Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.0
Overall		3.0

Black Cat 2 Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf March 22, 2024

1991’s “Black Cat” was a Hong Kong production looking to replicate the plot and action intensity of Luc Besson’s “La Femme Nikita.” 1992’s “Black Cat 2” gives up on that plan, instead aiming to be more of a “Terminator” riff as the eponymous character returns to duty, this time implanted with a different chip offering upgraded technology. Director Stephen Shin also comes back to helm the feature, once again more consumed with cooking up wild stunt sequences than dealing with the basics in storytelling. “Black Cat 2” is a step down in quality for the series, but it’s not without some charms, including a little enjoyable brutality found during the run time, and the final minutes of the picture are positively bonkers. It’s not always a complete endeavor, but it still packs a punch for what appears to be a quickie production.

Robin (Robin Shou) is a C.I.A. agent in charge of protecting “renegade Russian” Checkhov (Dmitri S. Boudrine), who’s willing to offer state secrets in exchange for cash and documents for him and his family. Stopping the process are a gang of Russian assassins, who murder the contact and escape, putting Robin on a path of revenge. To help him with the case, the government pairs Robin with Catherine (Jade Leung), the “Black Cat,” who’s just received a faulty memory wipe and a new brain implant, with the B2 chip giving her updated abilities, including electronic tracking. The partners are after the baddies, who are identified by traces of radiation enhancement, but Catherine’s mind isn’t taking to her new reality, complicating the mission as she struggles with her powers. The trail of bullets leads to Moscow, putting Robin and Catherine in the middle of trouble when they learn of a plan to assassinate President Boris Yeltsin (Alexander Skorokhod), requiring them to battle around Russia and America.

“Black Cat 2” doesn’t always have interest in Catherine. She’s more of a supporting character in the feature, with Robin the main player here, introduced as an upbeat man of justice. The picture has Robin guarding a mountaintop cabin, trying to keep Checkhov happy by meeting his demands, pressing that the Russian must deliver on his end of the bargain, which includes a microfilm containing vital information. However, the deal is broken by outside enforcers, with Russians storming the dwelling holding furious firepower, and they make their escape in true James Bond fashion, taking to snowboards to slide their way down the mountain. The cartoony tone of “Black Cat 2” is quickly established, putting Robin on a snowmobile in hot pursuit before he’s hurt, allowing the villains to get away and the writing to introduce a new partner in Catherine, who’s not the same Black Cat as we once knew her.

“Black Cat 2” alters Catherine, who goes from a frightened soldier to a machine-like figure, including computer read-out POV shots detailing her ability to track enemies. Her purpose in the plot is to “sniff out” radiation leaks leading to the assassins, but she’s prone to distractions (she stops to pick up a pet) and mistakes, including a whopper that finds her openly murdering a senior citizen at a busy mall who’s just undergone cancer treatments. Hey, accidents happen, right? Catherine isn’t well, but “Black Cat 2” doesn’t show much interest in developing the character, merely putting her back in action for extended fight scenes with Robin as the duo work their way to Russia.

“Black Cat 2” joins “Police Academy: Mission to Moscow” as movie productions allowed to film inside Russia. It’s an unexpected development, and Shin is determined to get as much out of the opportunity as possible, stuffing the picture with Moscow sights, including some action in the subway system. It’s a bit of international flavoring for the feature, which settles into a routine of introducing half-baked ideas and furious action, leaving viewers both slightly confused and overwhelmed, with most of the budget going to weapons use. Some martial arts choreography is present, but it’s not prioritized like other distractions in the effort, including a clear push to get Shou out of his shirt as much as possible. A little sex appeal doesn’t hurt, but one begins to wonder why Catherine is even here for this sequel, becoming more of a background figure as Russian tours commence and activity with President Yeltsin emerges. The political target plays a surprisingly larger role in the plot than anticipated, giving “Black Cat 2” a little time capsule appeal to go with all the gunplay.

Black Cat 2 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Black Cat 2" is listed as "newly restored and color graded by Vinegar Syndrome from existing 2K studio masters." While the viewing experience is acceptable, one gets the feeling the team at Vinegar Syndrome had to work a little harder to get the feature into Blu-ray release shape. The film begins with video-based credits, which is unusual. 35mm action soon takes over, and detail does battle with filtering. Locations are the big show in the sequel, and dimension is available. Interiors also offer depth and some sense of decoration. Color is appealing, with richer primaries throughout. Greenery is also distinct, and theater lighting, including ballet pinks, are memorable. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is a little inconsistent. Source is in good condition.

Black Cat 2 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There are Cantonese and English 2.0 DTS-HD MA tracks to choose from in "Black Cat 2," with the latter a slightly muddier, aged, listening experience. Cantonese dialogue exchanges are clear, exploring performance choices and heated confrontations. The cheapy synth score retains inherent thinness, supporting action and suspense as expected. Sound effects are snappy.

Black Cat 2 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Image Gallery (2:32) collects poster art, lobby cards, and film stills for "Black Cat 2."

• And an English Trailer (4:34, SD) and Cantonese Trailer (3:50, HD) are included.

Black Cat 2 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There are moves made to introduce a romantic subplot for Robin and Catherine as they grow closer together during the assignment, but such temptation is thankfully denied. Of course, it would give Leung more to do in the feature, and it's bizarre to watch the performer go from absolute physical exhaustion in the first picture to mild irritation here. "Black Cat 2" doesn't have much time for Catherine, but Shin elects to make up for the mistake in the finale, with the final 15 minutes of the sequel suddenly going bonkers with all kinds of super-spy action. This includes Catherine's sudden ability to shoot down bullets with her own gun, and she achieves the power of flight, which helps her catch up with moving targets. Shin goes high fantasy with his finishing moves for the effort, suddenly turning the endeavor into madness, which isn't entirely unwelcome. It's just an awkward fit for a follow-up that's mostly concerned with shootouts and chases. As for dramatic satisfaction, the movie doesn't do a significant amount of heavy lifting, leaving "Black Cat 2" in a mad dash to raise as much hell as possible. There's entertainment value in that approach, but it doesn't make for a satisfying sequel.