hard target 2 will work on those guys who never herd or don't really know who Adkins is. It's a great way to introduce him to the audience with a group of people wondering why Van Damme is not in it, but will not be disappointed with Adkins.
http://cinemagardens.com
- subxerogravity
- Nov 29, 2016
- Permalink
i didn't expect much from this one. and to be fair all i wanted to see at that moment, was a decent action flick. and surprisingly enough - i got it!
plot is predictable. i mean really. they did put some effort into developing main protagonist and it works, a bit. the acting is fairly average. but since this is an action film, let's get to action.
fight choreography is good, and one particular kill will catch you off guard(believe me i've seen it). since Adkins isn't playing Boyka, his technique is different, more simplified, but efficient enough.
there is a nice nod to the original HT and you will easily recognize it.
as for the supporting cast Rhona is playing a really stereotypical character, which was my main problem throughout the film. i mean she really can do better than that. Robert Kneppers main villain was decent enough to listen to his dialogue.
and for the last when you'll watch it make sure to know that some sequences take place simultaneously at different spots, so you won't feel lost in the pacing
overall i would give it 6.5/10 if you have enough time, watch it...
plot is predictable. i mean really. they did put some effort into developing main protagonist and it works, a bit. the acting is fairly average. but since this is an action film, let's get to action.
fight choreography is good, and one particular kill will catch you off guard(believe me i've seen it). since Adkins isn't playing Boyka, his technique is different, more simplified, but efficient enough.
there is a nice nod to the original HT and you will easily recognize it.
as for the supporting cast Rhona is playing a really stereotypical character, which was my main problem throughout the film. i mean she really can do better than that. Robert Kneppers main villain was decent enough to listen to his dialogue.
and for the last when you'll watch it make sure to know that some sequences take place simultaneously at different spots, so you won't feel lost in the pacing
overall i would give it 6.5/10 if you have enough time, watch it...
- baqari-com
- Aug 28, 2016
- Permalink
- nogodnomasters
- Oct 9, 2017
- Permalink
The only good thing in this mess is Rhona Mitra. The acting overall is laughable, the story is stupid and the fight choreography is beyond laughable, stupid and unrealistic.
Especially the "MMA fight" in the beginning is total crap.
Retired MMA fighter Wes Baylor (Scott Atkins) is given a chance to fight in Myanmar for 1-Million Dollars. He sort of retired after killing his best friend in a championship bout. When he goes there, he discovers there is no fight, but instead he will be the hunted. He is given a million dollars in rubies and can keep them if he makes it to the border. He sees the 7- men and one woman, Sofia (Rhona Mitra), who will be hunting him along with Aldrich (Robert Knepper) the so- called fight promoter. Let the games begin.
This is, of course, a variation of the Most Dangerous Game, but here Baylor will be hunted down with a GPS locator, long range rifles, hi-tech crossbows- with lights-, knives, swords, stun guns, pistols, jeeps, drones, motorcycles, and helicopters. (Didn't see any hand-grenades) Along the way he meets Tha (Ann Truong) a pretty jungle girl, whose brother is missing and she suspects he is being hunted and is hiding from Aldrich.
The fighting, stunts are simply brutal but outstanding. (Remember this is just a movie) Atkins as Baylor isn't given the wry comedic quips as a Bond, James Bond is known for. No, we see him as deadly serious as he is literally fighting for his life. Well, now for Tha's too.
The photography and cinematography are outstanding. The acting all around is good and the pacing is fast and furious.
Robert Knepper who will be forever known as Tea Bag from that Prison Break TV series did good as the boss of this gang of hunters and, at times, he was able to inject some morbid humor into this. He has a good way of doing that.
The only complaint I have is why, why , why would Baylor leave guns and knives on the ground after he kills one of the hunters and runs away? Why indeed.
Overall this was pretty exciting. The ending kind of left me thinking there might be a Hard Target 3 and maybe, just maybe we will see a more animated Baylor with some humorous quips. Could happen. (7/10)
Violence: Yes. Sex: No. Nudity: No. Language: Yes, not much.
This is, of course, a variation of the Most Dangerous Game, but here Baylor will be hunted down with a GPS locator, long range rifles, hi-tech crossbows- with lights-, knives, swords, stun guns, pistols, jeeps, drones, motorcycles, and helicopters. (Didn't see any hand-grenades) Along the way he meets Tha (Ann Truong) a pretty jungle girl, whose brother is missing and she suspects he is being hunted and is hiding from Aldrich.
The fighting, stunts are simply brutal but outstanding. (Remember this is just a movie) Atkins as Baylor isn't given the wry comedic quips as a Bond, James Bond is known for. No, we see him as deadly serious as he is literally fighting for his life. Well, now for Tha's too.
The photography and cinematography are outstanding. The acting all around is good and the pacing is fast and furious.
Robert Knepper who will be forever known as Tea Bag from that Prison Break TV series did good as the boss of this gang of hunters and, at times, he was able to inject some morbid humor into this. He has a good way of doing that.
The only complaint I have is why, why , why would Baylor leave guns and knives on the ground after he kills one of the hunters and runs away? Why indeed.
