The Roundup: No Way Out

A very average prequel, this movie misses the charming and funny characters of the first two movies and thats kinda sad but this is a prequel and we need to respect that ok, overall the villain is not as memorable as the first two amazing and violent antagonists, this movie has a very pathetic villain and that's kinda sad not gonna lie, the protagonist deserves a better villain to encounter, definitely the worst movie of this awesome franchise from Korea, just like John Wick is the worst of the John Wick Franchise ok, overall good little movie to watch Sunday while doing other activities ok 6/10.

This is a super fun, high action police thriller sequel to the highly successful "Roundup" series. Ma Dong-Seok, or Don Lee, leads a cast of Lorean Police Detectives willing to use unconventional methodologies to solve their cases. The story is about a corrupt Korean police element working with the Japanese Yakuza on an international drug ring to distribute a new drug. There are elements of cross and double cross and it is very watchable. It is funny in a sarcastic way, but at its core, a police action film, like lethal Weapon. I much prefer the Korean with English subtitles to the Dubbed. Looking forward to next installment.

The third film in the Crime City series, Don Lee gets to throw his knockout punches non-stop while the all predictable story takes a backseat. When Detective Ma Seok-do and his team get a murder case to solve which leads them to an illegal drug Hiper. They chase the lead to the supplier of the drug and even confiscate the drugs. This opens up the mystery involving corrupt cops and a rival Yakuza gang trying to get their hands on the confiscated drugs. How Seok-do punches his way out through the baddies forms the story.

The story is a simple one and with the reveal of the villain early on, there is barely any suspense left. The team cop however still succeed to entertain with their humor though it's getting lesser with each film. As the team, conveniently choses to arrive late to the scene, it gives Don Lee enough time to shine. With non-stop action, the story does move in a brisk pace. Considering the baddies are no match to the main lead, the fights are obviously one sided throughout. It takes a step down compared to the previous film and I hope the fourth film offers better balance.

Ma Dong-Seok, played as usual by Don Lee is back for a third time in - what I think will be the final outing for the character - in this third film of the trilogy of South Korean films. Don Lee is an actor I quite enjoy watching in his film releases but this outing was not worth the effort; it was just pushed out to cash in on the success of the previous two films, The Outlaw and The Roundup.

Some of the acting by 2 or 3 of the cast is not too bad but in general its just bunch of dim witted cops and even more dim witted gangsters; of both Korean thugs and Japanese Yakuza thugs. If you enjoy this type of Don Lee film, of mindless violence and viciousness, then you will be pleased with what you see. But if your looking for a stronger dramatically and well acted story etc, you will not find it within the scenes of this poor excuse.

Directed by Lee Sang-yong, "The Roundup: No Way Out" (2023) is an exciting new entry in the beloved crime action series that has won over fans with its fun mix of humor and high-octane thrills. The film features the incredible Ma Dong-seok, who returns as the easygoing yet tough detective, Ma Seok-do. His performance is truly engaging, striking a perfect balance between the film's comedic moments and the intense action that viewers have come to love - he simply owns the character from the beginning to the end!

The storyline is pretty straightforward, allowing everything to flow smoothly, which makes it easy for audiences to get into. This simplicity adds to its appeal, providing a solid base for the funny and action-packed scenes that play out. The plot revolves around Ma Seok-do's unwavering quest for justice, and his chill personality contrasts nicely with the mayhem surrounding him.

One of the film's highlights is its clever use of slapstick humor. There are plenty of funny moments that genuinely make you laugh, often stemming from the ridiculous situations Ma Seok-do finds himself in.

On top of that, the action scenes are thrilling, showcasing his iconic "steam hammer fist of justice." His physical presence and charm shine in every fight, delivering a satisfying mix of toughness and humor that keeps viewers engaged. The choreography is spot-on, ensuring that every punch and kick hits hard while still keeping that lighthearted vibe that makes the film so enjoyable.