Action / Thriller | Directed by Roel Reiné | Starring Scott Adkins, Robert Knepper, Rhona Mitra
Hard Target 2 is a standalone sequel to John Woo’s 1993 action classic, swapping Jean-Claude Van Damme’s Cajun drifter for Scott Adkins, the British martial arts star known for his high-octane fight work. While it doesn’t reach the cult status of the original, the film delivers a rugged survival thriller that leans heavily on Adkins’ physicality and relentless energy.
The story follows Wes Baylor (Adkins), a disgraced MMA fighter still haunted by the accidental death of an opponent in the ring. Lured to Myanmar with the promise of an exhibition fight, Baylor soon discovers he’s been tricked into becoming the prey in a deadly human hunting game led by Aldrich (Robert Knepper). With the jungle as his battleground, Baylor must outwit and outfight a band of wealthy hunters, each with deadly skills and weapons, while confronting his own guilt and past mistakes.
Adkins brings grit and intensity, making Baylor a sympathetic yet formidable hero. The action sequences, from hand-to-hand combat to explosive chases through the dense jungle, are choreographed with the kinetic precision fans expect. Knepper, best known for Prison Break, makes a delightfully ruthless antagonist, chewing scenery with menace and charm. Rhona Mitra adds intrigue, though her role feels underutilized.
Though the script is predictable and borrows heavily from the original Hard Target and classic “manhunt” thrillers like The Most Dangerous Game, the film never pretends to be more than what it is: a lean, pulpy action ride. Director Roel Reiné makes the most of the Thai locations doubling for Myanmar, using sweeping aerial shots and gritty close-ups to emphasize the hunt’s scale and danger.
Ultimately, Hard Target 2 is a serviceable, straight-to-video sequel—hard-hitting, fast-moving, and packed with the kind of action Adkins fans crave. It doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it keeps the spirit of the original alive for a new generation of action enthusiasts.
