The Old Guard 2 Review: Watch or Skip?
A Belated Sequel
The film arrives five years after the original, a long gap that weakens its impact and forces a recap of a story many have likely forgotten.
Muddled Mythology
The plot follows Andy (Charlize) and her immortal team as they face a vengeful former ally, but the lore is convoluted and feels like hard work to follow.
Lacklustre Action
Directed by Victoria Mahoney, the action sequences lack the punch of the first film, feeling more like a languid and bothered affair than a thrilling spectacle.
Theron`s Wasted Talent
Theron commands the screen as the now-mortal Andy, but the flimsy script offers her little challenge, wasting her considerable star power and acting ability.
Underused Villains
Uma Thurman joins as a humanity-hating immortal, but her role is so minimal it`s almost a cameo, while Ngo Thanh Van`s vengeful warrior lacks development.
Rushed Pacing
Despite a shorter runtime than the original, the movie feels rushed and poorly developed, cramming in too much plot without giving any element room to breathe.
Diminished Queerness
The queer romance from the first film is notably downplayed, replacing a passionate kiss with a mere touch of foreheads, a disappointing step back.
Stranded Supporting Cast
Actors like KiKi Layne, Henry Golding, and Chiwetel Ejiofor return but are stranded by the script, with their characters feeling underdeveloped and hangdoggy.
An Abrupt Cliffhanger
The film concludes on a baffling and unfinished note, leaving the entire story hanging without confirmation of a third movie, which is a frustrating choice.
Verdict: A Skippable Franchise-Killer
Poorly plotted, tonally morose, and shoddily unfinished, this sequel forgets what made the first work. It’s a messy, forgettable follow-up not worth your time.