Better then the first one I don't usually enjoy action films that much. But this film had something more. There was humor, and there were stars. Big stars! John Malkovich though very much aging is still a consummate professional. Anthony Hopkins, wow, what a great idea casting him, he didn't disappoint. Neal McDonough has the most piercing eyes I've ever seen in film, a bit wooden as an actor but he had a fun part and played it to the hilt. Helen Mirren was great, always a favorite of mine. Catherine Zeta Jones was fun and sexy. Lot of great outfits on her! Bruce Willis was the same as ever but he seemed to get some real joy out of this role. He was a pleasure to watch. But I'd have to say Mary Louise Parker stole the show. She was brilliant and a fun love interest for Bruce Willis. Byung-hun Lee was great in every scene where he got to fight. A real Bruce Lee in the making.
I'm very glad I saw this film. It gave me exactly what I needed, a couple of hours outside myself. I didn't ever start thinking about what was going on outside the film. That usually happens to me in adventure films. At some point I get bored and my mind wanders. This film kept me drawn in straight through. I might even say my heart was racing at times.
Of course a lot of the film isn't plausible, but why does it have to be? It was like a comic book. You care about the characters too so you want them to get out of each and every bind.
I guess a film like this doesn't do better then films based on super heroes because it is a film for adults. But I'd much rather an action packed, star studded film then any movie based on a comic book or a fantastical film.