There was always the danger that taking The Raid (2011), a tight knock-out of an action movie, and expanding it beyond the original premise would strip out the unique appeal.  Thankfully, Gareth Evans has not only built on the first instalment, opening out the world of corruption and criminal gangs beyond the tower block, but has unleashed the energy captured within those walls.

This is a great fun, often stunning, hard 18 action movie that brilliantly showcases the talents of those involved.  It’s full of characters and character that make each fight scene memorable and doesn’t outstay it’s 150 minute runtime; a genuine antidote to the factory pressed 12A banalities presently clogging up cinema screens.

Highly Recommended.