New Recruits Shake up Elite Female Squad

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Inspector Wears Skirts 2
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Genre: Action, Comedy
Year Released: 1989, 2024 88 Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 36m
Director(s): Wellson Chin
Writer(s): Abe Kwong, Man Choi Lee
Cast: Sibelle Hu, Sandra Ng Kwun-Yu, Kara Wai Ying-Hung, May Lo Mei-Mei, Regina Kent, Amy Yip, Joanna Chan Pui-San, Tiffany Lau Yuk-Ting, Tai Wan-Wai, Bill Tung
Where To Watch: available now here www.88-films.myshopify.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Coming back with a bang, THE INSPECTOR WEARS SKIRTS 2 mixes martial arts flair with comedy and more, promising a rollercoaster of emotions as the brave women of the SKIRTS squad don their battle gear once more. This installment sees a blend of fresh faces and seasoned veterans under Madame Wu's discerning eye embark on an adventure filled with laughs and action-packed combat. Even if the journey sometimes veers off track, coming a little close to what we’ve seen before.

This sequel attempts to straddle the line between homage and innovation, delivering a fusion of enjoyable entertainment that doesn't quite manage to emerge from the shadow of the original film. It's an exhilarating ride, no doubt. Still, those searching for a narrative that pushes the envelope or delves into uncharted territories might find the sequel hanging back rather than charging forward. I was still excited to find out that there are two more films in the franchise; I can’t wait to check them out!

At the heart of THE INSPECTOR WEARS SKIRTS 2 lies a nuanced exploration of gender dynamics, pitting males against females in scenarios that challenge norms and expectations. The narrative cleverly uses humor and action as vehicles to question and comment on these roles, suggesting that under pressure, true grit knows no gender. It's a commendable attempt to blend light-hearted comedy with serious undertones, even if it sometimes gets lost in translation.

The action scenes, a harmonious blend of choreographic ingenuity and raw energy, stand out as the film's crown jewels. They spotlight a cast including martial arts stalwarts and enthusiastic newbies, ensuring the adrenaline keeps pumping. Yet, this excitement is occasionally dampened by a plot that seems all too familiar, thirsty for a fresh narrative to distinguish itself.

While the film boasts moments of brilliance, especially in its action-packed scenes, the comedy often swings wildly, sometimes hitting the mark but too frequently veering into slapstick. This inconsistency in humor, combined with a penchant for reiterating plot points from its predecessor, makes for a mixed viewing experience.

Regarding performances, Sibelle Hu reprises her role with a command that anchors the film. Her portrayal of Madame Wu provides strength and complexity amidst a sea of less-developed characters. Character development, particularly for the film's leading ladies, sometimes feels relegated to the background, overshadowed by a focus on physical comedy and straightforward conflict. This decision, perhaps intended to keep the tone light and accessible, sacrifices the potential for more profound exploration and audience connection.

As THE INSPECTOR WEARS SKIRTS 2 marches towards its climactic confrontation, it seeks to mix its lighter and more severe elements into a cohesive whole. This endeavor, aimed at giving the preceding antics a greater sense of purpose, delivers a fun result. It showcases the cast's unity and determination and highlights the narrative's tone.

THE INSPECTOR WEARS SKIRTS 2 is caught between paying tribute to its origins and charting a new course. It offers a dose of fun and action that will undoubtedly entertain, yet it stops short of breaking new ground or offering insights that resonate deeply. In a landscape hungry for stories that break molds and challenge conventions, this sequel serves as a pleasant diversion but leaves us yearning for more substance and innovation. Are three and four going to take a deeper dive?

Bonus Materials
Brand New 2K Restoration From the Original Camera Negatives
High Definition (1080p) Presentation in 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
2.0 DTS-HD MA Cantonese Soundtrack with newly translated English Subtitles
2.0 DTS-HD MA English Dub Soundtrack
Audio commentary with Asian cinema expert Frank Djeng
Interview with Actor Anthony Carpio
Leading the Top Squad – An Interview with Director Wellson Chin
Hong Kong Trailer

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[photo courtesy of 88 FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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