Two years ago, Netflix released “Stray Bullet”, an action thriller that rather went down in this country. Internationally, however, the numbers seem to have been right: Now there’s a sequel – which takes things up a notch or two.
Let’s rewind two years: I’m in a phase in which I appreciate Netflix for its focus on unknown filmmakers from all over the world and thus on cinematic diversity, and so I’m also looking forward to the French action thriller “Stray Bullet” – which, however, otherwise hardly gets any attention around me. Okay, on the one hand this may be due to the title of “Balle Perdue” (internationally known as “Lost Bullet”), which takes some getting used to. But on the other hand, director and screenwriter Guillaume Pierret simply relied too much on something memorable coming out of throwing a bunch of tried-and-tested genre clichés into a pot and stirring it vigorously.
“Stray Bullet” reminded us here and there of conspiracy actioners like “Shooter”, of car action à la “Fast & Furious” and, with its France setting and its one-man-and-his-car story, of course also of “The Transporter”. In the end, it wasn’t a total failure, but nothing that hasn’t been done before (and much, much better). But anyway, almost two and a half years later, a sequel saw the light of day in the streaming world this week.
And lo and behold: “Stray Bullet 2” easily trumps its predecessor and offers entertainingly brutal action entertainment. Of course, Pierret doesn’t reinvent the wheel this time either. But he doesn’t have to. The almost 90 minutes (without credits) are packed with really fast-paced chases, stylish crashes in slow motion, massive knockabouts and an extra portion of bullets. Et voilá: Ready is the lead- and lead-footed ride that presses you into your armchair (or sofa) for just under an hour and a half. No more, no less.
Since I quite liked the French Action flick LostBall, I’m going to treat myself to the just-released 2nd part now. Bonne Route! 🚗🚓NowWatching: Stray Bullet 2 (2022). FilmTwitter Netflix LostBullet2 BallePerdue2 Streaming France https://t. co/7DH7kQ9Gfg pic.twitter.com/nLIFSRrowR
– Jens 🍰 (@DerElbflorenzer) November 12, 2022
What I’ve seen so far in previews for September from Netflix suggests a disastrous month 🥴
Maybe with the exception of Cobra Kai and Stray Bullet 2.
– Alex (@AlexanderJo22) August 11, 2022
Fans of the first “Fast & Furious” films should certainly get their money’s worth here. Because in contrast to the CGI spectacles that defy all laws of physics, as they are later parts of the blockbuster series such as “Fast & Furious 9”, “Lost Bullet 2” scores above all with practical effects. When sheet metal meets sheet metal and cars fly through the air and cut a swathe of destruction through the French streets all the way to Spain, it’s just a lot of fun – and here and there it’s also reminiscent of the spectacular, if rather exaggeratedly staged pile-ups of the “Taxi” films (similar to the car-crazy main character in the service of the police).
But one thing in advance: it is worth watching “Confused Bullet” first. Even if it sinks a bit into mediocrity, it also lays the foundation for the relationships of the main characters in part 2 – which you can then better understand and, above all, empathise with.
WHAT “STRAY BULLET 2” IS ABOUT
Once again, the story centres on Lino (Alban Lenoir), who now leads the hard-hitting narcotics investigation team together with his colleague Julia (Stéfi Celma).
In addition to the usual missions he carries out together with his team, Lino has one overriding goal: revenge! Why and on whom? You’ll find out in Part 1, but just so you know: corrupt cops better watch out…