Overall this was pretty exciting. The ending kind of left me thinking there might be a Hard Target 3 and maybe, just maybe we will see a more animated Baylor with some humorous quips. Could happen. (7/10)
Violence: Yes. Sex: No. Nudity: No. Language: Yes, not much.
Scott Adkins has definitely taken after Jean-Claude Van Damme after a few movies together like Universal Soldier (2012), and The Shepherd. I'm one of his behind-the-scenes fans.
I'm quite impressed that so many features and themes of the first firm are played out in the second: the opening chase scene; the lead actor meets a girl who tags along; the single-load gun wielded by both lead villains, and the human hunt theme. Here, Aldrich and his corrupt minions pick on a 'piece of meat' they can't chew.
I like recurrent the hand-to-hand fights, and the idea of Adkins' survival with little or no use of weapons, it retains Van Damme's style of fighting, including having a favorite (finisher) kick. This is a movie about hunting humans, so I think the villains could do with a little more of gruesome deaths, like Sofia's (remember how Arnold Vosloo was killed in the first film).
I saw Thriller as one of this movie's genres, but frankly it's far from thrilling. The plot was quite predictable. For me the actors are not really to blame for any lags in the plot. The actors were great, but Reiné overlooked certain unrealistic scenarios. The minefield, for instance. The time between Baylor shooting at Tobias Zimling and his getting to a safe distance from the explosion is unrealistic for me. I also think with all the hunters' expertise, high-tech weapons and escorts, they shoulda hit Baylor at least once, that would raise the thriller scale.
It's just another movie by another director on the human hunt theme. I wouldnt dabble into which is better, this or the first movie. Roel Reiné did a fine job nonetheless.
I'm quite impressed that so many features and themes of the first firm are played out in the second: the opening chase scene; the lead actor meets a girl who tags along; the single-load gun wielded by both lead villains, and the human hunt theme. Here, Aldrich and his corrupt minions pick on a 'piece of meat' they can't chew.
I like recurrent the hand-to-hand fights, and the idea of Adkins' survival with little or no use of weapons, it retains Van Damme's style of fighting, including having a favorite (finisher) kick. This is a movie about hunting humans, so I think the villains could do with a little more of gruesome deaths, like Sofia's (remember how Arnold Vosloo was killed in the first film).
I saw Thriller as one of this movie's genres, but frankly it's far from thrilling. The plot was quite predictable. For me the actors are not really to blame for any lags in the plot. The actors were great, but Reiné overlooked certain unrealistic scenarios. The minefield, for instance. The time between Baylor shooting at Tobias Zimling and his getting to a safe distance from the explosion is unrealistic for me. I also think with all the hunters' expertise, high-tech weapons and escorts, they shoulda hit Baylor at least once, that would raise the thriller scale.
It's just another movie by another director on the human hunt theme. I wouldnt dabble into which is better, this or the first movie. Roel Reiné did a fine job nonetheless.
- cogeorge-17949
- May 30, 2018
- Permalink
I didn't go into this with high expectations, even as a guilty fan of Scott Adkins and Rhona Mitra, but lo and behold it was too subpar to enjoy. That said, they shot on location which has to be appreciated so there's some meritable authenticity with the "sets." However most of the acting is painfully wooden, and while Adkins isn't an Academy nod he's still passable; his fighting is what you really want to see. Unfortunately a lot of the fight choreography wasn't that great, and you know you're watching a low-grade movie when you can blatantly discern punches and kicks not connecting. Adkins still had a few cool scenes but they get lost in the slew of sappy clichés, cringey dialogue, and laughable plot. Robert Knepper was really the only credible character, who, besides Mitra's fleeting scenes, added some personality to the cesspool.
- jdring2007
- Mar 14, 2022
- Permalink
Just watched 'Hard Target 2' starred by Scott Adkins. It is very good action movie. Deadly hunting with hi-tech devices in the deep wood. Story grips from very first scene of movie and keeping anxiety till the end. Scott alias 'Boyka' is superb action hero in latest age of Hollywood. Farewell to Arnold, Sylvester Stallone, Vin Diesel and most boring Bruce Willis. As me where Scott's name is that movie is full of action alike from traditional fighting and that is why it is must watchable. I can put similar names in this line ' Eliminator', 'Accident Man',' Close Range','Undisputed' etc. Despite a good action thriller Hard Target 2 movie does not get a good rating. Many reviewers compare this to old Hard Target. But it was different movie.
I really a hard fan of Scott Adkins, and eagerly waiting to his new movies.
This is must watchable movie for action thriller lovers. I give it 8 starts.
- saptesh786
- Apr 16, 2018
- Permalink
- FlashCallahan
- Aug 29, 2016
- Permalink
I'm sure Adkin could b a good actor but have not seen a good film with him in it. Not a good film! Run of the mill action movie but without the great storyline and acting.
- daverutland
- Nov 16, 2021
- Permalink
This movie has some good actors in it but the script is pathetic. The action scenes could be a lot better and the dialogue even better. I'm glad I didn't pay for this movie. Scott Adkins is wasted in this role.
