Jet Li had one of his breakthrough roles in the film Black Mask (Hak hap). While not the best film I had ever seen, it certainly showed me that Jet Li was a martial arts actor to keep an eye on way back in 1997.
Unfortunately Li doesn't reprise the role in the sequel, which is now filled by Andy On. Without the martial arts skills of Li, the film lacks the exciting action of most films in the genre. In fact the lack of good fighting scenes makes one focus on the story more, which unfortunately is almost hysterical.
A mad scientist has discovered a way to mix animal genetics with human genetics to give the human some kind of special power. So what does he do with this ability? Why form an International Wrestling Organization of course! This silly ring includes such madmen as The Claw, Thorn and Traci Lords as Chameleon. While the wrestlers think this is all for kicks, the truth is that its slowly taking over their bodies and causing havoc with their minds.
While all of this is happening, the fabled hero Black Mask who escaped from an even more evil scientist is now on the run from his equal and maybe more dangerous equal. Of course as you can guess his running eventually has him caught up with these wrestlers making him on the run from everyone. The story is simply too silly and with a lack of good action scenes not one worth watching for too long.
The Disc:
Presented here in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, the Black Mask 2: City of Masks transfer is sharp, with well-defined black levels. Much of it is visually dark, and any moments of actual color are given an icy blue hue, with the entire film looking like it jumped out of the pages of a comic book.
A really aggressive Dolby Digital 5.1 surround mix is offered which is very well done considering the action in the film. Plenty of deep rumble from the sub, while the rear channels handle a wealth of music and sound cues, like bullets, crowd noises, cars and even a herd of elephants. Dialogue is anchored solidly in the front channels, accented and balanced by some well-placed directional imaging across the left and right fronts.
As expected with a low profile film there's not much extra here to speak of except some trailers.
bottom line:
Unfortunately a disappointing movie from an action standpoint along with a rediculous plot makes for somewhat of a disappointment. Andy On is no Jet Li.
2 out of 5
By - Brian Gray
