Shock Wave 2 (2020) Film Review
Outside Hollywood’s formulaic mechanisms, few chances are given to action films that are actually capable of rendering something similar to massive over budgeted franchises. We’ve become so used to this style of filmmaking, that producers outside the US often try to imitate what drives people to theaters.
And then we have the Asia market and its unique behavior.
I won’t make this review an analytical piece about commercial cinema outside the US, but Shock Wave 2 is a good example of something we like to see: a piece of film made in an Asian country that blew up the box office without a single Western element in its focus. It’s a damn good action film that pays no mind to the hero formula and delivers fully throughout its whole running time.
The curious thing? Almost nobody knows about it. A damn shame.
This massive film tells the story of an agent that works defusing bombs. He’s clever, funny, and incredibly talented. But sometimes things don’t turn out for the best.
Poon Sing‑fun (Andy Lau) loses one of his legs above the knee. This doesn’t stop him. He becomes an even better agent than before. But sadly the police are not willing to risk incorporating him again.
Out of spite the agent does something I won’t reveal. This involves a rogue terrorist group that’s wreaking havoc, a memory implant operation, and a set of chase scenes that are just mind blowing. Shock Wave 2 satisfies genre fans with a great production, decent special effects and an action star that seems to check every item in the formula.
The script’s pace allows the film to be an action vehicle that never stops. The story keeps regenerating itself with twists that matter, and some side plots that are typical in the genre. They won’t bother you and they actually become relevant in the film’s fantastic, if not overlong third act.
But it’s the way these films work. During the first and second acts, the screenwriters get the chance of shaping up their story to be logical. Everything can be explained, even when the film gets unnecessarily complex to follow. Nevertheless, it’s an action film. We’re here for the final delivery, a mixture of practical effects and stunts that makes us forget about Hollywood and the franchises with endless sequels.
A veteran behind the camera is responsible for accomplishing Shock Wave 2. Herman Yau makes us relax because he’s always in control of everything. He allows the film to be an action film you don’t have to pick apart to digest in its purest form. And yet he trusts the script’s emotional parts to inject some personality to a character that’s easy to engage with. Poon Sing‑fun and company are exceptionally likable characters in a genre that’s not known for this. Even when the film becomes cheesy, it’s a likable film.
So for your next action pick, don’t be afraid to leave the Hollywood tent and head over to other territories. There are some pretty good films out there and Shock Wave 2 is one of them. You will frown at some acting, the villain is bland, but special effects and good stuns make up for that. In any case, what else do you need from the genre?
Note: Don’t pay attention to the “2” in the title. Shock Wave 2 is a stand alone sequel that has no relation to a past entry. Different plotlines, different characters. Just enjoy this one!
