Scott Atkins survives "Hard Target 2," but this straight-to-video sequel isn't as challenging as the John Woo original. Having said that, I would also say that Atkins is a better actor that most give him credit, and straight-to-video helmer Roel Reiné is probably the best in the business at directing fare such as "Dead in Tombstone," "Death Race 2," and "Marine 2." "Hard Target 2" squanders gorgeous actress Rhona Mitra, who is a vision in black leather wielding an assortment of weapons, but she does have a terrific death scene. Reiné and "Act of Defiance" scenarists Matt Harvey & Dominic Morgan with "Swimming with Sharks" scribe George Haung keep our embattled hero roughing it from start to finish. Wes Baylor (Scott Atkins) kills his best friend, a competing MMA fighter named Landon (Jamie Timony), when he delivers a spinning head kick that allows him to triumph over him. Only after he has celebrated his success does Wes realize that he has killed him. Afterward, Wes can only find fights in Asia where he runs into slimy Aldrich (Robert Knepper of "Transporter 3") who has a deal for him. The haul that Wes is promised will set him up for life, but Wes gets the surprise of his life. He has to elude several hunters armed with weapons of every description through the jungles of Mynmar. Aldritch gives him a water bottle and a bag of rubies as payment and sends him packing. Near the end of this R-rated actioneer, Atkins gets his hands on an assault rifle and takes out dozens of bad guys. Along the way, the hunters fall prey either to Wes or natives who have been used in the hunt. Knepper makes a good, solid villain who doesn't have a qualm against killing innocent bystanders. The jungle scenery and the high stakes pursuit is strictly average. Reiné does double-duty as lenser, too, so these outlandish shenanigans are beautifully shot. The script has no surprises and there are no reversals worth mentioning. Altogether, Scott Atkins deserves better movies.
Review of Hard Target 2
