The movie expands on the world building of Crime Detectives with a Ranking app for worldwide case solving. Our young lead is currently #2 (and still a genius), while his uncle/cousin is more annoying than he was in the first story.. But without him, the movie would not have taken place, as he ropes the lead into solving a case for money. He isn't as useless this time around.. but still clashed with my expectations for the sequel as soon as he appeared.
Many other Detectives from the Ranking App show up for a bit of competition, and a race to find the culprit begins!
I have to say that the mystery, this time around, isn't as well written or interesting.. which is quite a detriment. The jokes are less funny. And somethings that happened "dumbed down the reality" in which they inhabit.
Anyway,
Since the first movie was a Chinese production filmed completely in Thailand's Chinatown, it only makes sense that the sequel takes place in New York's Chinatown. It is, again, a seemingly-high budgeted movie with great production value! But WOW, am I torn on it's quality! It is highly interesting at times.. And it is
comically DUMB and BAD at others. The tonal disparity is just too large, making the movie a mess.. enough for me not to want to recommend it at all. And the same applies to the cast! There are some REALLY good characters, but many others that are terrible!!! Shang Yu Xian was my favorite character, and a good addition to the movie for obvious reasons. Michael Pitt was one of the worst, whom I've never really liked in anything he's been.. like his disappointing role as Mason Verger in Hannibal.
...
But what I liked, I really liked. And strangely enough, I can't wait to see the third entry! As of now, I can't say I understand why it is as popular.. but I hope not to be (more) disappointed.
