Barely a year after the original ‘Black Cat’ burst onto screens and put Jade Leung on the movie map, the sequel appeared seemingly rushed into production due to the success of the first film. While the original was essentially a remake of Luc Besson’s ‘La Femme Nikita’, ‘Black Cat II’ is more a straightforward action flick, with a little bit of ‘Terminator’ thrown in.

After the ballistic finale of the first film, Catherine/Erica (aka The Black Cat) is rushed back in by her handlers and given an upgrade. The microchip implanted in her brain in the original (meant to help control her violent outbursts and improve her skills) is enhanced so much it turns her into an emotionless killing machine: her only goal to complete the mission she’s assigned. When the, err, Russian President’s life is threatened by terrorists, Black Cat is put back into the field to aid fellow agent Robin (Robin Shou) to protect the president and weed out the terrorists. Can Robin help Black Cat keep her violent outbursts under control and can the two survive the increasing onslaught of terrorist attacks as they attempt to complete their mission?

The original ‘Black Cat’ was a tougher, grungier affair that bordered on Cat III violence that while entertaining and featured some blistering action was a little uneven in its retelling of ‘La Femme Nikita’. However, it was buoyed by the impressive debut and fierce performance of Jade Leung who gave it her all as the deadly assassin Black Cat. She returns here for the sequel which this time around is much more a straight-forward action film, and in many ways is all the better for it. While the Black Cat character is very different this time around, Leung still gives it her all and brings the same intensity to playing an almost silent, emotionless killer compared to the brutally energetic character of the first film. With her sci-fi/cyborg enhancements, she cuts through the film like a Terminator in a series of ferocious action scenes.

At least she does come the second half of the film, as Black Cat is somewhat of a supporting character this time around as lead duties seem to go to Robin Shou. However, he gives an energetic turn as the no-nonsense agent charged with teaming up with Black Cat to stop some gun-toting terrorists. All hot-headed and bravado at first, he softens as he and Black Cat learn to work together and come the second half the two make a formidable team as they fight swarms of bad guys both in the US (well Canada really!) and Moscow.

It’s all very over-the-top, a little schlocky, and of its time but returning director Stephen Shin and producer Dickson Poon (this apparently one of the last films produced under his D&B banner!), supercharge proceedings with some great location work and barnstorming action. Infused with Hong Kong wirework and dangerous stunts, the action is incredible with both Leung and Shou getting to show their worth. From an epic snowboard/ski chase (that gives Bond a run for his money!), to some intense scenes of firepower, to the showstopper scene of dual fights set within the dangerous environment of a steel mill, ‘Black Cat II’ delivers oodles of fantastic Hong Kong styled action. The flick rarely lets up once it gets going and if you can go with its hokey enhanced assassin, globe-trotting vibe then there is a lot to enjoy.

Some may miss the rougher and tougher edges of the first instalment, but this sequel goes big (and succeeds) and for fans of old school Hong Kong action, this is a barrel of action-soaked fun.