องค์บาก 2

Ong-bak 2 is a good film. For the overall, scroll it, otherwise read the following babble.

Ong-bak 2 isn't really a sequel. It's billed as a prequel, but it's not actually that either. As I was kindly warned before watching, the story really has nothing to do with Ong-bak outside of the fact that Tony Jaa's character uses crazy martial arts to either kill or maim every other character in the film. Of course, it goes without saying that nobody in their right mind would watch this film expecting to be drawn in by story. The story isn't bad either. Instead of a modern-day take leading itself easily into Ong-bak, the setting is taken all the way back to 15th century feudal Thailand.

I suspect the naming of the film may have something to do with cashing in on a previously established audience from the original. I also suspect that despite any real story-related links to the original film they will try to touch on some tie-ins with the next installment, Ong-bak 3, slated for release this year.

Naming issues aside, as a standalone film this is in almost every way entertaining, but not quite complete. The fights are another incredible display of Tony Jaa's acrobatic and martial arts abilities. The digital effects aren't the cleanest, but are used in a tasteful and subtle way, staying out of Tony Jaa's way for the most part. The dramatic dialogue is certainly passable, and the acting is very good given the genre. The story embodies the stereotypical lowly, unskilled kid turned killing machine in order to avenge the death of his family.

My main criticisms would be that the character development is about as deep as the shallow end of a kiddie pool, and that the film ends rather abruptly. It's difficult to develop a rapport with any character but Jaa, and by the time we finally get a grasp on him the film is over. Word is that they intentionally cut the film short with the plan of Ong-bak 3 coming in to pick up the pieces. The choice to make that happen rather than try to produce the rest in this film with limited funds will make for a better overall product.  However, it does make this installment feel like an installment instead of a powerhouse film on it's own two feet.

The film really scores with constant and varying action, a selection of different martial arts styles that are very fun to watch, and a keen attention to smooth cinematography in beautiful Southeast Asian locations. I also award some nods  for a couple fun twists and turns and a heavy emphasis on what I can only assume is actual Thai history and culture. I don't like to feel like I'm learning things watching action flicks, but this easily stayed interesting throughout.

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The skinny:

* Pros: Tony Jaa's jaw-dropping skills will make you say "THIS IS INSANE!" out loud, beautiful vistas, ridiculous (and awesome) characters and costumes
* Cons: Having to wait for Ong-bak 3 to come out later this year, feeling like you've exercised just by watching Tony Jaa go crazy for 90 minutes


Make an Assessment:

* If you like Tony Jaa's movies, action movies in general, or watching ridiculous stunts and bone-crushing fighting watch Ong-bak 2. If you don't enjoy those things you won't like 90% of the film, but you can still learn a little bit about Thai history and see some beautiful landscapes.


Overall Review Score (I haven't figured out how I want to do this yet):

* Grade: B+
* Score: 88%
* If it were a movie: ★★★★
* My Feelings: ☺


Hyping up Ong-bak 3 on websites like IMDB and RottenTomatoes will give it a better shot at hitting US theaters. Don't you want to see Tony Jaa knee some 7 ft. tall bald guy's head off on the big screen?