gridoon Review of Black Mask 2: City of Masks

Black Mask 2: City of Masks (2002)

Entertaining - if you watch it in the right frame of mind

[7/10 · 4 October 2005]

I tried to watch the first "Black Mask" a few months ago, but it was the dubbed version and I only lasted about 10 minutes. This sequel, however, was actually shot in English, so no problems there. Visually intricate and full of interesting and cool computer graphics (loved that extending fist!), it is one of the craziest and most action-packed flicks I've ever seen. Although most of the fighting involves heavy wirework and computer effects, it is easy to accept it because the movie never hides its comic-book roots. And in true comic-book tradition, the villains are more colorful and entertaining than the hero (especially Lang and Thorn). Amid all this action, Tsui Hark finds room for small comic asides about "Batman" and pro wrestling. And Yuen Woo Ping hasn't lost his touch: he makes Traci Lords look like just about the best female wrestler you'll ever see, even BEFORE she is transformed into a semi-invisible chameleon. In short, if you like one or more of the following things - "Batman", "Mortal Kombat", "Power Rangers", wrestling, Yuen Woo Ping and general craziness - you'll probably like the film. (***)