Watch Missing in Action 2: The Beginning For Free

Just what I expected

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

Ok... Let's be honest. It cannot be the best movie but is quite enjoyable. The movie has the potential to develop a great plot for future movies

Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

A superior sequel to Chuck's first Vietnam effort, this is a small-scale drama of prison camp torture and escape, the second half packed with simplistic but pleasing action as Norris kills off dozens of enemy soldiers and generally acts as a hero. Yes, this is violent bone-breaking stuff with graphic head shots, people burning, and a protracted finale which just about celebrates Norris causing extreme bodily harm to his enemy. The tortures (rats are placed in bags over prisoner's heads, living men are burnt) are brutal in the extreme and give the movie a hard edge. The realistic jungle locations give the feeling that this was filmed in the middle of a sweaty tropical inferno somewhere and add to the experience.Norris reprises his role as Colonel Braddock in what is a prequel to the first film, explaining how he managed to escape from the bad guys. The escape is exhilarating as it should be, and fans of the revenge genre will be in their element - this offers up the same kind of "kill everything that moves" moral that Arnie's COMMANDO so superbly displayed. The supporting cast are pretty good and each fits into their respective character with ease. Soon-Tek Oh's dastardly Colonel Yip is a baddie you love to hate, one of the nastiest opponents of Norris' film career and a real swine. Familiar faces include Steven Williams as a captive who turns on his friends, and Professor Toru Tanaka (previously in AN EYE FOR AN EYE with Norris), sadly underused as a heavy. This is mindless but entertaining '80s fare, not for those easily offended but a darned adrenaline-pumping time for those who aren't.

We all know Braddock was Missing In Action (1984). But this sequel - actually a prequel - fills us in on just what went on in the brutal prison camp he was imprisoned in. Braddock and his fellow soldiers are routinely tortured and subjected to harsh, cruel, and sadistic practices, thanks to maniacal commander, Col. Yin (Oh) and his sidekick Lao (Tanaka). Will Braddock escape to see freedom? (Actually, you know he will, because this is a prequel, but just ignore that).The fans clamored for more Braddock, and more Braddock is what they got with this sequel/prequel. Cannon provided more jungle action and Prerequisite Torture with that trademark Reagan-style patriotism that we've all come to know and love. There's even stock footage of Reagan in the actual movie. It could definitely be argued that this sequel is superior to the original, because the plot is more streamlined, and the final fight between Chuck and Soon-Tek Oh absolutely delivers the goods. The movie primarily takes place in one location - the prison camp - and you see their travails, everything from Punchfighting to dealing with Professor Toru Tanaka. He's a fan favorite and his presence improves the proceedings.Like the first film, you kind of have to wait for any substantial action, but when it comes, it's a true crowd pleaser. Adding to this, you get to see the origin of Chuck's beard. When he was first captured in 1972, he did not have a beard. But he had to grow one in captivity because Col. Yin did not provide razors. Apparently, he liked the way he looked, so he kept it. Because of Chuck's long hair and beard, and the way he's treated, in Missing In Action 2: The Beginning there are certainly some parallels to the story of Jesus. Think about it.Director Lance Hool, who was credited with writing and producing credits on the first film, here steps into the director's chair with successful results. He obviously understands the Braddock character and that's probably why he got the gig. Once again Aaron Norris is on board for stunt work, as is fan favorite John Barrett. Dean Ferrandini, usually part of the stunt team, here steps in front of the camera in the role of Kirtle. It appears everyone knew what they were doing and did their best to expand the story of Braddock, and it certainly worked.It was released in one of those cool MGM/Cannon silver big boxes, so the collectability factor is high. But the movie is definitely worth seeing, as is the first one. But the highest heights of Braddock were yet to come: the final installment of the trilogy was still three years away.

