The Roundup

Just as fun and involving as expected. Ma Dong-seok kicks ass once again!

In comparison to The Outlaws, this was an even better mix of action and humor. It upends the first film not only in quantity of well-choreographed fight scenes, but in extending them into bigger, more full-fledged set-pieces as well. Case in point: a terrific car chase that manages to maneuver into street brawling before getting back on the road chasing. Much as I find this film solid in terms of generally everything (acting, plot, production...), it's the action that kept me glued to the screen, and dammit, it delivered in spades.

If there's one thing I'd call a setback, it's the overall feel of inevitability in how it all pans out. In other words, nothing is really unexpected or original storywise. But that's something you learn to accept and swallow with many films if you're an avid watcher, let alone when it's regarding an action thriller with its goals primarily being that of adrenaline spiking. And laughing at some really well-delivered jokes.

In short, it's another bruising vehicle for Don Lee's persona, as well as a thrilling showcase for comedic action done right. Meaning you should watch it ASAP.

I thought we would never see the beast cop again after the Outlaws, and this cop is still giving criminals beat downs even worse than first film, the movie had a lot of good comedic moments as well as exciting fight scenes, I am a huge fan of Don Lee, I thought Unstoppable was another good action film he starred in, he continues to get better with each film, the Roundup didn't need fancy special effects or gadgets to entertain an audience, this was that throwback action cop flick, that's filled with excitement and laughs. I hope we see cop Ma again in the future, criminals take note, this dude is handing out a** whooping of various types, thumbs up, one of the better action films this year.

The Outlaws was a sleeper that became an unexpected hit in 2017. It was an action comedy with a nice balance of both comedy and action that was based on a true story called the Heuksapa Incident that occurred in Seoul in 2007 between two rival gangs.

After the original production schedule was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we finally have the sequel called The Roundup although the Korean title is The Outlaws 2 which is what it should've been for the English title as well to avoid any confusion.

If you're a fan of Ma Dong Seok aka Don Lee, who is a former boxer turned actor, you will definitely like this movie. If you're familiar with his filmography, particularly his action movies, there's nothing new here to be found but he's one of those actors that is so likeable that he could churn out a movie like this every year and it would still entertain you. It's just a testament to the fact that he stated he made this movie for the fans and to de-stress anyone who have been struggling during the pandemic.

The Outlaws had interesting fleshed out characters in both the protagonists and villains who had just the right amount of screen time which probably also explained the longer run time than the sequel since it was based on a true story. Jang Chen, played by Yoon Kye Sang, was a great villain who at the end, got what he deserved.

In The Roundup with its shorter run time and based on a crime statistic (i.e. Korean tourists going missing in foreign countries every year) instead of a true story, the villains this time are not as interesting, and we don't get to learn much about them other than the fact that they just kidnap tourists for money. The villain named Kang Hae Sang, played by an unrecognizable Son Seok Koo and his first foray into the action genre, is just as vicious if not as interesting as Jang Chen.

In terms of the action, you will get exactly what you expect: clean but brutal fight scenes as well as thrilling chases just like the original.

The comedy is just as good and, in some ways, better than the original and the movie will certainly make you laugh.

Overall, if you like The Outlaws, you will definitely like this movie too but don't expect anything groundbreaking although some may like The Roundup even more than The Outlaws. And since it's been reported that a third installment is in the works, hopefully we will not have to wait as long for the sequel.

Bone-crushing action flick which makes us laugh while offering up regular jolts of adrenaline due to Sukku's rampage performance. Lee Sang-yong had great sound mixing that made Don Lee stand out as 'super-police'. Equally good sequel you wish would continue.

Gilgamesh, I mean Ma Dong-seok, and his incomparable vigor is the star of this devilishly entertaining action-thriller-comedy. The plot might tad shaky in its focus, but the film never strays in delivering its ravishing thrills.