AVS Discussions
Movie and TV Discussion => Movie reviews => Topic started by: David Vaughn on August 08, 2025, 07:52:31 PM
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(https://i.imgur.com/a5DuF5J.jpeg)
Studio: Warner Brothers / MGM
Release Date: August 12, 2025
Rating: R
Film: 2.5/5
Plot
Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) has a talent for solving complex problems. When an old acquaintance is murdered, leaving behind a cryptic message to “find the accountant,” Wolff is compelled to solve the case. Realizing more extreme measures are necessary, Wolff recruits his estranged and highly lethal brother, Brax (Jon Bernthal), to help.
My Thoughts
I enjoyed the first film, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from this sequel. Scott (SRW1000) had watched it on Amazon a few months ago and warned me it wasn’t as strong as the original, so I went in with tempered expectations. Affleck’s performance this time felt flat, and I don’t recall his character being quite so irritating in the first film. Bernthal, however, fares much better in his role. Unfortunately, the script stumbles, weighed down by murky motivations and predictable twists that sap the mystery. On the plus side, the action scenes are well-staged, with tightly choreographed fights that keep things lively. While there are some enjoyable moments, the pacing drags and the stakes remain too vague, resulting in a middling follow-up that fails to recapture the spark of the original.
The film was made for Prime Video and I did a quick comparison to what’s on the 100 GB disc—the streaming version pales in comparison. The 4K presentation offers outstanding detail, especially in close-ups, and vibrant colors, especially in the urban environments. The Dolby Atmos track is the best part of the presentation though offering up robust dynamics, especially during the action sequences. Gunshots and explosions pack punchy bass, and the entire soundstage has discrete effects flying through the room.
Video 9.5/10
Audio 10/10 (Dolby Atmos)
Special Features:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPMh3AO4Gm0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPMh3AO4Gm0)
Conclusion
The home video landscape has been barren for the past few months, so it’s nice to have something new to watch. Unfortunately, the movie itself is a mediocre sequel, buoyed by Affleck and Bernthal’s chemistry but weighed down by a messy plot and uneven execution. If you’re unsure whether you’d watch it more than once, then I’d give it a viewing on Prime, but realize you are giving up a pretty impressive presentation for the convenience of streaming.
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(I utilized Portrait Displays' (https://www.portrait.com/) Calman color calibration software)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Zidoo UHD8000 Media Player
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
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Your review is right in line with how my wife and I both felt. The first one caught us off guard as to how surprisingly good it was, so we went into it with high expectations.
The second one just isn't up to those same standards, at least plot-wise. It's not bad, just unremarkable.
Glad to hear the video and sound presentations were good, though. The Amazon stream didn't feature the Atmos track, so that alone has to be a big step up.
If there's a third one, we'll still be watching it in hopes it can get closer to the original, as Afleck's character is atypical compared to the typical action hero.
Thanks for checking out the 4K disc version.
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Your review coincides with my reaction, David. I rewatched the first one last night in preparation for viewing the new one tonight (KScape). I thought Affleck's 'affect' in the first one was a much better match to the type of character he was portraying than it was in the follow up. More "Rain Man" like in the first, which set it apart from the typical action movie, and I found the almost 'glib' at times attitude of the second one less on the mark.
Still reasonably entertaining, with great audio/video as you point out.
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I felt the same way. The film didn’t know what it wanted to be. A buddy comedy or a sequel to the original. I felt he wasn’t a bad a$$ in this one. Just a person on the spectrum.
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It looks like we have a consensus of agreement on this one :D Thanks for chiming in guys.
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Greetings,
Count me among you. MEH...
Regards,