It's not surprising to learn that Chuck Norris made this series as a tribute to his brother who had been killed in Vietnam. He really gave all that he had to these films. It may be manipulative but damn is it ever satisfying. The villains are the kind of loathsome scum whom you JUST CAN'T WAIT to see messed up in a variety of ways. And the good guys are fleshed out enough as characters that you do feel bad for them, and want to see them get their revenge.As one can guess, this is a prequel to the original "Missing in Action" film of 1984. It shows how Chucks' colonel character, James Braddock, was shot down and captured during the war, and the tortures that he and his men are obliged to endure for the next several years, even after the war has basically ended. The sadistic colonel in charge of his work camp, Colonel Yin (Soon-Tek Oh) acts like a dictator, and just when you think you can't hate this guy any more, he ups the stakes yet again.With Lance Hool taking the directors' reins, this proves to be a high old time for the action junkie, underscored by the genuine poignancy to be found in stories about prisoners of war. This is exciting much of the time, with kick ass battle footage, lots of explosions, lots of gunfire, and some breathtaking scenery. Chuck is a formidable hero as always, and Oh is a deliciously evil bad guy. Lending strong support are Cosie Costa, Joe Michael Terry, and especially John Wesley as the ailing Franklin. Steven Williams is good in an initially unlikable part as a captain eager to cooperate with his captors in exchange for better treatment. It's also cool to see hulking screen heavy Professor Toru Tanaka and "Ninja III: The Domination" villain David Chung as two of the guards.All in all, this is solid entertainment, complete with a high body count and never ever boring.Eight out of 10.

Prequel to the 1984 hit Missing in Action depicts the hardships of the prison camp where Col. Braddock is held and his attempts to escape with the few remaining American soldiers. The film is a cut below the original in terms of just about everything. Hence the original was released sooner. This film, due to its storyline had to rely a bit more on drama rather than action. Most of the actors in this film just cannot cut the proverbial mustard in that department, though. It's a bad sign when Chuck Norris is pretty much the best actor in a film. No M. Emmett Walsh to steal any scenes this time, unfortunately! The story begins with Braddock and a helicopter full of soldiers getting shot down behind enemy lines. We then have some newsreel type footage of Memorial Day ceremonies for MIAs back in Washington DC. President Reagan even makes an appearance. Then, back to the POW camp we go. We meet the sadistic Col Yin who runs the place. And we see that there isn't much left of Braddock and the Americans after several years in captivity. The scene is basically stolen from Bridge on the River Kwai as the Col. explains to the men what they must already know. Escape is pretty much impossible due to the Vietnamese troops and the perilous jungle surrounding the camp. Two hapless prisoners of course try to make an escape right after this speech and are killed in gruesome fashion. The only way any of the men could ever possibly get home again would be for Braddock to sign a confession of his "war crimes". But this is B/S and Braddock knows it. There is no way Yin would ever let these men get out alive.The balance of the film basically depicts the torture that these men endure before Braddock is able to escape and eventually free the other prisoners. Col. Yin is a real S.O.B.. He uses hungry rats, mock executions, you name it. At one point, he even burns an American soldier alive after shooting him up with a gigantic dose of morphine. AMC doesn't show the burning scene, as it is particularly disturbing. Over the years, the psychological and physical abuse gets to the prisoners. One man even swears his allegiance to the Vietnamese so he can live better. His rationale: "Our country has forgotten about us, so does it really matter?" Maybe in some ways he has a point, but he is considered a filthy traitor by the other Americans.Finally, Braddock is able to get free and get his hands on some weapons. Lots of gun battles and explosions result. This film must have set a record for the most stunt men jumping off trampolines with an explosion behind them. Then, a scream is dubbed in. The effect comes off as pretty fake, actually. There are some neat stunts and camera work though. In one scene, a guy falls down a steep cliff and splatters on the rocks below. It kind of looked real! And there is an excellent martial arts showdown between Norris and Soon Teck Oh at the film's conclusion. Looked pretty painful! Unfortunately the entire film just looks kind of cheap compared to part one. It was filmed in Mexico, in case you were wondering. I believe part one was made in the Phillipines. Director Lance Hool doesn't seem as confident with the material as Joseph Zito did with the original. 5 of 10 stars.The Hound.