- carlodegraaff
- Aug 11, 2019
- Permalink
If you are a fan of Van Damme's "Hard Target" or Action movies in General you should see this one. It's not right up there with the original, lacking the style of John Woo and the Charisma of Van Damme but it makes up with great Locations (can't see all those movies shot in the same Areas of Eastern Europe or Canada any more), good Action setups (lots of shootouts and explosions) and a pretty fine cast. You have to give the Producers and the director credit not just to cash in on the Name of a hidden nostalgic Action gem but coming up with a pretty good flick, they seemingly invested a good amount of Money and work in. Oh, and Rhona Mitra is in it *swoon*.
- joerg-nezmeskal
- Oct 21, 2016
- Permalink
I came into this with low expectations ... hoping for an average run of the mill action movie.
And frankly this film couldn't even achieve that.
The lead character / actor was just so dull. I never found myself rooting for him to succeed. Hoping he doesn't die. Nor do you want him to fail. He was not even bad enough to root against him. He was just completely bland. Uninteresting. Bordering on irrelevance.
It's hard for a movie to get any traction when the lead character is so dull. He has no charisma. No enjoyment. No real relationship. One pointed to in the beginning but sped past at full speed so you never get any feel for either the lead character or the friend. Then there is the obligatory love interest which comes too late in the film and there is never any spark on screen between the two actors.
So bad lead character. No charisma. No relationships to get the lead out his shell. Thoroughly uninteresting individual and the whole movie revolves around him. When you do not care about the lead character it makes everything else less interesting. When you do not have a strong story (not that you would expect one in an action movie like this), you cannot overcome that.
Even when you do some of the other things right.
So overall, a 3 or 4 out of 10.
And frankly this film couldn't even achieve that.
The lead character / actor was just so dull. I never found myself rooting for him to succeed. Hoping he doesn't die. Nor do you want him to fail. He was not even bad enough to root against him. He was just completely bland. Uninteresting. Bordering on irrelevance.
It's hard for a movie to get any traction when the lead character is so dull. He has no charisma. No enjoyment. No real relationship. One pointed to in the beginning but sped past at full speed so you never get any feel for either the lead character or the friend. Then there is the obligatory love interest which comes too late in the film and there is never any spark on screen between the two actors.
So bad lead character. No charisma. No relationships to get the lead out his shell. Thoroughly uninteresting individual and the whole movie revolves around him. When you do not care about the lead character it makes everything else less interesting. When you do not have a strong story (not that you would expect one in an action movie like this), you cannot overcome that.
Even when you do some of the other things right.
So overall, a 3 or 4 out of 10.
- tarbosh22000
- Jul 9, 2018
- Permalink
Many movies have used this exact theme; with even similar characters. Surviving the Game, The Hunt, American Hunt, etc. But this one was nicely done; with lots of good martial arts; pretty women, and pretty women doing good martial arts. I gave it six out of ten.
- bemyfriend-40184
- Apr 4, 2021
- Permalink
- ekko-32277
- Jun 1, 2019
- Permalink
Tried watching Hard Target and stopped 30 minutes in. This sequel, which shares nothing with the original except a title, was at least watchable til the end. The level of acting is about what you expect but the action sequences are great. If you're a fan of Adkins, you'll enjoy this one. If you're not and you're in the mood for sometimes cheesy martial arts action, give this a try.
- darrellpirkey
- Jun 1, 2021
- Permalink
Shocking, bad acting, shocking storyline, ridiculous plot! Guy "kills" friend in kickboxing fight then suddenly ends up in the jungle trying to survive people hunting him for $1m (they looked like mnm's) he meets an attractive woman who's brother (I believe) shows up in a cave, then she manages to buy his safety from some military with half the mnm's (sorry rubies) and then they go their separate ways,! This ain't action, it ain't a love story, this ain't even straight to dvd, it's shockingly bad, I'd sooner watch dry paint dry, DO NOT BOTHER.
Anyone remember the 90's? The age of mobile phones that looked like bricks and cheesy martial art action flicks?
Hard Target 2 is firmly set in the 90's action flick mould. Its simple formulaic stuff but its also good fun. There's no pretension here just lots or corny but enjoyable scripting and tons of kick ass action. Lead actor Scott Adkins is a worthy successor to Jean Claude Van Damme. He's a talented martial artist and puts on a polished performance, that really helps to lift this film.
One to enjoy if, like me, you grew up on a diet of 90's action flicks. Seven out of ten from me.
Hard Target 2 is firmly set in the 90's action flick mould. Its simple formulaic stuff but its also good fun. There's no pretension here just lots or corny but enjoyable scripting and tons of kick ass action. Lead actor Scott Adkins is a worthy successor to Jean Claude Van Damme. He's a talented martial artist and puts on a polished performance, that really helps to lift this film.
One to enjoy if, like me, you grew up on a diet of 90's action flicks. Seven out of ten from me.
Probably one of the worst movies I've ever watched. Nothing even remotely realistic or accurate or believable. Do not waste your time. You won't be able to get your wasted time back. And it's nothing like the first Hard Target except someone was hunted.